This prestigious neighbourhood was named after the estate of Sheriff William Botsford Jarvis and his wife Mary Powell, members of Toronto's early 19th century elite. Set amongst wooded ravines, the area developed slowly due to its isolation from the city and to various economic downturns. As a result, it boasts buildings representing a variety of 19th and 20th century architectural styles.

When D'Arcy Bolton, Jr. built his home "The Grange" in 1817, his Park Lot was surrounded by forest. Today the area is a busy, eclectic neighbourhood that still shows evidence of the waves of immigrants who have lived, worked and worshipped here. Come hear the stories of the area's transformation from a 19th century suburb to a 21st century centre of art and design.

Terra cotta, a once-popular clay building product used in design and construction, has long been out of fashion. Fortunately, many fine examples still exist in Toronto. Toronto's first skyscrapers, erected in the 19th century and early 20th century, provide the backdrop for this tour.

NEW!

Winding, tree-lined Indian Road began as an Aboriginal trail. Today this street and nearby Indian Grove boast fine examples of both Edwardian Classical and Arts & Crafts architecture, the latter thanks primarily to Toronto architect Eden Smith, who designed homes for himself and others as part of his plan to develop an artists' colony here.

Explore the grandeur of the
‘Annex,’ a late 19th century subdivision known for its Queen Anne
and Romanesque-Revival architectural styles. Hear about entrepreneur Simeon
Janes’ original plans for the area, as well as some of the people who have lived
on Madison Ave. Join us afterwards for a visit to the nearby City of Toronto
Archives, where we can see records about the development of the ‘Annex’ and
enjoy the exhibit “A Work in Progress: Preserving Toronto’s Architectural
Record.”

The "Danforth" used to pass through open fields and market gardens. Today we find an interesting mix of structures and sites: everything from the home of William Peyton Hubbard, the first African-Canadian member of Toronto City Council, to a 1920s public lavatory built in mock-Tudor style.

Take a different look at Cabbagetown. We'll visit the Necropolis, one of Toronto's oldest cemeteries and the final resting place for several famous Canadians, ranging from politicians George Brown and William Lyon Mackenzie to Thornton Blackburn, a former slave who started the first cab company in Toronto. We'll also hear about the architecture of the area and those who farmed the land before it became a 19th century suburb.

On May 16, 1853, the first passenger train steamed out of Toronto from a wooden depot located close to the eastern entrance of the present Union Station. Over the course of the next century, the railways were to have a profound impact on the city. This walk explores the railways' influence on downtown Toronto, with an emphasis on the Railway Lands and the old CPR John Street roundhouse.

Explore the lives of architect John Howard and his wife Jemima, who deeded Colborne Lodge and High Park to the City. Learn about the re-creation of the gardens around their Regency Style cottage, then stroll to the Farm Cottage and hear how their legacy continues to affect us today

A centre of industry and commerce linked to the Dundas Highway and the junction of several railway lines, this prosperous little town voted to ban the sale of alcohol in 1904. Find out why - and hear other stories of The Junction, including the amalgamation of the cities of "West Toronto" and "Toronto" in 1909.