Toronto Downtown Private Walking Tour: Explore the Heart of Toronto like a Local

If you’re planning a trip to Toronto, exploring the city’s downtown core is a must-do. With its diverse neighborhoods, iconic landmarks, and bustling entertainment hubs, you’ll get to experience the best of this vibrant city up close and personal. And what better way to do that than with a private walking tour? With the Toronto Downtown Private Walking Tour, you’ll spend two hours wandering the city streets like a local with an expert guide by your side. Here’s everything you need to know about this unforgettable tour.

Overview

The tour is priced per group for up to four people, making it an excellent value for families or groups of friends. During the tour, you’ll visit top attractions like the Hockey Hall of Fame, Air Canada Center, Brookfield Place, and more. Plus, you’ll get to explore Toronto’s famous underground PATH, which connects 28 kilometers of landmarks and sites.

What’s Included?

The Toronto Downtown Private Walking Tour includes a local guide, private tour, and general liability insurance. Food and drinks are not included, but you’ll have the opportunity to buy refreshments at various stops along the way. Gratuities are also not included, so be sure to budget accordingly.

Meeting and Pick-Up

The tour offers both meeting points and pickup options. You can choose to head directly to your preferred meeting point, or you can arrange for pickup from your hotel or another location. Be sure to confirm your meeting or pickup location ahead of time, so you’re not left waiting.

What to Expect on the Tour

The tour starts at the designated meeting point or pickup location, where your guide will greet you and provide an overview of the tour. Then, you’ll set off on foot to explore the city’s top attractions. Here are some of the highlights you can expect on the Toronto Downtown Private Walking Tour:

St. Lawrence Market

One of Toronto’s oldest and most iconic landmarks, St. Lawrence Market has been a gathering spot for locals and visitors alike for over 200 years. On the tour, you’ll get to explore the market and sample local foods like peameal bacon sandwiches and maple syrup.

Hockey Hall of Fame

The Hockey Hall of Fame is a must-see for sports fans. With interactive exhibits and displays featuring hockey legends from around the world, you’ll get to learn about the history of this beloved sport.

Air Canada Center

As the home of the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Toronto Raptors, the Air Canada Center is a landmark destination for sports fans. On the tour, you’ll get to see the arena up close and personal and learn about the history of Toronto’s sports scene.

Brookfield Place

Located in the city’s financial district, Brookfield Place is an architectural marvel. Admire the soaring towers and glass façades, and learn about the building’s unique history.

The Underground PATH

The Toronto Downtown Private Walking Tour wouldn’t be complete without a visit to the Underground PATH. This subterranean passage connects 28 kilometers of sites and landmarks, giving you a unique and immersive perspective on the city.

Booking the Tour

Ready to explore Toronto’s downtown core like a local? You can book the Toronto Downtown Private Walking Tour online at Viator.com. Pricing starts at $162.16 per group for up to four people. Be sure to book ahead to secure your spot on this unforgettable tour.

The Bottom Line

The Toronto Downtown Private Walking Tour offers an excellent way to explore the heart of Toronto with an expert guide by your side. With a variety of landmarks and attractions to see, you’ll get a one-of-a-kind experience that’s sure to be a highlight of your trip. So what are you waiting for? Book your tour today and start exploring all that Toronto has to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions About Toronto

Introduction

As one of the largest and most diverse cities in Canada, Toronto is a bustling hub of culture, entertainment, and business. If you’re planning a trip to this vibrant metropolis, you’ll likely have a lot of questions about what to see and do, where to eat and stay, and how to get around. In this FAQ guide, we’ll address some of the most common questions asked about Toronto.

1. What are some of the must-see attractions in Toronto?

Toronto is home to many world-famous attractions. Here are some that you may want to add to your itinerary:

a. CN Tower

The CN Tower is Toronto’s most iconic landmark and a must-see attraction for visitors. It stands at 553 metres tall, making it one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world. Visitors can take a glass elevator to the top for stunning views of the city.

b. Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)

The Royal Ontario Museum is Canada’s largest museum of art, culture, and nature. It boasts over six million objects in its collections and covers a diverse range of topics from ancient civilizations to modern art.

c. Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO)

The Art Gallery of Ontario is another world-class museum in Toronto that houses an impressive collection of Canadian and European art. One of its most famous pieces is the painting “The Massacre of the Innocents” by Peter Paul Rubens.

d. Toronto Islands

The Toronto Islands are a group of small islands located just off the shore of downtown Toronto. Visitors can take a ferry to the islands to enjoy beaches, parks, and recreational activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding.

e. St. Lawrence Market

St. Lawrence Market is a historic market that has been in operation for over 200 years. It is home to over 120 vendors who sell a variety of fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and other goods.

2. What are some of the best neighborhoods to visit in Toronto?

Toronto is a city made up of many unique and distinct neighborhoods. Here are some that are worth a visit:

a. The Distillery District

The Distillery District is a pedestrian-only village that is home to a collection of Victorian-era buildings that have been transformed into restaurants, galleries, and boutiques.

b. Kensington Market

Kensington Market is a vibrant and eclectic neighborhood that is known for its diverse and multicultural community. It’s a great place to shop for vintage clothing and unique gifts, and to try food from around the world.

c. Yorkville

Yorkville is a trendy and upscale neighborhood that is known for its luxury boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. It’s a great place to people-watch and to soak up the city’s high-end culture.

d. Queen West

Queen West is a hip and artistic neighborhood that is home to numerous galleries, music venues, and trendy shops. It’s a great place to explore if you’re interested in contemporary art and fashion.

3. What is the best way to get around Toronto?

Toronto has a reliable and extensive public transportation system that includes buses, streetcars, and subways. The TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) offers a variety of fare options, including single rides, day passes, and weekly and monthly passes. Visitors can also take taxis or use ride-sharing apps like Uber or Lyft to get around. Walking or biking is also a great way to explore the city.

4. What are some of the best restaurants in Toronto?

Toronto is known for its diverse and vibrant food scene. Here are some restaurants that are worth a visit:

a. Alo Restaurant

Alo Restaurant is a fine-dining restaurant that offers a tasting menu of contemporary French cuisine. It has received numerous accolades and is considered one of the best restaurants in Canada.

b. Pai Northern Thai Kitchen

Pai Northern Thai Kitchen is a popular restaurant that serves authentic dishes from northern Thailand. It’s known for its flavorful curries, soups, and stir-fries.

c. Richmond Station

Richmond Station is a farm-to-table restaurant that uses locally-sourced ingredients to create innovative dishes. It’s a great place to try new and exciting flavors.

d. Bar Isabel

Bar Isabel is a Spanish-style restaurant that serves tapas, small plates, and charcuterie. It’s a great place to share plates with friends and enjoy a glass of wine.

5. What are some of the best hotels in Toronto?

Toronto has a wide range of hotels to suit every budget and style. Here are some that are highly rated:

a. The Ritz-Carlton

The Ritz-Carlton is a luxury hotel located in downtown Toronto. It’s known for its elegant rooms, exceptional service, and its spa and wellness center.

b. The Gladstone Hotel

The Gladstone Hotel is a boutique hotel located in the trendy Queen West neighborhood. Each of its 37 rooms is artist-designed and themed.

c. The Drake Hotel

The Drake Hotel is another boutique hotel located in the Queen West neighborhood. It’s known for its lively atmosphere, live music, and its rooftop patio.

d. The Fairmont Royal York

The Fairmont Royal York is a historic hotel located in the heart of downtown Toronto. It’s known for its grand architecture, spacious rooms, and its convenient location.

Book Your Tour Now

Toronto is a vibrant and exciting city that has something to offer everyone. Whether you’re interested in culture, food, art, or outdoor activities, Toronto has it all. We hope this FAQ guide has answered some of your questions about this wonderful city and has inspired you to plan your own Toronto adventure.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Toronto

Toronto is Canada’s largest and most vibrant city, located on the northern shore of Lake Ontario. It offers plenty of tourist attractions and things to do, making it a perfect destination for visitors from around the world. In this guide, we will take you through the best ways to spend your time as a tourist in Toronto.

1. Visit the CN Tower

CN Tower is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Toronto. It was built in 1976 and stands at 553 meters tall. From the top of the tower, you can get an amazing view of the entire city from the glass floor. There’s a revolving restaurant where you can enjoy your meal while taking in the breathtaking view.

2. Take a Walk through Kensington Market

Kensington Market is one of the most hippie and colorful areas of Toronto, located not far from Chinatown. The brightly painted houses and storefronts welcome visitors to walk along several blocks of vintage clothing stores, international food shops, and street vendors. The atmosphere is lively and creative, with music and arts events happening regularly.

3. Visit the Royal Ontario Museum

The Royal Ontario Museum, also called the ROM, is one of the largest museums in Canada, with a vast collection of artifacts from all over the world. It offers a unique experience with a mix of traditional and modern architecture creating an interesting ambiance in the museum. It has around six million items, including art, crafts, and archaeological exhibits that span over several centuries. You can spend hours exploring and learning about the wonders of ancient civilizations.

4. Explore the Distillery District

The Distillery District is a renovated area of red brick buildings that once housed a large whiskey distillery. It has now turned into a trendy neighborhood packed with restaurants, bars, boutiques, art galleries, and theaters. You can wander along pedestrian streets, watch street performers or take a guided walking tour to learn more about the history of the area.

5. Visit the Toronto Islands

The Toronto Islands are a group of small islands located just offshore of downtown Toronto. They offer a unique perspective of the city skyline visible from the islands while also providing a peaceful and relaxing environment. Ferries depart regularly from downtown to take visitors to the islands where they can picnic, hike, or rent a bike to explore.

6. Attend a Sporting Event

Toronto is home to several professional sports teams, including the Toronto Raptors NBA basketball team and the Toronto Maple Leafs NHL ice hockey team. If you’re a sports fan, you might enjoy watching a sporting event during your visit.

7. Visit the St. Lawrence Market

The St. Lawrence Market is a historic public market that has been in operation for over 200 years. It’s home to over 120 vendors, selling all sorts of food, from fresh seafood to artisanal cheeses and homemade bread. This is the perfect place to explore local food vendors and lots of samples.

8. Take a Tour of the Casa Loma

Casa Loma is a magnificent castle that was built in the early nineteen hundred’s for Sir Henry Mill Pellatt. The castle is open to the public, and you can take a guided tour to explore the many rooms and gardens situated over five acres. Its architecture is breathtaking, and the interior is filled with period furnishings that showcase the style and elegance of the early twentieth-century palaces.

9. Shopping at the Eaton Centre

The Eaton Centre in downtown Toronto is one of Canada’s largest shopping centers, with over 250 shops and restaurants. It is a great place to spend an afternoon shopping or window shopping, with plenty of designer stores, fashion boutiques, and local shops to explore.

10. Visit the Art Gallery of Ontario

The Art Gallery of Ontario is one of the largest art museums in North America, housing over 95,000 works of art from different cultures and historical periods. The gallery features collections of Canadian, contemporary, and European art, as well as African and Oceanic art. You can explore galleries, partake in events that are held here, and take advantage of audio tours.

Book Your Tour Now

Toronto is a culturally rich and diverse city, offering countless activities and events to visitors. From visiting the famous CN Tower and Kensington Market, to exploring the museums, and indulging in the fantastic culinary world, there’s something for everyone. This guide provides the top ten things to do in Toronto as a tourist. Remember, if you are respectful of the locals, kind to the environment, and open to exploring the culture, Toronto will leave you with unforgettable memories.