Small-Group Walking Tour of Toronto's Kensington Market and Chinatown

Highlights

  • This walking tour begins at the southwest corner of McCaul Street and Dundas Street West beside the Art Gallery of Ontario. Meet and greet the guide and the rest of the small group and prepare for two hours of adventure around the Kensington Market and Chinatown neighborhoods. Together, Chinatown and Kensington Market are often bustling, friendly places to visit. Each has its own distinctively different reputation for local and international delicacies, unique vendors and specialty shops — like nowhere else in Toronto. Because they are located right next to one another, it provides a perfect opportunity to explore both in a relatively short amount of time. Kensington Market is a distinctively multicultural neighborhood, evolving from a working-class Jewish market into a working-class bohemian market. With so many different immigrants settling here over the past century, there is now an ample variety of colors, sounds and flavors from all over the world. Witness the vintage shops, cafes, bakeries and bars, plus the plethora of bare brick walls that have been artfully covered with stunning graffiti murals and street art. One street over is Chinatown, an area that was first developed in the late 19th century. Enjoy learning about the local stories and interesting history of Canada's largest Chinese community and one of the largest Chinatowns in North America. It’s also one of the busiest areas of the city, with shops, restaurants, historic monuments and more extending along Dundas Street West and Spadina Avenue, located to the west of the center of the city. The tour ends at the Dragon City Shopping Centre.

Summary

This walking tour begins at the southwest corner of McCaul Street and Dundas Street West beside the Art Gallery of Ontario. Meet and greet the guide and the rest of the small group and prepare for two hours of adventure around the Kensington Market and Chinatown neighborhoods. Together, Chinatown and Kensington Market are often bustling, friendly places to visit. Each has its own distinctively different reputation for local and international delicacies, unique vendors and specialty shops — like nowhere else in Toronto. Because they are located right next to one another, it provides a perfect opportunity to explore both in a relatively short amount of time. Kensington Market is a distinctively multicultural neighborhood, evolving from a working-class Jewish market into a working-class bohemian market. With so many different immigrants settling here over the past century, there is now an ample variety of colors, sounds and flavors from all over the world. Witness the vintage shops, cafes, bakeries and bars, plus the plethora of bare brick walls that have been artfully covered with stunning graffiti murals and street art. One street over is Chinatown, an area that was first developed in the late 19th century. Enjoy learning about the local stories and interesting history of Canada's largest Chinese community and one of the largest Chinatowns in North America. It’s also one of the busiest areas of the city, with shops, restaurants, historic monuments and more extending along Dundas Street West and Spadina Avenue, located to the west of the center of the city. The tour ends at the Dragon City Shopping Centre.

Tour info

Duration
2 hours
Group Size
Pricing (From)
Commentary
Meeting Point
Dropoff location

Why take this tour?

Discover two of Toronto's most colorful and multicultural neighborhoods on this small-group walking tour of Kensington Market and Chinatown. On this 2-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.

What’s included?

  • Small-group walking tour

  • Local English-speaking guide

  • Coffee or tea at a local cafe

  • A snack at a local food vendor

  • Entry/Admission - Toronto Urban Adventures

  • Hotel pickup and drop-off

  • Gratuities

  • Additional snacks and beverages

Things to know

Before you book

  • Duration: 2h

  • Mobile tickets accepted

  • Instant confirmation

Covid Policy

  • Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience

Effective Sept 1, 2021, travellers 18+ must show proof of COVID-19 vaccination. Children 6-17 must present a negative COVID-19 test (PCR or lateral flow) conducted maximum 72 hours prior, proof of recovery dated up to 9 months or proof of vaccination. View full policy at urbanadventures.com/vaccine

Cancellation Policy

    For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

Operated by:

Toronto Urban Adventures

About operator:

Tours about beer, bacon, urban issues, and what makes Toronto such a cool place to visit are what we're all about. Since 2010, our expert local guides have led tours for thousands of visitors and locals: single travellers, couples, families, and groups of all kinds through the streets, parks and alleyways to show off the very best of Toronto. We pride ourselves on not only showing off the highlights of the city, but also getting off the beaten path, sharing our local knowledge and giving our guests a better appreciation for Toronto and all that it has to offer. Our public tours run year-round and we are available for private tours and customized experiences year-round. As part of the Intrepid Urban Adventures group, we have a global reputation and guaranteed departures. Our group size for the public tours is limited to 12 guests per guide in order to deliver the BEST DAY EVER.

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