Walking Tour of Toronto, Ontario
Toronto, Ontario, is Canada’s largest city, and, as might be expected, has an extensive variety of attractions. The city lies on Lake Ontario and marinas and docks line the shore.
My walk begins at Nathan Philips Square, on Queen Street, where Toronto’s City Hall, an award-winning architectural gem, is located. Stroll around the interesting complex to admire the various works of art on display, and the edifice itself. Also on the square is High Park, a paradise of gardens and nature trails.
From here, walk east on Queen Street, and then turn left on Yonge Street. When you reach Shuter Street, turn right, and then left onto Bond Street, to visit the Mackenzie House, a Victorian-style residence, once home to the first mayor of the city.
Turn right on Dundas Street, and then left on Jarvis Street, and right again on Gerrard Street, to spend some time at the Allen Gardens Conservatory, which displays an excellent variety of tropical and exotic plants and flowers from around the world.
Now, walk back to Jarvis Street and turn left, walking southward, to Front Street. The St Lawrence Market is on your left, as you turn right onto Front Street. The food market inside is a fascinating place to wander, but be sure to visit the Market Gallery, which displays exhibits relating to Toronto’s history.
Next, continue west on Front Street to the intersection with Yonge Street, where you will find the Hockey Hall of Fame, a must-see for all sports fans. It explores the history of the game of hockey and features the game’s star performers from inception to the present.
As you proceed west on Front Street, take a short detour by turning right on York Street. The Royal Trust Sedna Sculpture is on your right. It is the largest Inuit sculpture in Canada and depicts the legend of Sedna, the Sea Goddess.
Return to Front Street and turn right to visit the premier attraction in Toronto, the CN Tower, considered one of the tallest free-standing structures in the world, at 1,815 feet. The views from the Observation Deck (1,465 ft) are stunning. On a clear day the observer may see Niagara Falls (or at least the spray from the falls) and the city of Buffalo, New York. Beside the CN Tower is the Toronto Skydome, home of the Toronto Blue Jays, a major league baseball team.
After your visit, cross to the other side of Front Street, and then walk north on Simcoe Street, then turn right on Queen Street. On your left is Campbell House, a Georgian residence which dates to the 1820’s. It features period furnishings and costumed staff, recreating this interesting era.Continue east on Queen Street to Nathan Philips Square, where you started.
