Toronto Walking Tours
Many parts of Toronto are ideal for exploring on foot
Many attractions and parks in Toronto are best explored by walking. Some can be explored in a few hours, others can easily occupy an entire day. The advantages of walking when sightseeing are many. In addition to getting exercise, you will you see so many more things when you walk; little details you'd probably miss if you were on a tour bus. You can readily stop and investigate anything that catches your interest and you can take your time getting that perfect photograph. There is nothing to prevent you from investigating the tempting aromas coming from the little cafe you are walking by or exploring the intriguing art shop that you happen upon. With that in mind check out the list of Toronto attractions below. Each one lends itself perfectly to being explored on foot. We also put together a couple of self-guided step by step Toronto walking tours for your enjoyment; one covering the highlights and gems of downtown Toronto and the other an enjoyable walk through some of the city's beautiful green-spaces and ravines.
These two self-guided walking tours give you a great overview of Downtown Toronto and some of Toronto's suburban green space
Click on the links below for a map, photos and step by step guide. Both walks are easily accessed by public transit.
- Downtown Toronto Highlights Walking Tour: This 6 kilometre circuit through Downtown Toronto will take you through a number of little parks and gardens with interesting features and past some amazing buildings, both old and modern.
- Toronto Greenspace Walking Tour: This 10.6 Kilometre walk is perfect for the outdoor lover. We have carefully planned it for quick easy access to the Toronto Subway at either end. You will walk through a a chain of Toronto parks and past a heritage site as you stroll along the beautiful meandering path.
Any of the following Toronto Parks are ideal for exploring on foot.
- Ashbridges Bay and Beaches Park: These two parks have several kilometres of waterfront trails and a boardwalk to stroll along providing you the pleasant ambience you only get by the water. You can continue west to the Leslie Street Spit (see below) for an even longer walk.
- High Park: With nearly 400 acres to explore, High Park is a walkers paradise. Both paved and unpaved trails meander throughout the beautiful natural features and landscaped gardens of this outstanding park.
- Leslie Street Spit (Tommy Thompson Park): Check out the many varieties of birds as you walk out into lake Ontario along this man-made spit. You will also enjoy some spectacular views back towards the downtown skyline. The Leslie Street Spit is only open on weekends and holidays.
- Rouge Park: Covering 50 square kilometres, Rouge park is a huge wilderness paradise located just east of Toronto. From waterfront boardwalks to wilderness trails, one could easily spend days exploring this huge park on foot.
- Toronto Islands: Just a short ferry ride from downtown Toronto, walking is a must on the Toronto Islands. There are no cars allowed except for service vehicles making it a very pleasant pedestrian friendly place to explore.
Make your way to any of the following Toronto districts on public transit and start walking
Click on the links for more information and directions for getting to each of these bustling Toronto districts.
- Chinatown: Explore the many colourful ethnic shops and restaurants and signs in Toronto's original Chinatown.
- Distillery Historic District: Wander around the shops, bistros and bars of this artsy restored industrial area. This is another pedestrian friendly area as no cars are allowed.
- GreekTown: You will be amazed at how many restaurants there are as you walk along Danforth Avenue through one of the largest Greek communities on the continent.
- Harbourfront District: Toronto's Harbourfront District has been rejuvenated into a very people friendly space. Walkways and paths make it easy to walk for miles along the edge of Lake Ontario.
- Little India: One of the most vibrant South Asian neighbourhoods anywhere, a walking tour along Gerrard Street East offers plenty to look at and lots of tempting places to eat. There are over 100 stores and restaurants along this stretch. Everything is open nightly until 9pm. The street is very lively on nice summer nights, especially during the weekend.
- Little Italy: Another great place to explore on foot, Little Italy as the name suggests is Toronto's Italian neighbourhood. If you enjoy authentic Italian cuisine this is a great neighbourhood to check out.
- Yorkville: This exclusive upscale neighbourhood is a must for the shopping aficionado. You will find many exclusive shops and boutiques selling everything from fashions, to antiques and art. Amongst the shops your will also find a wide array of cafes and bars.
If you're wondering what to do on a rainy or wintery day why not explore Toronto's extensive underground PATH network
- PATH: The PATH is like an underground city with over 28 kilometres of underground passageways lined with and connecting to shops, restaurants and entertainment complexes. You can get almost anywhere in downtown Toronto via this expansive underground network.
Try our Toronto Greenspace Walking Tour for a peaceful break from the busy city cc licensed photo by margonaut 
For Downtown Architecture, parks, plazas and hidden gems try our Downtown Toronto Highlights Walking Tour cc licensed photo by Padraic 
Simcoe Wave Deck cc licensed photo by Jacob Mitchell
