Overview
Toronto is not what it first appears. Look below the surface, and you will see buried waterways, ancient cliffs, the world's largest ravine system, and centuries of waterfront transformations. Hidden Rivers Tours is led by a professional historian and is the only tour company in Toronto dedicated to sharing these subterranean stories.
The tour lasts 3 hours. *Please arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the tour's start time. We begin right on time.*
This is a three-hour walking tour up and down many hills. Make sure to wear appropriate footwear, apply sunscreen, and hydrate. There will a stop en-route to purchase snacks and use the washroom.
At the end of the tour, you are encouraged to tip your guide. The price you pay on TripAdvisor is a booking fee, not the actual price of this pay-what-you-can tour.
- Recommended by 98% of travelers
- Badge of Excellence
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
- Mobile ticket
What's included
Maps, hand-outs
Meeting and pickup
Travelers meet at the meeting point.
Meeting point
We will meet by the pillars at the south entrance of Philosopher's Walk on Hoskin Ave. The closest subway stations are St. George and Museum. There is a path of grass just by the pillars. Your tour guide will be wearing a blue backpack.
End point
The tour ends at Wychwood Barns Park. The closest subway station is St. Clair West.
Good to know
Contact: If you need to contact your guide, please email info@hiddenriverstours.com.
What to expect
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Philosopher's Walk
20 min
We'll walk the course of old Taddle Creek, now the Philosopher's Walk through U of T campus.
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Taddle Creek Park
20 min
We'll talk about the Annex, the river that used to run through here, and all the notable Torontonians who have lived in this neighborhood.
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Rathnelly
15 min
The "Republic of Rathnelly" is a tight-knit community that seceded from Toronto to protest the building of the Spadina expressway.
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High Level Pumping Station
15 min
We'll talk about the history of water in Toronto, how Toronto gets its water, and the city's impressive infrastructure for getting water from Lake Ontario to millions of residents.
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Nordheimer Ravine
20 min
Toronto has the largest ravine system of any city on Earth. We'll talk about the geology of the city, how it was formed after the last ice age 12,000 years ago, and how this ravine was nearly threatened by a highway.
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Casa Loma
15 min
We'll discuss the historic Casa Loma, one of Toronto's most unique attractions. We'll talk about Toronto's political history and the era of the "family compact" versus "responsible government".
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Baldwin Steps
15 min
12,000 years ago, all of downtown Toronto was underwater, with the shorefront elevated by giant glaciers. When the glaciers melted, the shoreline receded, and left behind enormous cliffs. We'll see the legacy of that geological history on the Baldwin Steps.
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The Tollkeeper's Cottage
15 min
Before we had paved streets for cars, roads for horses used to cost money. At this stop, we'll also talk about the history of transit in Toronto.
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Wychwood
15 min
Wychwood is a secluded, private, idyllic neighborhood modelled off the tiny towns of Oxfordshire, England. It's one of Toronto's best-kept secrets, and has been home to many iconic Toronto residents.
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Wychwood Barns Park
20 min
We'll explore this transit facility-turned-art barn.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
Times are local to the experience (America/Toronto).
Additional Information
- This is a pay-what-you-can tour. You pay on TripAdvisor to book your spot, and tip your guide at the end. Most guests tip between $20-$40.
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
FAQs about Toronto Beneath The Surface Walking Tour
Can I cancel Toronto Beneath The Surface Walking Tour for free?
Yes. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.
How long does it take?
It takes about 3 hours.
Where does it start?
We will meet by the pillars at the south entrance of Philosopher's Walk on Hoskin Ave. The closest subway stations are St. George and Museum.
What's included?
- Maps, hand-outs
Which places does it visit?
It visits Philosopher's Walk, Taddle Creek Park, Rathnelly, High Level Pumping Station, Nordheimer Ravine, Casa Loma, Baldwin Steps, The Tollkeeper's Cottage.
Which languages is it offered in?
It is offered in English.
Operated by Hidden Rivers Tours
