Old Town Toronto Food & History Walk with Market Tastings

Toronto , Canada

Old Town Toronto Food & History Walk with Market Tastings

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(154 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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About this experience

Discover Toronto’s past, one bite at a time, on this downtown food and culture tour that blends storytelling, local snacks and historic stops into a relaxed walk through the heart of the city. With tales of rebellion, immigration and reinvention, you’ll taste the flavours that built Toronto.

Highlights
- Try a locally roasted coffee and learn how beans, brewers and British ties shaped early Toronto.
- Sample an iconic Toronto sandwich (peameal bacon or vegetarian option) at the St. Lawrence Market.
- Discover how a fizzy soft drink created during Prohibition helped define Canadian identity.

Available options

Small Group Beer Tour

Private Beer Tour

What's included

Learn from a local guide with expert knowledge of Toronto’s food history

Explore St. Lawrence Market and the surrounding Market District

Join a guided small-group walking tour of Old Town Toronto

Sip freshly brewed, locally roasted coffee

Sample half of a peameal bacon sandwich or a vegetarian alternative

Finish at a neighborhood pub (craft beer available for purchase)

Enjoy half of a peameal bacon sandwich, or choose a vegetarian alternative.

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Your Toronto adventure kicks off at the iconic Hockey Hall of Fame — not for a visit, but as your meeting point before the real exploration begins.

Stroll through Berczy Park, known for its whimsical dog fountain and vibrant urban greenery.

Pass by Toronto’s historic luxury stay — the elegant Omni King Edward Hotel.

Pause at the Cathedral Church of St. James, a stunning Gothic Revival landmark and one of Toronto’s oldest sacred spaces.

Take a peaceful stroll through St. James Park, a quiet green retreat nestled beside the cathedral."

St. Lawrence Hall: a grand 1850 landmark of Renaissance Revival architecture and civic history.

Enjoy a quiet moment in Market Lane Park, a hidden green link to Toronto’s historic market district.

Stop 8

Explore Toronto’s historic Market District, where architectural gems and hidden stories await. Sink your teeth into the city’s most iconic bite — the peameal bacon sandwich — or opt for a hearty vegetarian alternative. Then, sip on Canada Dry Ginger Ale and indulge in a national treasure: the legendary butter tart.

End the tour at a beloved local pub, where you’re welcome to purchase a locally brewed beer and toast the day.

Spot Banksy’s elusive street art — a rare, thought-provoking piece tucked quietly into Toronto’s urban canvas

What's not included

Tips & gratuities for your guide

Additional beer and food

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 4.7

78 reviews

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Tripadvisor 4.9

76 reviews

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Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Is this tour environmentally friendly? Yes — and more! This tour is carbon neutral and run by a B Corp certified company. That means your experience is designed with both people and the planet in mind. B Corp Certification measures how a business impacts its community, environment, and promotes responsible tourism. So when you join, you're traveling for good.

Do you need to bring ID for this tour? Yes, you do. You’ll need to show a valid photo ID to your guide at the start of the tour. It’s a quick check to confirm that everyone meets the minimum age requirement of 19.

Is the tour vegetarian-friendly? This tour is designed with vegetarians in mind, and you’ll enjoy a hearty veggie-friendly option so no one misses out. However, we’re not able to accommodate other dietary needs like vegan, gluten-free, or allergies at this time.

What is the amount of walking involved? The walking distance is approximately 1.5 kilometers (about 1 mile), making it a relaxed and accessible pace suitable for most fitness levels.

Meeting point

NW corner of Yonge St. and Front St, outside the Hockey Hall of Fame

Important notes

Dietary Notes
This tour is designed with vegetarians in mind, and you’ll enjoy a hearty veggie-friendly option so no one misses out. However, we’re not able to accommodate other dietary needs like vegan, gluten-free, or allergies at this time.

Child Policy
Children and teens under age 19 are not permitted to join this tour. Photo ID must be supplied to your guide at the beginning of the tour.

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.

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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