Exploring The Heart of Downtown Toronto

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.

1. 1

   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.

2. 2

   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.

3. 3

   Osgoode Hall

   10 min

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

4. 4

   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.

5. 5

   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.

6. 6

   Dreaming (sculpture)

   10 min

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

7. 7

   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.

8. 8

   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.’

9. 9

   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.

10. 10

    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.

11. 11

    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.

12. 12

    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.

13. 13

    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.

14. 14

    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.

• Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
• Service animals allowed
• Public transportation options are available nearby
• Specialized infant seats are available
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels

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