Explore the shops, laneways, and public spaces that have anchored the Chinese community on Spadina Avenue. Now facing intense redevelopment, this walk will trace the countless stories of advocacy reflected in this built landscape, shaped by migration and displacement, and the renewed activism to preserve its cultural heritage.
This Heritage Toronto tour runs rain or shine and lasts approximately 90 minutes. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and consider bringing sunscreen and water to make your tour as enjoyable as possible.
This tour uses individual audio headsets. All registered participants will be provided with an individual headset that will allow you to hear the live tour guide throughout the tour.
This tour was developed and will be led by historian and architecture professor Erica Allen-Kim.
You will not be able to join a tour group if you have not registered ahead of time through our website (see below). To offset the cost of administering and sanitizing our audio headset equipment, a $20 fee is required for this tour and must be paid in advance when registering.
If you share our passion for accessible and inclusive heritage programming, we invite you to make a donation to help fund one of our next walks. Tour volunteers are equipped to accept both cash and contactless donations, and gifts of $20+ will receive a charitable tax receipt.
This tour covers approximately 1 kilometer in distance, and takes place mostly on city sidewalks. Please be aware this tour takes place in a crowded downtown location, with potentially limited spots to socially distance.
We ask for your help and patience in making the experience as safe as possible for everyone. All in-person events will follow Toronto Public Health guidelines and Heritage Toronto safety measures. Heritage Toronto tours take place outside. All participants are welcome and encouraged to wear a mask. Masks will be available upon request.
If you have any questions prior to the tour, please contact us at [email protected]
Labour Lyceum Building (346 Spadina Avenue)
Closest TTC Stop: 510 Streetcar at Dundas Street stop (travelling north or southward)
Look for the volunteers in blue shirts and our Heritage Toronto umbrella.
For over 25 years we have been touring through the city with groups, learning some fun facts, little-known stories, and about the amazing people that have contributed to Toronto's heritage.
Many of our tours are developed and led by those who are part of our Emerging Historians program.
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