Exploring The Heart of Downtown Toronto

5.0 (21 reviews) 2 h 30 min Free cancellation

out of 5

21 reviews

5.0

Exploring The Heart of Downtown Toronto — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

Exploring The Heart of Downtown Toronto, photo 2 — Photos: the activity supplier, via Viator

About this activity

We meet at Nathan Phillips Square, discuss the history and significance of the square, City Hall, and the Toronto Sign. We view the adjacent Spirit Gardens as a contemplative Indigenous cultural space. Next, visit the exterior of Osgoode Hall and then the Canada Life Building, and learn about its weather beacon. Afterwards, we visit Dreaming by Jaume Plensa, followed by two of Canada's tallest buildings. We move on to visit the lobby used in the legal drama Suits, starring Meghan Markle, now the Duchess of Sussex. We discover the history of ‘street skateboarding’ in the Financial District and world-renowned TD architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s. Then learn about the Financial District’s global relevance and history, and visit Tembo, the wholesome Mother of Elephants. Afterwards, discover Toronto’s PATH, and visit the Allen Lambert Galleria, followed by a visit to RBC’s headquarters. We view the CN Tower, and finally, we visit Union Station’s exterior and interior.

Extreme Sports Private and Luxury Audio Guides Historical Tours Movie Tours Walking Tours TV Tours New Product

At a glance

Duration: 2 h 30 min
Confirmation: Instant confirmation
Ticket: Mobile or paper ticket accepted
Group: Up to 25 people
People per booking: 1–25
Audio guide: Chinese, French, Spanish
Written guide: Chinese, French, Spanish
Guide: English
Operated by: Savant Tours

Ages: Infants (0–1 years) · Children (2–11 years) · Youth (12–17 years) · Adults (18–64 years) · Seniors (65–100 years)

What is included

Included

Included: Custom Toronto Recommendations map, with food, drink, and dessert options
Included: Post-tour discounts at local partners in Toronto
Included: Audio and written guides in Spanish, French, and Mandarin
Included: Whispers (Wireless audioguides)

Not included

Not included: Tips/gratuities.

Itinerary

Nathan Phillips Square

10 min

Travellers will learn about the history and present of Nathan Phillips Square, how it hosted the largest event in Canadian History and the famous Toronto Sign located at the ice rink.
Nathan Phillips Square

10 min

We view the adjacent Spirit Gardens, a contemplative Indigenous cultural space featuring sculptures and gathering areas, dedicated to honouring residential school survivors.
Osgoode Hall

10 min

Next, we visit the exterior of Osgoode Hall, one of Canada’s oldest and most prestigious law schools.
Canada life building

5 min

Afterwards, we view the Canada Life Building and learn about its history and the marketing campaign that involves its weather beacon.
Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts

5 min

Our guide will then lead us alongside the exterior of the stunning Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts and talk about its significance and its subtle architectural world record.
Dreaming (sculpture)

10 min

Afterwards, we visit Dreaming by Jaume Plensa, a monumental sculpture that invites quiet reflection amid the energy of downtown streets.
Bay Street Corridor

10 min

On Adelaide Street, we’ll view Canada’s two tallest buildings and learn about Michael Snow’s Lightline, which goes up the side of one of them.
Bay Street Corridor

10 min

We move on to visit the lobby used in the legal drama Suits, starring Meghan Markle, now the Duchess of Sussex, and learn about the Royal Family's influence on its script. Your guide will talk about Toronto’s reputation as ‘Hollywood North.’
Toronto-Dominion Centre

10 min

Down Bay Street, at the Toronto Dominion Centre, we discover the history of ‘street skateboarding’ in the city's Financial District. We learn about world-renowned TD architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s creation of the POPS Program for modern office plazas, and his vision for public spaces to bring residents together.
Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Building

10 min

Our guide will talk about the Financial District’s global relevance and history, then take us on a short walk to visit Tembo, the wholesome Mother of Elephants, and learn about her World Record.
The Path

10 min

Afterwards, we move underground to discover Toronto’s PATH, learn about its size, economic impact, pandemic struggles and recovery, then get a masterclass on navigating it solo.
Brookfield Place

10 min

As we walk through the Path, we re-enter street level inside the Brookfield Place, known for its stunning atrium and blend of modern architecture and historical design.
Royal Bank Plaza

5 min

Our guide takes us across the street to RBC’s headquarters, where we learn about the bank’s practical and prestigious investment in gold.
Toronto Union

10 min

South of RBC, we view the CN Tower, a symbol of modern engineering, and learn about its original purpose. Finally, we visit Union Station’s exterior and interior, and discover its history, architecture, and significance as a transportation hub.

Meeting point and pickup

Everyone meets at the meeting point.

Meeting point

Please meet at the foot of the stairs to the stage that are on the west side of Nathan Phillips Square. I will be waiting for you on the stairs!

End point

The walking tour will end at Legends Row, which is located on Raptors Way outside Scotiabank Arena. Please see the map for the precise location.

Cancellation

Free cancellation

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

If you cancel	You get back
At least one day before	100%
Less than a day before	0%

The operator may cancel if the weather does not allow it; you then get another date or your money back.
The operator may cancel if too few people book; you then get another date or your money back.