Shifting Shoreline

About this event

Trace Toronto’s original shoreline and uncover the Indigenous, colonial, and industrial histories layered beneath today’s city. What happened to Toronto’s original waterfront? Trace the shoreline that once ran near today’s Front Street and discover how the lake’s edge was reshaped by colonization, industrialism, and city-building. From the Dominion Public Building to St. Lawrence Market and Parliament Square Park, uncover the layers of history beneath the streets: Indigenous land, archaeological artifacts, buried waters, and the people who transformed Toronto’s relationship with Lake Ontario. About the Tour Leader Beatrice Hunter is an emerging museum professional and lifelong learner with abiding passions for public history, education and storytelling. With dedicated professional experience in heritage interpretation, she is passionate about projects that research, explore and share the rich, vibrant history of Toronto. These prior roles have enabled Beatrice to cultivate an enduring appreciation for the stories of diverse individuals, communities, and events that have shaped our shared past. She believes that to build a more cohesive city, we need to learn and educate collaboratively to better understand our shared past as a foundation for a shared future. Start Point: Dominion Public Building (1 Front Street West) Our staff and volunteers will be at the tour's starting location 30 minutes prior to each tour. Please arrive at least 10-15 minutes prior to the start of the tour to allow time for check-in. Feel free to call us at (647) 542-3450 if you are having trouble finding the start location. End Point: Parliament Square Park (44 Parliament Street) Length of Tour: Approximately 90 minutes Distance and Terrain: This tour is approximately 2.1 kilometres in distance and takes place predominantly on paved city sidewalks and streets. The only exception is that the land near the Shoreline Commemorative Sculpture on Front Street slopes downward and could be a bit more difficult for some to stand on, but it's not drastic. Ticket Price and Registration: This tour is provided for $8.00/person. The total cost is $10.05 (includes a $2.05 transaction fee). Please note that space is limited on our tours. You may not be able to join a tour group if you have not registered ahead of time. Cash cannot be accepted onsite. This tour uses individual audio headsets. All registered participants will be provided with an individual headset that will allow you to hear the tour guide throughout the tour.