Happy almost Pride! It’s the perfect time of year to experience the streets of Toronto’s Church-Wellesley Village, often called “The Village” or Toronto’s “Gay Village”. This tour is rich with the LGBTQIA2S+ history of both Toronto and Canada, with stories covering former village inhabitants, activists, businesses, and more. Naturally, we also learn a lot about the historic buildings in the village, including some that are under threat. This episode is a collaboration with Adam Wynne, a community historian and the historian for the Church-Wellesley Neighbourhood Association. He researched an ..read more

Let's go to the mall! This short jaunt touches on the history of the Eaton Centre and the block it sits on, as well as the origins of its namesake. Also, a brief history of the shopping mall as a concept. --------------------------------- Thank you Lukus Benoit for the theme song! --------------------------------- SUPPORT THE SHOW: Follow on Insta @walkinginplacepod,  Tiktok @walkinginplacepod, Twitter @PlaceWalking, and Facebook  Become a patron! The podcast was featured in the Top 10 History Podcasts on Feedspot! Check it out!  ..read more

Are you ready to be entertained?!  We’re heading into the Entertainment District: home to the Toronto International Film Festival, as well as a LOT of Toronto history.  We’ll of course talk about the festival, but also: Fashion! Comedy! Dance clubs!  Warehouses! And the intersection known as “Education, Legislation, Salvation, and DAMNATION”.  As usual, each stop is divided by 30 seconds of ambiance, so you'll feel like you’re there even if you prefer your entertainment on your couch.  Walk-Along Info:Walk length: About an hour Accessibility: fairly flat, lots of pav ..read more

The CNE: where farming and rickety rides meet royalty and wars. Come take a walk through the 140+ year history of the Exhibition Grounds. As usual, there is lots of ambiance in this episode, so you'll feel like you're at the CNE if you can't go in person this year. There are also directions for exploring the grounds during the CNE as well as the rest of the year. Walk-Along Info: Walk length: About an hour Accessibility: fairly flat, lots of paved roads and sidewalks BUT can be challenging to get around during the CNE if you're not walking  Start: Dufferin Gate Loop  Finish: Prince ..read more

If I were to offer you lumberjack money, cured meats, and a sprawling farm with private river access, what would you say? What if it came with a jail and a murderous tree? Well, I’d still be in. Join me on this short jaunt, and all these things can be yours too (even if only for 12ish minutes). * * * SUPPORT THE SHOW: Follow on Insta @walkinginplacepod,  Tiktok @walkinginplacepod, Twitter @PlaceWalking, and Facebook  Become a patron! Come on a live walking tour! Next one: Harbourfront on Sept 5, 2022 The podcast was featured in the Top 10 History Podcasts on Feedspot! Check it out ..read more

What do a diamond, a piano, toxic chemicals, and boxing have in common? This episode! Take a walk with me through the most requested neighbourhood(s) to date. Walk-Along Info: Walk length: About an hour Accessibility: fairly flat, lots of paved roads and sidewalks. Includes busy streets and intersections.  Start: Wallace Ave. Pedestrian Bridge  Finish: 288 Annette St.  Sources Transcript  ..read more

Woodbine Beach is one of the most popular public beaches in Toronto, but it wasn't always that way. Come along and learn about the history of this beach and the beautiful nearby park of the same name.  Walk-Along Info: Walk length: 20ish minutes  Accessibility: paved roads, boardwalk, sand, dirt paths, no steps  Start: Woodbine Park (between Lake Shore Blvd E and Queen St E, Coxwell and Northern Dancer) Finish: Woodbine Beach   Sources ..read more

Let's stroll through Old Toronto! We'll talk about the landmarks you know and some you don't. We'll stop at the St. Lawrence Market if you're feeling hungry, and explore some side streets to avoid the crowds. Also: we'll talk about a secret tunnel!  CORRECTION: I mispronounced Samuel Ringgold Ward's name in this episode, saying "Wald" instead of "Ward".  Originally released February 3, 2021.  Walk-Along Info: Walk length: About an hour Accessibility: fairly flat, lots of paved roads and sidewalks, no steps Start: St. James Park, at the corner of Adelaide and Jarvis Finish: the ..read more

Sunnyside is a fun place to be in 2022, but you should have seen it a hundred years ago! We're talking rollercoasters, boat burnings, dance halls, swimming (of course) and so much more. Come along for a walk on the beach- don't forget your sunscreen.  This episode was originally released on Sept 1, 2021.    Walk-Along Info: Walk length: about an hour without stops Walkability: flat, boardwalk Start: Intersection of King St. W., Queen St. W., Roncesvalles Ave. Finish: Palace Pier Park      Sources ..read more

The Upper Canada Rebellion was a huge moment in Toronto history, and The Montgomery Tavern is an important part of that story. Where the building once stood is now a historic post office turned grocery store/condo building, but it's worth a visit! Listen to learn why.  Address: 2388 Yonge St., about 2 blocks north of Eglinton Transcript Sources ..read more