Toronto Walking Tour: Kensington Market and Chinatown
4.8
115 Ratings
Toronto
Immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of Toronto's Kensington Market and Chinatown on this engaging 3-hour walking tour. Explore unique vendors, specialty stores, and learn about the history of these multicultural neighborhoods.
Duration:
3 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Kensington Market - In Kensington Market, over a coffee or tea at a local cafe, you’ll learn how the neighbourhood has evolved from a working-class Jewish market into a working-class bohemian market. Several waves of immigrant settlement over the past century have splashed colours, sounds, and flavours from the four corners of the earth throughout Kensington Market, and yet there is not a McDonald’s or Starbucks to be seen. Large multinational corporations are decidedly unwelcome, and unlikely to migrate their way in anytime soon. One of the many highlights of this tour is a visit to a local food vendor to awaken your taste buds to Kensington Market’s international flavour.
Aside from its aversion to corporations, the neighbourhood is known for its festivals (Pedestrian Sunday is a favourite), vintage shops, cafes, bakeries, hole-in-the-wall bars, and the many, many bare brick walls that have long been covered with graffiti murals (often at the request of the buildings’ owners). These murals are nearly all stunning, and have become one of the iconic features of the neighbourhood. Your local guide will be happy to elaborate on any element of the neighbourhood you find particularly interesting on this Kensington Market tour in Toronto – we all love this area a lot!
What's Included
- Local English-speaking guide
- Discover graffiti art in hidden lanes
- Explore Kensington Market’s bohemian vibe
- Immerse in the cultural mosaic of Toronto’s Chinatown
- Enjoy coffee or tea at a quaint local cafe
- Sample snacks from local food vendors
What's Not Included
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Gratuities
- Additional snacks and beverages
Additional Information
Embark on a small-group walking tour of Kensington Market and Chinatown, two of Toronto’s most vibrant and ethnically-diverse districts. On this three-hour journey encounter local and global cultures simultaneously, as you stroll through lively streets brimming with distinctive markets and specialty shops. Absorb the historical background of these regions from your guide, and unearth the top spots for dining and shopping.
- This is a child-friendly tour. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6.
- Tour involves a good amount of walking; comfortable shoes are recommended
Location
Dundas St West at McCaul St
Meet at the SW corner of McCaul St and Dundas St West, beside the Art Gallery of Ontario
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.8
(115 Ratings)
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Voyage697422
May 13, 2024
Fascinating tour - Michelle did a great job of showing us around this interesting area. She covered everything from history to graffiti. And the food stops were delicious. I learned a lot and was thoroughly entertained.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Susanna_r
May 3, 2024
Guided tour by Jennifer exceeded our expectations- seeing and learning about Toronto, inhabitants and neighborhoods. - Jennifer guided our tour of seven from diverse backgrounds and locations. She engaged everyone’s interest with her deep and broad knowledge of Toronto history, evolution as a city becoming what it is today, its unique features and many important relevant stories. Highly recommend tour and guide.
Review provided by Viator
Mark_j
May 3, 2024
Engaging, educational tour - I was lucky enough to have a solo tour. Rob was fantastic and it was a great balance of informative talks but also quiz questions along the way. It really made the tour more engaging.
We visited some fantastic venues, and all the locals were so welcoming, and we had some fantastic coffee and cakes along the way. Picked myself up some Shea Butter products, from the local Tribal store, which was a fantastic spot.
Highly recommend.
Review provided by Viator
Dannysdc
Apr 10, 2024
Brief yet informative, highly recommended for Toronto newcomers. - An exceptional and informative tour within Kensington and China Town all provided by Thomas. Had an excellent time with his tour of the neighborhoods.
Review provided by Viator
Sandy_g
Mar 16, 2024
History, food, Great coffee! - Wow! I was so lucky to have Jason all to myself! I learned so much from him. He was so funny and informative! I had a great time. Wished it could never end. Kensington was a great place and a not to miss area!!
Review provided by Viator
Rasmus_c
Feb 23, 2024
Fascinating and learningfull walk - Such a great walk with Jason as a perfect host and storyteller. I leaned so much and had great fun. I would recommend this tour to everybody.
Review provided by Viator
Amy_r
Dec 19, 2023
Chinatown Kensington with a twist - Kieran was a great guide. Very knowledgeable , super nice and interesting. We would recommend for sure!
Review provided by Viator
Geoffreys934
Dec 19, 2023
Great way to get to know some neighborhoods outside downtown. - Great overview of the history and culture of two great Toronto neighborhoods. Kieran was very well informed and seemed to tailor the tour to our interests.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Stanleyw_l
Oct 5, 2023
Great tour of Chinatown and Kensington Market - Robert was great and extremely knowledgeable in the rich history of the areas of Chinatown and the Kensington Market. We appreciated his demeanor and great sense of humor!
Review provided by Viator
Siaohui_t
Dec 2, 2023
Great walking tour - Jacky was great, she tailored the walking tour for our group, as our age group was from 9 to 74. The only little bummer was the rain.
Review provided by Viator
