Walking and talking in Canadian cities since 2009
1-800-691-9320
Downtown Toronto School Tour
Explore Toronto’s financial core and civic centre while uncovering the architecture, public art, and institutions that shape Canada's urban identity.
90 Minutes
Grades 5-12
Social Studies, History, Geography, Civics, Equity & Diversity, Media Literacy, Visual Arts, Urban Studies
$13-$15/student +HST
City Hall or Union Station
City Hall or Union Station
This 90-minute walking tour introduces students to Toronto's Financial District and surrounding civic spaces, from towering skyscrapers to heritage buildings and public art installations. Students will examine how architecture, commerce, government, and public space intersect in a modern city, and how urban design reflects national values and priorities. Ideal for geography, civics, and social studies curricula, this tour encourages critical thinking about how cities grow and who they serve.
Highlights:
Walk through Canada’s financial core and explore how commerce shapes the city
Visit Bay Street ("Canada's Wall Street") and discuss the role of economic institutions
Contrast heritage architecture with modern skyscrapers and urban design
See public art and consider civic symbolism and Indigenous land acknowledgements
Stop at Old and New City Hall to discuss local government and civic change
Learn how urban growth reflects political, economic, and social priorities
Subjects by Grade:
Grade 5–6:
• Social Studies (People and Environments): Understanding the role of government and responsible citizenship.
• Geography: Exploring urban development and land use.
Grade 7–8:
• History: Investigating the development of Canada’s political institutions.
• Geography: Analyzing patterns in human geography and settlement.
Grade 9–12:
• Canadian and World Studies: Examining the functions of municipal government and civic engagement.
• Civics (Grade 10): Understanding the rights and responsibilities of citizens in a democracy.