Historic Brothels of Old Toronto Walking Tour
Active
2h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
18+ Discover a secret chapter in the history of 1800s Toronto.
This tour is based on a decade of archival research that uncovered the locations of 100 brothels in 1800s Toronto and provides an immersive cultural and historical experience. Gain insider knowledge of these newly discovered true histories of Old Toronto's prostitution economy from 1837-1920. Learn about the women who worked here, how they survived their jobs, the city's booming brothel culture-- and its most famous male clientele.
Artifacts, photographs, stories, and architectural secrets contribute to this memorable experience. This 90 minute tour honours these historical workers and the many stories our town founders hoped would stay hidden forever.
Available options
Historic Brothels of Old Toronto Walking Tour
CHA Brothels of Old Toronto
Starting point:<br/>131 Queens Quay E, Toronto, ON M5A 1B4, Canada
What's included
Guided Tour of Unmarked Historic Sites
Secret histories of Old Toronto's most infamous brothels
Detailed itinerary
1
Explore the secrets hiding in Old Toronto's historic neighborhood. This tour reveals the scandalous histories of buildings you might pass by every day.
What's not included
Please bring your own water bottles.
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
11 reviews
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Tripadvisor
4.9
12 reviews
5★
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Important information
Wheelchair accessible
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
18+ Not recommended for children.
Meeting point
CHA Conference Participants Meet for Tour Here
Important notes
Please bring a screenshot of your booking with you at the start of the tour
About Toronto
Toronto is Canada's largest city and a vibrant multicultural hub known for its towering skyscrapers, diverse neighborhoods, and rich cultural scene. It's a city where modernity and tradition blend seamlessly, offering a dynamic urban experience with a welcoming atmosphere.
Top Attractions
CN Tower
The CN Tower is an iconic landmark of Toronto and one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world. It offers panoramic views of the city and a thrilling EdgeWalk experience.
Architecture
1-2 hours
$38 CAD for general admission
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
The ROM is Canada's largest museum of natural history and world cultures. It features a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits, including dinosaur fossils, ancient artifacts, and contemporary art.
Museum
2-3 hours
$23 CAD for adults
Toronto Islands
The Toronto Islands offer a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. With beautiful beaches, scenic trails, and stunning views of the skyline, it's a perfect spot for picnics, cycling, and relaxation.
Nature
Half-day to full day
$8.25 CAD round trip ferry ticket
Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
Ripley's Aquarium is a fascinating underwater world featuring a wide variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and penguins. It's an exciting and educational experience for all ages.
Attraction
1-2 hours
$42.99 CAD for adults
Distillery District
The Distillery District is a historic and charming neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, Victorian-era buildings, and vibrant arts scene. It's a great place for shopping, dining, and cultural events.
Cultural
1-2 hours
Free to explore, varies for shops and restaurants
Must-Try Local Dishes
Poutine
A classic Canadian dish consisting of French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy.
Main Dish
Contains dairy and gluten
Butter Tarts
A sweet pastry filled with a mixture of butter, sugar, syrup, and sometimes raisins or pecans.
Dessert
Contains gluten and dairy
Peameal Bacon Sandwich
A Toronto specialty featuring peameal bacon (back bacon rolled in cornmeal) served on a bun.
Breakfast/Lunch
Contains pork
Nanaimo Bars
A no-bake dessert square with a crumb base, a light custard-flavored butter icing in the middle, and a chocolate layer on top.
Dessert
Contains gluten, dairy, and nuts
Popular Activities
Hiking
Skiing
Canoeing
Spas
Yoga
Meditation
Museums
Art Galleries
Best Time to Visit
May to October
This is the best time to visit Toronto for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city comes alive with festivals, outdoor dining, and events.
15°C to 30°C
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, French
- Widely spoken: English, French, Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi, Spanish, Tagalog, Portuguese
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Time Zone
GMT-5 (Eastern Standard Time, EST) or GMT-4 (Eastern Daylight Time, EDT)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Toronto is generally considered a safe city, but like any major urban center, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious when using ATMs
- • Avoid walking alone late at night in isolated areas
Getting there
By air
- Toronto Pearson International Airport • 22.5 km from city center
- Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport • 3 km from city center
By train
Toronto Union Station
By bus
Toronto Coach Terminal, Union Station Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The TTC subway system is efficient and widely used. It consists of four lines that connect major attractions and neighborhoods.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown Toronto
Kensington Market
Chinatown
The Annex
Leslieville
Day trips
Niagara Falls
130 km from Toronto • Full day
Niagara Falls is one of the world's most famous natural wonders, offering breathtaking views, boat tours, and a variety of attractions.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
135 km from Toronto • Full day
Niagara-on-the-Lake is a charming town known for its historic sites, wineries, and beautiful architecture.
Blue Mountain
150 km from Toronto • Full day or overnight
Blue Mountain is a popular year-round destination offering skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and a charming village with shops and restaurants.
Festivals
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) • September
Pride Toronto • June
Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) • August
Pro tips
- Visit the Toronto Islands for a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle
- Explore the Distillery District for its charming cobblestone streets and vibrant arts scene
- Try local craft beers at one of the city's many breweries
- Visit during the Toronto Christmas Market for a magical and festive experience
- Take a stroll along the waterfront for stunning views of the city skyline
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
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