Located in the heart of Downtown Toronto, right in front of Toronto City Hall, Nathan Phillips Square is one of the most iconic public spaces in the city. The square is named after the man who served as Toronto’s mayor from 1955 to 1962, and was opened in 1965. It was built alongside the modernist Toronto City Hall, designed by Finnish architect Viljo Revell. Some notable features of the squarw include the vast Reflecting Pool, which transforms into a skating rink during the winter months, the Peace Garden, originally opened by the Dalai Lama in 1984 and the Freedom Arches, two striking arches over the pool/rink, representing freedom and connected by a suspended chain symbolizing hope and unity. The square frequently hosts concerts, cultural festivals, art installations, farmers markets, and political demonstrations.
Nathan Phillips Square is also home to the large, illuminated "TORONTO" sign which has become a major photo-op spot for locals and one of the city's most recognisable landmarks. It was originally installed for the 2015 Pan Am Games and became a permanent fixture thanks to massive public affection and its viral appeal on social media. Each letter stands at 10 feet tall and the "O" in the middle is often stylized to reflect special occasions or to represent inclusivity, Indigenous heritage, or support for causes (like Pride or Truth and Reconciliation).
Explore the buzzing Toronto, Ontario's capital, famous for its skyscrapers, glorious views, and history, on this 4-hour private walking tour where you'll see all the main highlights of the city, along three of the major neighbourhoods, including the Toronto Sign at Nathan Phillips Square, the iconic St Lawrence Market and the historic pedestrian-only Distillery District - a cultural hub set in quaint 19th-century buildings along cobblestone streets.
On your private tour, you will:
Toronto is a major Canadian city set on Lake Ontario’s northwestern shore. It's a dynamic cosmopolitan city, with historic buildings alongside towering skyscrapers - all dwarfed by the iconic CN Tower. Enjoy the buzzing atmosphere and fascinating history of Toronto on this 4-hour walking tour of its many highlights.
Learn about Canadian culture as well as the evolution of the city as you discover three of the main neighbourhoods in the city, Downtown, Old Town and the Distillery District.
Canadians are famous for their love of sport and the outdoors, and of course, you'll hear all about the incredibly popular national sport - ice hockey - outside the Hockey Hall of Fame!
St Lawrence Market is a real highlight of this tour - set in three historic buildings, the South Market, North Market and St Lawrence Hall - and selling everything from fresh fruit and veg to antiques, fish and meat to boutique clothing!
Your tour ends in the pedestrianised Distillery District, set in quaint 19th-century buildings that once housed a large whiskey distillery. Your guide will orient you around this vibrant area before leaving you to explore the galleries, sculptures, bars, boutiques, and other theatrical spaces at your leisure.
Come December, the annual Toronto Christmas Market takes over the streets.
Embark on a journey through some of the most iconic and popular sights of Toronto, a bustling and exciting city, the largest in Canada, known for its vibrant vibe and population diversity, with over 200 different ethnicities and 130 languages and dialects spoken.
On your private introductory tour, you will:
Toronto is a major Canadian city set on Lake Ontario’s northwestern shore which attracts 21 million visitors every year. The city is known for its safety, cleanliness, and welcoming nature to visitors from all around the world, featuring a diverse food scene, historic buildings alongside towering skyscrapers, and a big immigrant population, which contributes to the unique and exotic flavours and culture.
On this captivating two-hour private tour of Toronto, you'll explore a mix of historic landmarks, vibrant neighbourhoods, and architectural marvels that define the city’s unique character. Begin in the heart of St. Lawrence Market, where a lively, bohemian spirit thrives. Stroll through streets lined with murals, quirky shops, and multicultural food stalls—a perfect start to experiencing the local vibe. From here, make your way to the distinctive Gooderham Building, the Canadian Flatiron Building, an architectural icon known for its eye-catching triangular design and intricate mural that adds a touch of whimsy to its historic charm.
Nearby, discover Berczy Park and its famed Dog Fountain, a playful homage to man’s best friend with statues of dogs surrounding a single, unapologetic cat at its centre. This creative fountain is sure to bring a smile before we head to Brookfield Place, home to the breathtaking Allen Lambert Galleria. Often called the “crystal cathedral of commerce,” this soaring glass canopy is an architectural wonder.
Continuing onward, we’ll pass the iconic Fairmont Royal York, one of Toronto’s most celebrated luxury hotels with a rich history and stately charm. Just a few blocks away is the Toronto Dominion Centre, an architectural landmark that ushered in the era of sleek, modernist skyscrapers downtown. Gaze up at First Canadian Place, a towering 72-story office building and Toronto’s tallest structure, standing as a symbol of the city’s growth and ambition.
As we approach the intersection of King Street West and Yonge Street, you’ll feel the pulse of Toronto’s bustling entertainment district, surrounded by theatres, restaurants, and a mix of historic and modern architecture. Just around the corner, you’ll see Toronto Old City Hall, an impressive Romanesque Revival building with a striking clock tower and elaborate stonework, providing a glimpse into the city’s past.
Our next stop is Eaton Centre, a shopper’s paradise with a vast glass atrium that bathes the entire space in natural light, featuring everything from international brands to local boutiques. Outside, the colourful Toronto Sign awaits—a beloved photo spot that captures the spirit of the city against the backdrop of Nathan Phillips Square. This lively public square is often a site for festivals, markets, and art displays, with the reflective Peace Garden adding a serene touch.
Nearby, we’ll admire the futuristic Toronto City Hall, known for its “spaceship” design, a bold and modern symbol of the city. In just two hours, this private tour offers a rich introduction to Toronto’s most iconic landmarks, each with its own story, creating an unforgettable journey through the city’s dynamic past and present.
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