Becoming A River
Toronto's landscape was shaped by melting glaciers, whose massive melting ice waters carved out huge valleys in the ground. These ravines carried bountiful rivers that drained into lake Ontario, but these rivers were used by British colonists as a wastewater system. By the mid-1800s, our rivers were a public health hazard, and one-by-one were diverted into sewage pipes and buried underground.
But the ghosts of Toronto's rivers live on.
On this tour, we will revive the spirit of one of Toronto's most important historic rivers: Garrison Creek. Our walk will follow the precise trajectory of Garrison Creek, telling the stories of the many neighbourhoods shaped by its waters: Christie Pits, Harbord Village, Little Italy, Little Portugal, Trinity Bellwoods, Fort York. Each of these areas has a rich history, a testament to Toronto's singular diversity.
Please dress in blue or bring other kinds of decorations or costuming to best embody the spirit of Garrison Creek.
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Duration: 3hrs. There will be a stop halfway to use the bathroom and get snacks.
Location: The tour begins at the North-West corner of Christie Pitts Park, a short walk from Christie Pitts station. It concludes at Fort York.
This tour is immediately followed by our End-of-Summer Celebration! Whether this is your first Hidden Rivers tour or you are a regular, you are warmly invited to commemorate the end of our third year (!) of exploring Toronto together. We will walk to Stanley Park together.
Price: This tour operates on a pay-what-you-can basis. There is a $2 booking fee to secure your spot on the tour. At the end of the tour, you can pay whatever you feel the tour was worth (cash or card both accepted). Most guests choose to pay between $25 - $40 per person.
Accessibility: this tour primarily takes place in city streets and inside of parks—Christie Pitts, Bickford Park, Trinity Bellwoods, Stanley Park. There are no stairs.
Disclaimer: By booking this tour you acknowledge that you accept personal responsibility for your safety. You understand and confirm that you are participating in this tour voluntarily, and understand the associated risks. You must be sure to obey all rules of the road, including waiting at red lights, walking on sidewalks, and crossing at designated crosswalks. For your own safety, you must stick to the designated walking paths. You release Hidden Rivers Tours and Matthew Jordan from any liability.