A melting pot of culture, entertainment and business, Toronto is one of the most recognizable cities in North America. Its streets are lined with architectural gems showcasing the city’s history, which stretches back over 200 years, as well as tranquil parks, soaring skyscrapers and esteemed bars.

One of the best ways to get a feel for this buzzing metropolis is through a free walking tour in Toronto. You’ll get to see the city through the eyes of a local, visiting its most spectacular attractions, both on and off the tourist trail.

Here's all you need to know about free walking tours, one of the most engaging options for sightseeing tours in Toronto.

How do free walking tours work?

Free walking tours in Toronto have become increasingly popular in recent years as they provide tourists with an affordable and authentic way of experiencing this incredible city.

These tours are completely free to book and participate in, but it is encouraged that you tip your tour guide at the end of the tour. The amount you decide to tip is completely up to you.

How much should you tip?

When deciding how much to tip, think about the effort that your guide put into the tour and how much you enjoyed the tour overall.

Most tour participants tend to tip between US$10 and US$15 per person, but some people tip as much as US$50 for outstanding tours.

What are the best free walking tours in Toronto?

Free walking tour in Toronto

You’ll begin this free walking tour in Toronto in one of the city’s open green spaces — Berczy Park — which you’ll stroll through to reach the Gooderham Building. Here, you’ll discover the construct’s flatiron architecture, as well as the history of its uses by the Gooderham family.

See the tallest building in Toronto — the CN Tower — which towers above the city from heights of over 550 meters before moving onto the Old Town. Explore numerous historic buildings in this corner of the city, including the Romanesque Toronto Old City Hall, built in the 19th century.

You’ll then wander through Nathan Phillips Square — best known for the multitude of events that are held here throughout the year, including the Cavalcade of Lights and New Year’s celebrations. This famed square is surrounded by some of the city’s most important and fascinating buildings, as well as a statue dedicated to the British prime minister, Winston Churchill, who led the country to victory through WWII.

Discover Yonge-Dundas Square, located in the Financial District, as well as the longest street in the world, which runs for almost 2,000 kilometers, before ending your excursion. Named Yonge Street, this road links Lake Ontario to the Canada/ Minnesota border.

Free Old Town and Distillery District walking tour in Toronto

Meet your guide at Union Station, named a National Historic Site of Canada, to explore the city’s streets together.

You’ll travel to the Hockey Hall of Fame to discover why Canadians love the sport so much and see an astounding collection of relics, including trophies, photographs, and celebratory videos.

Visit Berczy Park, which is home to a fountain dedicated to the dogs of the city, as well as the Cathedral Church of St. James, which was built in the 19th century and is the seat of the Bishop of Toronto. Here, you can pay your respects to the Patron Saint of Laborers or discover the history behind its congregation, which began before the church’s first stones were laid.

After admiring the Gothic-Revival architecture of this religious monument, you’ll head into the Distillery District where you’ll gain a spectacular view of the CN Tower and visit St. Lawrence Market. Along the way, you’ll hop between venues to try the city’s most beloved tipples and culinary delights.

Free photography walking tour in Toronto

Budding photographers can take part in this free tour in Toronto and discover the city’s most photogenic spots. You’ll see some of the same landmarks as on other excursions, including Nathan Phillips Square and the Old City Hall. However, you’ll also explore sites off the tourist trail.

These alternative destinations include the New City Hall, designed by Viljo Revell as part of a competition hosted by the Toronto City Council. Amble down University Avenue to see several of the city’s most notable buildings, including Osgoode Hall, as well as a memorial dedicated to the South African War, which was fought between 1899 and 1902.

Cut through the Entertainment District along John Street where you’ll catch a glimpse of the institutions leading CBC and the Toronto International Film Festival.

One of the remarkable spots you’ll visit on this Toronto free walking tour is Graffiti Alley where you’ll discover the city’s most talented street artists through breathtaking murals that cover the area’s walls.

Pub crawl in Toronto

Those who are looking for an introduction to the city via its tipples can do so on a pub crawl in Toronto. This is the best way to make new friends and you’ll break the ice with other group members over a frosty pint or fruity cocktail.

You’ll visit three venues in total, hopping between each on foot, and discuss the history of Toronto with your knowledgeable local guide.

With plenty of culture and a smattering of alcohol, this light-hearted tour is the ideal way to learn more about the city without wearing yourself out.

In which languages is it operated?

All free walking tours in Toronto operate in English, making them accessible to a number of national and international tourists. In rare cases, excursions may also offer additional languages, such as Spanish.

Tours that do offer multiple languages usually have different slots for different languages, meaning you’ll never have to listen to a dual commentary. You’ll simply select the timeslot that corresponds with your chosen language and have the opportunity to bond with other travelers who speak the same dialect as you.

As the popularity of these guided walks grows, you can expect to see tours operating in a multitude of languages, opening them up to an even wider range of visitors.

Where does it start?

Free tours in Toronto begin at a range of destinations across the city, depending on the landmarks featured in the itinerary. These are typically easy-to-reach locations, such as Berczy Park or Union Station. Upon arrival, you’ll usually find your guide wearing or holding an item that makes them easy to distinguish, which helps you to have a seamless experience.

You can find out the meeting point before booking so that you can plan your route and arrange any necessary transportation in advance.

Toronto is known for its extensive public transportation network, which includes subways, streetcars and buses. Each of these modes of transportation is known to be reliable and affordable, making it easy to navigate the city’s streets.

It’s worth noting that free walking tours in Toronto often end in a different part of the city than their starting point and you may wish to familiarize yourself with this finishing destination before traveling to the city.

How long does it last?

Free walking tours in Toronto typically last between 1.5 and 3 hours, making them an easy activity to slip into your vacation itinerary. If you’re especially limited on time, you can select a Toronto pub crawl or a tour of the city’s Old Town. If, on the other hand, you wish to extend your adventure a little more, choose a standard free walking tour or photography-themed excursion, both of which last over 2 hours.

Is it wheelchair friendly?

Generally, free walking tours in Toronto are not suitable for wheelchair users. Instead, those with reduced mobility can choose from a wide range of city tours in Toronto that are more accessible.

When is the best time to join a free walking tour in Toronto?

Should you book tickets online?

Booking your spot on a free walking tour in Toronto is advisable for anyone who plans to participate in one of these excursions. You’ll be able to secure a slot at a time and date that suits your itinerary and you’ll save valuable vacation time, which would otherwise be spent roaming the streets looking for a guide.

You’ll also be able to see tour information, including the attractions visited, as well as real reviews from other travelers to help you select a guided walk that piques your interest.

Finally, it takes just a couple of minutes to book your place on a free tour in Toronto and you won’t need to input your credit card information, meaning you’ve got nothing to lose by doing so.

Free Walking Tours in Toronto