LET'S TAKE A WALK: SIX OUTDOOR HERITAGE SPACES IN TORONTO

Heritage Moments | Madison Carmichael 

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One of the greatest surprises of completing the MMST program in Toronto was the city itself. I grew up in Mississauga, which is about forty minutes – depending on the traffic – from downtown Toronto. The suburban child’s mind easily paints an urban jungle paved from tip to toe in concrete and crowned with shining skyscrapers too tall to fathom. What that little kid misses, and what I was thrilled to discover, was the amount of heritage embedded within the city, outdoors and indoors, old and new. And so I thought, what with spring (hopefully) on its way, I'd take a leaf out of a fellow editor's book and set out on a long walk across Toronto to shine a light on some of the city’s fantastic outdoor heritage spaces and sites.

Ah, the CN Tower. Our favourite example of Brutalist architecture. Photograph courtesy of Madison Carmichael. 

1. The University of Toronto

This one is perhaps a given, but there is something to be said for the St. George campus at the University of Toronto. The University, founded in 1827, contains a whole slew of architectural styles from Gothic to Brutalist (looking at you, Robarts) to Victorian. It’s easy to read the long history of the University in the Philosopher’s Walk, the Soldiers’ Tower, and the 50 heritage buildings which are scattered across the campus.

A postcard from 1903. Even then, they were keen to highlight their older buildings. (Source)

2. The Beltline Trail

The Beltline Trail is what remains of a short-lived commuter railway from the 1890s. In the 1890s, it seemed as though Toronto was on the cusp of a suburban boom, and so the businessmen who formed the Belt Line Railway sought to capitalize on these future commuters. The Railway operated with a similar ethos as it would seem the GO Transit and other such rapid transit currently do: to connect the suburbs of Toronto to the downtown core. The Belt Line only operated for two years between 1892 and 1894, but to this day, Torontonians continue to use its right-of-way, albeit very differently. The Kay Gardner Beltline Park, which is the most notable enduring stretch of the Railway, is frequently used by runners, walkers, and cyclists. You can even spot the site of one of the original Belt Line stations or follow one of Toronto’s Discovery Walks.

The "Yonge Station" of the Belt Line Railway as it currently stands. Photograph courtesy of Madison Carmichael. 

3. Mount Pleasant Cemetery

Said Discovery Walk will also bring you to Mount Pleasant Cemetery. As one of Canada’s most historic cemeteries, Mount Pleasant has operated in Toronto since 1876. The cemetery houses a unique sort of heritage, one found in epitaphs and mausoleums, as well as in the sculptures and memorials found throughout the grounds. Mount Pleasant has several running and walking routes for you to try, if you’re up for exploring; and while you do, you can enjoy the cemetery’s abundance of trees, flower gardens, and wildlife – namely birds.

The many tombstone and memorials of Mount Pleasant are also indicative of Victorian burial practices and symbols. Check out that urn - and if you look closely, you can see a small veil draped over it. Photograph courtesy of Madison Carmichael. 

4. High Park

High Park is a park that knows how to multitask. In the century and a bit since the park was handed over to the City of Toronto, it’s acquired a pool, a zoo, playgrounds, and tennis courts, in addition to the open spaces frequently utilized by Torontonians for picnics, walks, etcetera. The park also contains Colborne Lodge, which is currently closed, but was originally owned by John and Jemima Howard, who deeded High Park to the City in 1873. A walking visitor can also enjoy the gardens and waterfront along Grenadier Pond. And of course, High Park is known for its cherry blossoms, which are set to bloom in the coming months, so look forward to that.

A shot of High Park. (Source)

5. Humber River

The Humber River was designated as a Canadian Heritage River in 1999, but it has a much longer history of human settlement, going back thousands of years. Presently, you can take the City’s Discovery Walk beginning around the Old Mill Subway station to explore its rich, multifaceted heritage, beginning the with the Old Mill and Old Mill Bridge. The Old Mill, dating to 1793, was part of Toronto’s first industrial buildings and helped to build Fort York. The walk then takes you to the Toronto Carrying Place Trail, which was used by Indigenous peoples for millennia as a trade route between Lake Ontario and lakes further north. The Humber River, Valley, and Marshes are also home to a variety of wildlife such as migratory birds and butterflies.

A more historic Humber River. And a cow. (Source)

Now something a little more current. See what I did there. (Source)

6. Distillery District

While the Distillery District is more generally known for its Christmas Market, the District is also a wonderful example of Toronto’s industrial heritage. It’s also a National Historic Site. Formed of more than 40 buildings, the Distillery District functioned as the Gooderham and Worts Distillery from 1859 to 1900. Gooderham and Worts largely produced whisky, and its location on the side of the Canadian National Railway mainline ensured its commercial success. The District is considered the largest and best-preserved collection of Victorian industrial architecture in North America, and in the past few decades the District has transformed into a pedestrian-oriented area filled with shops, art galleries, theatres, coffeehouses, and restaurants. While much of that is closed at present, the Distillery District is certainly worth a walk – for the buildings, if nothing else.

The Distillery District is worth a visit any time of the year! (Source)

For those keen to explore outdoor Toronto in the upcoming warmer months, I’d advise checking out the City of Toronto’s Discovery Walks and all the fantastic walking tours listed here! They cover far more than I’ve listed here, which gives you some indication as to just how much there is in the city to discover. Best of luck out there, and stay safe!