Tour Guys

23/01/2025

Hey neighbors to the south (and our fellow Canadians too), let’s talk about a little piece of Toronto history with a bold and cheeky message.

If you’ve ever walked near Bathurst Street and Lake Shore Boulevard, you might have spotted the “Monument to the War of 1812” by Canadian artist Douglas Coupland. It features a golden British soldier standing triumphant over a silver American one. The message? Back in the day, when some Americans thought Canada (at the time a handful of colonies that took a pass on joining the famous 13) might make a nice addition to their country, we proved we could hold our own. It’s a cheeky but firm reminder of what happens to unwelcome visitors and might make your president think twice about making Canada “the 51st state”. 😉

But here’s the good news: if you’re just here as friends and curious travelers, our door is wide open! We love welcoming our neighbours to explore Toronto’s rich history, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks. And yes, we might sprinkle in a little Canadian humour along the way!

So, come join us on a walking tour this year. We promise unforgettable stories, plenty of laughs, and a warm welcome—because that’s the Canadian way. See you soon, eh?

30/09/2024

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, observed on September 30th in Canada, is a day to recognize and reflect on the painful legacy of residential schools that forcibly assimilated Indigenous children for over a century. These schools, funded by the government and often run by churches, removed children from their families, prohibiting them from speaking their languages or practicing their cultures. Many children faced neglect, abuse, and even death in these institutions.

The day stems from one of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s (TRC) Calls to Action, which aimed to address the deep and ongoing impact of these schools on Indigenous communities. It’s also tied to Orange Shirt Day, which commemorates the experiences of survivors and their families. The orange shirt represents the experience of Phyllis Webstad, whose new orange shirt (a treasured gift from her grandmother) was taken from her on her first day at a residential school, symbolizing the stripping away of identity and dignity.

This day is both a memorial and a call to action for Canadians to learn about this dark chapter in their history, honour the survivors, and commit to reconciliation—meaning efforts to repair relationships, recognize Indigenous rights, and address the ongoing effects of colonization. For many, it’s a day of reflection and education, but it’s also a day to acknowledge that healing and justice are still needed.

https://www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/campaigns/national-day-truth-reconciliation.html

23/09/2024

Have you seen this mural on one of our Graffiti in Toronto tours? This is an old photo, maybe you have a more recent one?

Elicser, a well-known Toronto-based street artist, and Indigo, an artist from Montreal, teamed up in 2016 to create this stunning mural at 37 Bulwer St., which was once the home of Manifesto Community Projects and is now a private residence. The collaboration came about as both artists share a passion for creating community-driven art that inspires positive change. Elicser’s expressive characters and Indigo’s vibrant colors blend perfectly in this mural, celebrating Manifesto’s mission of empowering young artists. Even though Manifesto has moved, the mural remains a beautiful reminder of the lasting impact art can have on shaping Toronto’s culture and community!

23/09/2024

One of the murals you may see on one of our Graffit in Toronto Tours is “The David Suzuki and Atlantic Salmon” mural, painted by Kevin Ledo in 2016, is part of the "Love Letters to the Great Lakes" mural project. This initiative was designed to raise awareness about the environmental health of the Great Lakes and the creatures that depend on them. Located in Toronto, the mural features a striking portrait of environmentalist David Suzuki, a well-known Canadian figure and advocate for environmental conservation, particularly the protection of ecosystems like the Great Lakes.

In the mural, Suzuki is depicted alongside Atlantic salmon, a species once native to Lake Ontario that was wiped out in the 19th century due to habitat destruction and overfishing. Efforts to reintroduce the species have been ongoing, symbolizing broader conservation efforts.

Kevin Ledo's work on this mural combines portraiture and environmental themes, highlighting the interconnectedness of humans and nature. The mural serves as both a tribute to Suzuki's lifetime of environmental activism and a call to action for the restoration of ecosystems, like those of the Great Lakes, that have been degraded by human activity. Through this powerful visual, Ledo emphasizes the importance of protecting and restoring natural habitats for the survival of species like the Atlantic salmon.

01/07/2024

One of our guides, Jennifer, snapped these photos on her walking tour this afternoon. People are gathering in parks and venues around the city to enjoy live music and the company of others on this Canada Day.

For many, this day celebrates Canada. For others it’s a time to reflect on our country and think about what we want Canada to be. We are, after all, a work in progress!

What are you doing today? How are you spending Canada Day? Share a photo!

22/06/2024

I’m so sad the Ontario Science Centre is closing for good. Designed by Raymond Moriyama as the world’s first interactive science museum it has been hugely influential not just in the lives of countless children since opening in 1969 (it was a Canadian centennial project but opened late) but it influenced how museums are designed to engage visitors - especially children - to better educate. I’m getting a little teary here… I’m so glad we had it and am so sad it’s closing.

21/06/2024

Today marks National Indigenous Peoples Day.
We recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.
In recent years, the Trust has worked with a number of Indigenous communities to share their stories in their own voices and, where possible, their own languages, through events, our Heritage Matters magazine and provincial plaques.

Learn more about Indigenous heritage in Ontario:

https://www.heritagetrust.on.ca/pages/our-stories/indigenous-heritage-in-ontario

21/06/2024

Today is National Indigenous Peoples Day 🧡 We recognize and celebrate the history, heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis across Canada.

📸 jgazze on IG

21/06/2024

National Indigenous Peoples Day is commemorated every year on June 21 to recognize and celebrate the histories, heritage, resilience and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Canada.

Today, as we welcome the summer solstice, let’s take some time to listen to and uplift Indigenous voices and learn about these incredible communities.

Discover Indigenous connections to Parks Canada ➡ https://parks.canada.ca/culture/autochtones-indigenous

15/06/2024

11/06/2024

June is , a time to learn, reflect on and celebrate the diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Toronto and Turtle Island.

Learn more: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/festivals-events/indigenous-events-awards/national-indigenous-peoples-month/

11/06/2024

You might see this on our Downtown Toronto Walking Tour, with departures daily at 10am from Union Station. Book your spot at www.tourguys.ca

11/06/2024

This would be fun! You should go!

This Saturday! Follow in the hoofsteps of a rampaging cow as we explore the history of Edwardian Toronto. Jamie Bradburn & I will co-lead the tour, following the path the runaway bovine took exactly 111 years ago...

07/06/2024

Summer is peak ice cream season. Hit us with your favourite flavour and place for a scoop or two.

Tour Guys founder Jason used to work at Baskin-Robbins as a teen and loves to pair a chocolate and a fruit flavour together in a waffle cone. Here’s a dark cherry scoop on a chocolate fudge brownie scoop in a cone from Avondale Dairy Bar.

01/06/2024

With City of Toronto – We just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉