Skyscrapers and Shorelines

Skyscrapers and Shorelines

Discover the rich history and design behind Toronto's changing skylines and shorelines on this full-day bus tour. Get a glimpse at hidden architectural gems from Toronto's past and present. Enjoy a front-row seat to Toronto's changing relationship with its rivers and waterways as we travel through the site of the Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection project.

Highlights of the tour include:

• Enjoy a behind-the scenes visit to the Victory Building, Dream's Art Deco gem at 80 Richmond Street West. Explore this award-winning building, the recipient of the 2023 Built Heritage Award in Heritage Planning and Architecture, while hearing from the architects and project managers at Dream who worked to bring this early Toronto skyscraper back to life.
• Follow the route of Lake Ontario's original shoreline through the historic St. Lawrence neighbourhood to the Port Lands, site of a precedent-setting project to revitalize the mouth of the Don River. Explore how Toronto's history of land reclamation has affected our city's environmental, economic, and cultural history.
• Discover the surviving fragments of our city's architectural past at Guild Park and Gardens. Once a thriving artists' colony, Guild Park today boasts an unparalleled collection of sculpture and architectural remnants from downtown Toronto. We'll also visit the newly opened Clark Centre for the Arts, a new hub for artists in Scarborough.

Lunch and Refreshments:

Light snacks and refreshments will be offered on board the bus to all participants. Guests also can add a lunch sandwich from Good Behaviour ($12) when purchasing a bus tour ticket. Pre-purchased sandwiches will be distributed when guests board the bus and can be enjoyed at any point during the tour. Good Behaviour sandwich options include:

Classic Sandwich: soppressata, genoa salami, mortadella, prosciutto di parma, prosciutto cotto, provolone, giardiniera, iceberg lettuce
Turkey Sandwich: smoked turkey, smoked gouda, grainy mustard, salsa verde, iceberg lettuce
Mushroom Sandwich (Vegetarian): thyme roasted portobello, marinated artichokes, red peppers, pickled eggplant, broccoli rabe, provolone, red onion, mayo, iceberg lettuce
Mushroom Sandwich (Vegan): thyme roasted portobello, marinated artichokes, red peppers, pickled eggplant, broccoli rabe, red onion, iceberg lettuce

Please note: all sandwiches must be pre-ordered when purchasing a bus tour ticket. No sandwiches will be available for sale on the day of the tour. Guests are also welcome to bring their own food and drink on board the bus (with the exception of alcoholic beverages).

Ticketing and Tour Information:

Two presentations are offered for this tour: Saturday, April 27 and Saturday, May 4. This event page is for the April 27 presentation. If you are interested in attending the May 4 presentation, please visit this event page.

This tour departs at 11 am and ends at approximately 4 pm (depending on traffic).

Tickets for the tour must be purchased in advance online. No tickets may be purchased on site.

Please note: some portions of this tour will require guests to dis-embark the bus. Some stops will include light walking outside over uneven or unpaved terrain. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and dress prepared for weather. Tours run rain or shine.

Please contact Heritage Toronto at 416-338-0684 or [email protected] for more information.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Victory Building (80 Richmond St West), 80 Richmond Street West, Toronto, Canada