Walking with Anna Jameson Tour
Take a walk in 1830s Toronto in the footsteps of nineteenth-century author Anna Jameson.
Date and time
Location
Outside the TIFF Bell Lightbox Theatre
350 King Street West Toronto, ON M6K 1H7 CanadaRefund Policy
About this event
- 1 hour
Take a walk in 1830s Toronto in the footsteps of nineteenth-century author Anna Jameson. Learn about the buildings and people she experienced on her visit to Toronto in 1837, from stories of Irish newcomers to the site of Toronto’s first hospital. As we meander among the high rises, we will learn the origins of the street names and get a sense of what the area used to look like, back in Anna's time.
Audience participation during the telling of Anna's life story is encouraged! Please note, if you are lively, you may be chosen to play the groom, an English earl, or other small part. No acting experience or fancy accent needed. Be ready for some fun!
This tour will be led by Heritage Toronto volunteer Meghan Edmonds. Meghan Edmonds is a social worker with the City of Toronto. She is a co-founder of the Sunnnyside Historical Society, a group passionate about preserving architectural heritage and showcasing local history. Meghan has a background in improv and enjoys writing historical skits that help to bring alive the past and make people laugh. Audience participation is what makes her tours a little different from most others. She is allergic to lecturing people, and believes the best way to remember history is to re-enact it!
Start Point: Outside the TIFF Bell Lightbox Theatre (350 King Street West)
Our staff and volunteers will be at the tour's starting location 30 minutes prior to each tour. Please arrive at least 5-10 minutes prior to the start of the tour to allow time for check in.
End Point: Campbell House Museum (160 Queen Street West)
Length of Tour: Approximately 60 minutes
Distance and Terrain: This tour is approximately 1 kilometre in distance and takes place predominantly on paved city sidewalks and streets. There are some unpaved portions of the route that take place in city parks.
Registration is required for all tours. Please note: you will not be able to join a tour group if you have not registered ahead of time.
This tour uses individual audio headsets. All registered participants will be provided with an individual headset that will allow you to hear the tour guide throughout the tour.
Frequently asked questions
TTC: The nearest TTC stop is the King Street West at John Street stop, accessible via the 503 and 504 streetcar route. Parking: There are parking garages available at the TIFF Bell Lightbox and at 300 King Street West (Mirvish Parking)
If you're running late for a tour and the tour has already left the starting location, look for the Heritage Toronto flag and group around the start location. You can also call us at (647) 542-3450.
Tours run rain or shine, so feel free to bring your umbrella or other rain gear. We will contact you if a tour is cancelled.
After the tour, you will receive a post-tour survey through an Eventbrite email. Please feel free to fill out the survey and give us feedback about your tour experience!
We recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes and considering bringing sunscreen and water to make your tour as enjoyable as possible.
As a walking tour, there are limited opportunities to sit throughout the tour and participants will be standing/walking for the majority of the tour, although there may be benches and ledges along the way! Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you have any questions about accessibility.