September 19 at 11:00 am – 12:30 pm
Uncover North Toronto’s transformation with us—from open fields to thriving neighbourhood streets.
Explore a suburb – far from a sleepy hamlet – but a growing neighbourhood full of tantalizing tales: from the failed rebellion that led to sweeping government reforms, to a medieval-styled castle that hides key city infrastructure. On these travels north, we’ll explore an Art Deco theatre, once home to vaudeville and now a residential condominium, the first Toronto public library to have an automated circulation system, and end at North Toronto’s neighbourhood garden boutique.
This emerging historian tour will be developed and led by Mads Bayliss, a journalist and digital storyteller. After completing an exchange year in Toronto, Mads felt so at home in the rich vibrancy of the city’s culture that they now live here permanently. Mads believes heritage and storytelling can unite communities, and aims to share histories that are often ignored and misrepresented.
Registration
This tour is provided for $8.00/person. The total cost is $10.05 (includes a $2.05 transaction fee). Please note that space is limited on our tours. You may not be able to join a tour group if you have not registered ahead of time through our website.
Accessibility
This tour is approximately 2 kilometres in distance and takes place predominantly on paved city sidewalks and streets.
Public washrooms are available inside the Northern District Branch Library and at Sheridan Nurseries.
FAQs
Our staff and volunteers will be at the tour’s starting location 30 minutes prior to each tour. Please arrive at least 10-15 minutes prior to the start of the tour to allow time for check-in. Feel free to call us at (647) 542-3450 if you are having trouble finding the start location.
Sponsors
More Like This
Event
Canary District in Motion
Hear stories of transition in the Canary District, once Toronto’s oldest industrial crossroads—now a rapidly changing urban community.
Map
Eglinton East: The Golden Mile
Once a small farming township, discover this Scarborough community's surprising history, which includes a secret WWII munitions plant, and its postwar status as the epicentre of Canadian industrial growth.
Article
Architecture of a Neighbourhood: Downtown Yonge Street
Explore the rich architectural history on Yonge Street: how its buildings and public spaces have encouraged Torontonians to gather, celebrate, and do business for over two hundred years.