Exploring The Heart of Downtown Toronto
Overview
Available languages
2 hours 30 minutes
Mobile ticket
We meet at Nathan Phillips Square, discuss the history and significance of the square, City Hall, and the Toronto Sign. We view the adjacent Spirit Gardens as a contemplative Indigenous cultural space. Next, visit the exterior of Osgoode Hall and then the Canada Life Building, and learn about its weather beacon. Afterwards, we visit Dreaming by Jaume Plensa, followed by two of Canada's tallest buildings. We move on to visit the lobby used in the legal drama Suits, starring Meghan Markle, now the Duchess of Sussex. We discover the history of ‘street skateboarding’ in the Financial District and world-renowned TD architect Ludwig Mies van der Rohe’s. Then learn about the Financial District’s global relevance and history, and visit Tembo, the wholesome Mother of Elephants. Afterwards, discover Toronto’s PATH, and visit the Allen Lambert Galleria, followed by a visit to RBC’s headquarters. We view the CN Tower, and finally, we visit Union Station’s exterior and interior.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Nathan Phillips Square
Travellers will learn about the history and present of Nathan Phillips Square, how it hosted the largest event in Canadian History and the famous Toronto Sign located at the ice rink.
Nathan Phillips Square
We view the adjacent Spirit Gardens, a contemplative Indigenous cultural space featuring sculptures and gathering areas, dedicated to honouring residential school survivors.
Options
Exploring The Heart of Downtown Toronto
What‘s Included
Custom Toronto Recommendations map, with food, drink, and dessert options
Post-tour discounts at local partners in Toronto
Audio and written guides in Spanish, French, and Mandarin
Whispers (Wireless audioguides)
Tips/gratuities.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
19 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
What a Discovery!
crawford421,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I have lived in Toronto for over 50 years and thought I knew the city well. But when I took Savant Tours walking tour “Exploring the Heart of Downtown Toronto”, was I ever surprised. I knew nothing about the Spirit Garden which sits quietly adjacent to Nathan Phillips Square, with its spectacular sculpture of a canoe, and the sculpture of a turtle that represents the creation of North America. There is a domed structure for people to gather and contemplate. All is dedicated to residential school survivors. From there, our guide took us to locales I pass by every day, completely unaware of their history. The Canada Life Building with its weather beacon, the Toronto Dominion Bank designed by world famous architect Mies van der Rohe, who wanted his buildings to have dedicated space around them for the public to enjoy. We viewed two stunning sculptures I have never seen before: “Dreaming,” which brings a deep breath and a sense of peace amidst the hustle of downtown Toronto and “Tembo, the mother of all elephants. Our guide wove together the old and the new with clarity and a sense of humour. I now have a whole new appreciation for this spectacular city of ours. Highly recommend! Eve C.
Excellent downtown Toronto walk.
Dream492038,May 19, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great chance to see all the interesting tourist attractions in downtown Toronto. The guide was informative, friendly and helpful. He also provided interesting background to the numerous sights we saw. It was well worth the $15 price.
Amazing walking tour!!
Vacation30231083478,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The information was amazing, the length was perfect, he guided us perfectly, and showed many examples and pictures and videos.
Terrific Experience!
S474BAmelc,Dec 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Duncan gave an excellent tour, full of fascinating and little-known insights about the great city of Toronto. He was easy to understand, welcomed every question, and clearly cared about giving us a memorable experience. I wholeheartedly recommend this tour!
Get an absolutely unique and entertaining view of Toronto during this tour!
G3974YRlyndam,Dec 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Duncan brought an interesting and enjoyable perspective to learning about Toronto. I particularly liked the information he shared about the new Reconciliation Garden next to Nathan Philips Square. He also gave examples or told stories about each site which were educational or entertaining. His information about the law society building and its fence was a good example of his unique style. As well, his information about the financial area and the 2020 statue of the mesmerizing head sculpture was fascinating. Even his interesting stories about skateboarding in the city made his tour one-of-a-kind. This tour is absolutely worth taking.
A Fun Walk Through Downtown
J2513INjant,Nov 24, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Duncan is a great tour guide. He's a local skateboarder with a deep knowledge of the city. The route he chose was well-designed and included plenty of hidden and overlooked art installations and buildings, as well as the famous PATH network. At the end, he provided a Google Maps map of personal dining recommendations throughout the city that was worth the price of the tour alone!
Eye Opening
705ankitr,Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This was an awesome and informative tour of Toronto. Duncan has collected some interesting set of facts for place around Toronto that I didn't know even after staying here for almost 4 years. I would say it is worth it.
Highly recommend!
392yilins,Nov 11, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00This tour was a fun way to learn about the core of Downtown Toronto. Duncan shared interesting facts, stories about the buildings and sculptures we passed, and personal anecdotes from growing up in the city. It was clear that he cares about his work and wants everyone to appreciate Toronto the way he does. I highly recommend this tour for both locals and visitors who want to explore and learn about this great city!
New perspectives on my own city!!
teosecara,Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00As a Toronto native, I wanted to see my city from a new perspective, and Duncan’s tour exceeded my expectations. He shared unique and captivating insights about Toronto’s history, culture, and street life - his knowledge and passion for the city really shine through. I loved how engaging he was and how effortlessly he connected stories about local spots, people, and even the skateboarding scene to the broader culture of Toronto. He took me to places I’d never visited before, even after living here for years, and helped me appreciate the city in a totally new way. I’d highly recommend this tour to both locals and visitors, it's a great opportunity to have fun, learn something new, and take in some authentic Toronto energy!
A deeper visit
16kirkg,Nov 6, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I'm actually a Toronto native curious to get to know my city better and I definitely made the right call. Walking by the same buildings was actually very different with someone there telling you the background and stories of what this city is and how it all came together. So I really appreciate that Duncan! Duncan was fun, easy to understand, and a lot to share. Had a great time.
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Operated by Savant Tours