Heritage Toronto walking tours this weekend: Cabbagetown People, The Exhibition Grounds, and 150 Years of Toronto Union Stations

This weekend’s Heritage Toronto walking tours are a great way to get out and explore the city (free + no reservations required):

NEW! Cabbagetown People: Discoveries of Remarkable Lives
Saturday, June 21 – 1:30 PM

Leaders: Cabbagetown Preservation Association
Start Point: NE corner of Parliament and Winchester Streets
Finish Point: Parliament St and Lancaster Ave
Duration: Approx. 1.5 – 2 hours
Walk Difficulty: Park grounds, average walk on sidewalks

Since its beginnings in the 1830s as an immigrant reception neighbourhood, Cabbagetown has been home to an amazing and diverse group of personalities – some famous, some infamous, and some just plain folks! Come hear the stories of some of those that have been active in the arts and sciences, in politics, business, architecture and social movements.

The Exhibition Grounds
Sunday, June 22 – 1:30 PM

Leader: Steve Collie
Start Point: Dufferin Gate, Dufferin St, S of Gardner Expressway
Finish Point: Princes’ Gate, near Strachan Avenue
Duration: Approx. 2 hours
Walk Difficulty: Sidewalks, park grounds

The grounds that are now the Canadian National Exhibition have been witness to many changes in our city – from forest and French fur-traders and a War of 1812 battle to agricultural fairgrounds and modern trade shows. We’ll explore the history and buildings as well as the CNE’s green/environmental programs.

150 Years of Toronto Union Stations: 1858 – 2008 – Illustrated Lecture
Monday, June 23 – 7:00 PM

Leader: Derek Boles, Toronto Railway Historical Association
Start Point: Main floor atrium of the Toronto Reference Library, 789 Yonge Street, 1 block north of Bloor
Duration: Approx. 2 hours

Toronto Union Station is one of the city’s architectural treasures, a landmark that seems to have been around since the beginning of the railway era. In fact it is the city’s third ‘union’ railway station. The first opened on June 21, 1858, then was replaced by a second station in 1873. The present, much beloved Union Station opened in 1927. This presentation will provide an illustrated history of these buildings and other downtown railway stations in celebration of the sesquicentennial of Toronto Union Station.

This program is presented in partnership with the Toronto Public Library.

Photo by Joe Nicholl