Toronto Walking Tour: Downtown Icons & St. Lawrence Market

Summary

Walk Toronto’s downtown from Nathan Phillips Square to market bites

You’ll walk Toronto’s downtown with a local guide who knows every shortcut and story — from historic Old City Hall to skyscrapers in the Financial District, then down to St. Lawrence Market for lunch you can actually taste and remember. Expect laughter, small surprises, and a real sense of how locals move through their city.

What’s the experience like?

The tour started right at Nathan Phillips Square, which was already buzzing with people taking photos by the Toronto Sign — I kind of wanted one too, but our guide, Sam, was quick to point out a detail on Old City Hall across the street that I’d never have noticed on my own (the gargoyles are weirdly charming up close). We wandered into the PATH after that — I’d heard about Toronto’s underground city but didn’t realize how much life is happening down there. It’s like stepping into a parallel world where everyone moves just a bit faster, probably because it’s warmer underground than outside in March.

Sam kept tossing in stories about the Financial District as we walked past glass towers and public art — apparently, the tallest building in Canada is right here. I’m not sure why I expected more fanfare around it. The Hockey Hall of Fame was next; even if you don’t know much about hockey (me), you’ll get swept up in how Canadians talk about it. Someone in our group tried to pronounce “Gretzky” and got a friendly correction from a local passing by. It made me laugh.

We ducked into Brookfield Place for a minute — sunlight streaming through the Allan Lambert Galleria made everything look sharper somehow. After that, we passed Union Station (Sam said it’s the busiest terminal in Canada), then this little park with dogs splashing around a fountain shaped like… more dogs? Only in Toronto.

The Flatiron Building felt almost out of place among all the glass and steel, but that’s what makes it stick in my memory. By the time we reached St. Lawrence Market, I could smell bread baking somewhere inside before we even walked through the doors. There were so many food stalls — I grabbed something called a peameal bacon sandwich on Sam’s advice (salty, soft roll, messy fingers). Still thinking about that taste now.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Toronto's downtown highlights

• Start at Nathan Phillips Square
• Visit Old City Hall
• Explore the underground city
• See the Hockey Hall of Fame
• Walk through Allan Lambert Galleria
• View Financial District skyline
• Visit Union Station
• Relax at the dog fountain park
• See the original Flatiron Building
• Have lunch at St. Lawrence Market

Top questions

How long does this Toronto walking tour last?

The reference content doesn’t specify duration; expect several hours covering downtown highlights on foot.

Is lunch included at St. Lawrence Market?

No set lunch is included; you’ll have time to buy food from market stalls during the stop.

Where does the tour start?

The tour begins at Nathan Phillips Square near the Toronto Sign.

Are entrance fees or taxes included?

Yes, all fees and taxes are included in your booking.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended due to walking distance.

Does this tour go underground?

Yes, part of the route includes Toronto’s PATH underground city network.

What are some main stops on this walking tour?

Main stops include Old City Hall, Brookfield Place, Hockey Hall of Fame, Financial District, Flatiron Building, and St. Lawrence Market.

Will we see Union Station during the tour?

Yes, Union Station is one of the stops along the route.

What’s included

Your day includes all entry fees and taxes as you explore downtown Toronto with a local guide; you’ll visit major landmarks above and below ground before finishing at St. Lawrence Market where you can grab lunch from dozens of food stalls if you like.