Toronto Beneath The Surface Walking Tour
Toronto, CA
100% of travellers recommend this
Highlights
- Discover hidden waterways beneath Toronto's surface
- Explore the world's largest ravine system in Toronto
- Learn about Toronto's waterfront transformations over the centuries
- Uncover the geological history of Toronto's ancient cliffs
- Walk through historic neighborhoods with notable Torontonians
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Duration 3 hours
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Small Group Tour
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Professional Historian Guide
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Maps and hand-outs included
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Pay-what-you-can pricing
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Public transport nearby
Unearth the hidden treasures of Toronto with the Toronto Beneath The Surface Walking Tour. Led by a knowledgeable historian, this immersive three-hour tour takes you below the city's surface to explore its hidden waterways, cliffs, and ravine system. Discover centuries of waterfront transformations and learn about Toronto's fascinating history along the way. From the course of old Taddle Creek to the iconic Casa Loma, each step uncovers a new layer of the city's rich heritage. Make sure to wear comfortable footwear and prepare for an uphill adventure as you traverse the hills and delve into the depths of Toronto's hidden gems. Don't miss this opportunity to see the city in a whole new light and uncover the secrets that lie beneath its bustling surface.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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3 hours
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in English
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Mobile voucher
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Small Group tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Explore Toronto's hidden history and unique landscapes on a captivating 3-hour walking tour led by a professional historian.
Included
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Maps, hand-outs
Meeting Point
We will meet by the pillars at the south entrance of Philosopher's Walk on Hoskin Ave. The closest subway stations are St. George and Museum. There is a path of grass just by the pillars. Your tour guide will be wearing a blue backpack.
2 Hoskin Ave, Toronto, ON M5S 1H7 , Canada
End Point
The tour ends at Wychwood Barns Park. The closest subway station is St. Clair West.
76 Wychwood Ave, Toronto, ON M6G 2X7 , Canada
What to expect
We'll walk the course of old Taddle Creek, now the Philosopher's Walk through U of T campus.
20 minutes
Taddle Creek Park
We'll talk about the Annex, the river that used to run through here, and all the notable Torontonians who have lived in this neighborhood.
20 minutes
Rathnelly
The "Republic of Rathnelly" is a tight-knit community that seceded from Toronto to protest the building of the Spadina expressway.
15 minutes
High Level Pumping Station
We'll talk about the history of water in Toronto, how Toronto gets its water, and the city's impressive infrastructure for getting water from Lake Ontario to millions of residents.
15 minutes
Nordheimer Ravine
Toronto has the largest ravine system of any city on Earth. We'll talk about the geology of the city, how it was formed after the last ice age 12,000 years ago, and how this ravine was nearly threatened by a highway.
20 minutes
We'll discuss the historic Casa Loma, one of Toronto's most unique attractions. We'll talk about Toronto's political history and the era of the "family compact" versus "responsible government".
15 minutes
Baldwin Steps
12,000 years ago, all of downtown Toronto was underwater, with the shorefront elevated by giant glaciers. When the glaciers melted, the shoreline receded, and left behind enormous cliffs. We'll see the legacy of that geological history on the Baldwin Steps.
15 minutes
Before we had paved streets for cars, roads for horses used to cost money. At this stop, we'll also talk about the history of transit in Toronto.
15 minutes
Wychwood
Wychwood is a secluded, private, idyllic neighborhood modelled off the tiny towns of Oxfordshire, England. It's one of Toronto's best-kept secrets, and has been home to many iconic Toronto residents.
15 minutes
We'll explore this transit facility-turned-art barn.
20 minutes
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Service animals allowed -
Public transportation options are available nearby
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Participants should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
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This is a pay-what-you-can tour. You pay on TripAdvisor to book your spot, and tip your guide at the end. Most guests tip between $20-$40.
What our experts say
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Wear comfy shoes, it's hilly! -
Hydrate and bring sunscreen.
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Grab a snack at Wychwood Barns.
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Explore Casa Loma after the tour.
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Check nearby Philosopher's Walk.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Toronto Beneath The Surface Walking Tour is not your typical sightseeing experience. While most tourists only scratch the surface of this vibrant city, this tour allows you to delve deeper and discover the hidden treasures beneath. Led by professional historians from Hidden Rivers Tours, this immersive three-hour walking tour takes you on a journey through Toronto's secret world.What to expect?
During the Toronto Beneath The Surface Walking Tour, you can expect to unearth fascinating stories and explore hidden landmarks that ordinary tourists miss. From the course of old Taddle Creek, now the Philosopher's Walk through U of T campus, to the impressive Casa Loma and the Baldwin Steps that reveal the geological history of the city, every step of the tour will unveil a new facet of Toronto's past.Who is this for?
This tour is perfect for the curious traveler who wants to discover Toronto's hidden history, secrets, and lesser-known spots. Whether you're a history enthusiast, a fan of off-the-beaten-path experiences, or simply want to explore the city in a unique way, Toronto Beneath The Surface Walking Tour caters to all. Don't miss out on this opportunity to see Toronto through a different lens.Why book this?
What sets Toronto Beneath The Surface Walking Tour apart is the depth of knowledge and expertise of the tour guides. Led by professional historians, this tour offers a rare opportunity to learn about Toronto's history, geology, and transformation directly from experts in the field. By the end of the tour, you'll have gained an insider's perspective on the city and a newfound appreciation for its hidden gems.Good to know
Before embarking on the Toronto Beneath The Surface Walking Tour, make sure to wear comfortable footwear as you'll be walking up and down hills for three hours. Don't forget to apply sunscreen and bring a water bottle to stay hydrated. The tour includes a stop to purchase snacks and use the washroom, ensuring you have everything you need for an enjoyable and informative experience.Reviews
Previous participants of the Toronto Beneath The Surface Walking Tour have been overwhelmingly positive in their feedback. They praised the knowledgeable guides who brought the city's history to life and appreciated the unique perspectives gained from exploring hidden landmarks. Reviews consistently highlight this tour as a must-do for anyone looking to delve deeper into Toronto's rich past.
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