Discover Toronto with ROMwalks
Free, guided walking tours of Toronto’s architecture and history
Discover Toronto’s unique architecture and rich history through ROMwalks, a series of free, guided walking tours of the city. From May to October, tour leaders from the Royal Ontario Museum’s (ROM) Department of Museum Volunteers will lead the public through some of the city’s most distinctive neighbourhoods, visiting Toronto landmarks and illuminating their architectural and historical significance. The 2008 ROMwalks series kicks off on Sunday, May 4 at 2 pm with Along the Front, which highlights the St. Lawrence Market, Flatiron Building, BCE Place, Dominion Public Building, Royal Bank Plaza, Royal York Hotel and Union Station.
Launched in 1980, the ROMwalks repertoire continues to expand; with 20 walks (up to 14 different walks given per season) and two ROMwalks Plus. This summer, ROMwalks will offer two new walks. Yorkville: A Tollgate Village includes historical sites such as the library, fire hall, Heliconian Club, Hazelton Lanes, Church of the Redeemer and selected 19th century homes. A brand new ROMwalk Plus, (Rosedale -- Part Two is the sequel to the Rosedale Walk and explores a different area of this early suburb intended for Toronto's wealthy and influential citizens.
Walks take place on most Sundays at 2:00 pm and Wednesdays at 6:00 pm and last from one and one half to two hours. Look for the blue ROM umbrella at the starting point of each ROMwalk. A complete schedule of ROMwalks, with meeting points and highlights is provided below. The tours are free to the public, with the exception of private group walks and ROMwalks Plus walks (see below). Please call 416.586.5799 or visit www.rom.on.ca for additional information.
ROMwalks Plus Schedule:
This year ROMwalks Plus features Rosedale – Part Two. This paid walk costs $10 per person and includes refreshments, with all proceeds going to the Museum. Advance registration is required; tickets must be reserved and paid for in advance. Cancellation and refund policies are in full effect. Please call 426.586.5799 to reserve tickets.
Rosedale — Part Two
Sunday, August 17, 2:00 pm
Sunday, September 7, 2:00 pm
A continuation of the Rosedale walk, Rosedale – Part Two explores a different area of the early suburb of Rosedale, intended for Toronto’s wealthy and influential citizens.
Private Group Walks:
Private group walks are available year round by special request for clubs, community groups, visitors and families. Group walks are $10 per person with a minimum of ten people. Please call 416.586.8097 for more information.
ROMwalks information:
Along the Front
Meet at Front & Jarvis Streets
Highlights: St. Lawrence Market, Old Warehouses, Flatiron Building, Berczy Park, BCE Place, Dominion Public Building, Royal Bank Plaza, Royal York Hotel, Union Station
TTC Access: King streetcar to Jarvis St.
The Annex
Meet at Avenue Rd. & Lowther Ave.
Highlights: Medical Arts Building, Church of Christ Scientist, York Club, and two styles of residential architecture unique to Toronto
TTC Access: Museum or St. George (Bedford Rd. exit) subway stops
Cabbagetown
Meet at Parliament & Spruce Streets
Highlights: Victorian Houses, Former Trinity College Medical School, Riverdale Park, The Necropolis, Wellesley Park
TTC Access: Carlton streetcar to Parliament St.
Citadels of Wealth
Meet at Yonge & Front Streets
Highlights: Hockey Hall of Fame, Early Skyscraper Banks, Canadian Bank of Commerce, the Big Five modern banks, BCE Place
TTC Access: Union or King subway stops
Entertainment District
Meet at King & Simcoe Streets
Highlights: St. Andrew's Church, Roy Thomson Hall, Royal Alexandra & Princess of Wales Theatres, Rogers Centre (formerly SkyDome), Metro Toronto Convention Centre, CN Tower
TTC Access: St. Andrew subway stop
Hidden Treasures: Sculptures in the City
Meet at King & Church Streets
Highlights: Sculptures traditional and modern, beautiful and intriguing in the downtown area from the Sculpture Garden opposite St. James Cathedral to the Archer in City Hall Square
TTC Access: King subway stop
Historic Toronto
Meet at 260 Adelaide St. E.
Highlights: Toronto's First Post Office, Bank of Upper Canada, St. Lawrence Market, St. James' Cathedral, St. Lawrence Hall, Courthouse Square
TTC Access: King streetcar to Jarvis St.
Mount Pleasant Cemetery – Part I (English and French walk)
Meet at Yonge Street Cemetery Entrance (Yonge St., north of St. Clair Ave.)
Highlights: St. Andrew's Society Monument, Massey Mausoleum, Mt. Pleasant Mausoleum, Millionaires' Row, Empress of Ireland Monument
TTC Access: St. Clair subway stop
The Necropolis
Meet at the Necropolis Chapel, Winchester St.
Highlights: Graves of William Lyon Mackenzie, Peter Matthews and Samuel Lount, Ned Hanlon, George Brown, Thornton Blackburn, Joseph Bloore
TTC Access: Carlton streetcar to Parliament St.
Parkdale
Meet in front of Parkdale Public Library (1303 Queen St. W.)
Highlights: St. Mark’s Anglican Church, Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Masaryk Hall, Melbourne Mews and the homes of Mazo de la Roche
TTC Access: Queen St. streetcar to Brock St.
ROM and its Neighbours
Meet in front of the ROM
Highlights: Royal Ontario Museum, Church of the Redeemer, Royal Conservatory of Music, Taddle Creek, Flavelle House, Gardiner Museum
TTC Access: Museum or St. George subway stops
Yorkville: A Tollgate Village
Meet in front of Yorkville Public Library
Highlights: Yorkville Library, Firehall, Heliconian Club, 19th century houses, Hazelton Lanes, Church of the Redeemer
TTC Access: Bloor/Yonge Station.
For more information about ROM Walks please visit: www.rom.on.ca.
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