Walking Tour of Toronto's Kensington Market and Chinatown
Discover two of Toronto's most colorful and multicultural neighborhoods on this small-group walking tour of Kensington Market and Chinatown. On this 3-hour tour, immerse yourself in both local and international culture as you wander the often bustling streets lined with unique vendors and specialty stores. Learn from your guide about the history of these areas and discover the best places to shop and eat.
Options
Private Tour
Departure at 10 AM
What's included in Walking Tour of Toronto's Kensington Market and Chinatown
(Subject to Option Inclusions)Itinerary
Kensington Market
In Kensington Market, over a coffee or tea at a local cafe, you’ll learn how the neighbourhood has evolved from a working-class Jewish market into a working-class bohemian market. Several waves of immigrant settlement over the past century have splashed colours, sounds, and flavours from the four corners of the earth throughout Kensington Market, and yet there is not a McDonald's or Starbucks to be seen. Large multinational corporations are decidedly unwelcome, and unlikely to migrate their way in anytime soon. One of the many highlights of this tour is a visit to a local food vendor to awaken your taste buds to Kensington Market’s international flavour. Aside from its aversion to corporations, the neighbourhood is known for its festivals (Pedestrian Sunday is a favourite), vintage shops, cafes, bakeries, hole-in-the-wall bars, and the many, many bare brick walls that have long been covered with graffiti murals (often at the request of the buildings’ owners). These murals are nearly all stunning, and have become one of the iconic features of the neighbourhood. Your local guide will be happy to elaborate on any element of the neighbourhood you find particularly interesting on this Kensington Market tour in Toronto – we all love this area a lot!
Chinatown
As we said, right next door to Kensington Market is Chinatown, one of Canada's largest Chinese communities, and one of the largest Chinatowns in North America. One of the busiest areas in the city, there’s always something happening, and always tales to tell. On this part of your Toronto tour, your guide will enlighten you with some favourite local stories and intriguing history surrounding Toronto’s Chinatown. Along the way, you’ll also likely get restaurant recommendations, which can really come in handy for after your Toronto Chinatown tour – trust us, there are a lot of places to eat around here.
Inclusions
- Local English-speaking guide
- Walk the hidden lanes and alleys to discover amazing graffiti art
- Explore the unique, bohemian atmosphere of Kensington Market
- Experience the sights, sounds, and smells of Toronto’s legendary Chinatown
- Stop for a coffee or tea in one of the local cafes
- Sample a snack at a local food vendor
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Additional snacks and beverages
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This is a child-friendly tour. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6.
- Tour involves a good amount of walking; comfortable shoes are recommended
Meet
Pickup and Dropoff
You will make your own way to the meeting points
Meeting / End Points
- Meet at the SW corner of McCaul St and Dundas St West, beside the Art Gallery of Ontario
Redeem
Ticket Redemption
Dress Code Summers can be hot and humid, spring/autumn can be cool, and winters downright frigid with snow. Dress according to weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Review us How did we do? Your experience matters! Let us know by leaving a review. Please inform us if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6.