Bad Girls

Explore today’s Liberty Village through the lens of women’s mobility in Toronto during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
About this Event

Explore how women challenged social expectations—and the institutions that sought to control them—in one of Toronto's most rapidly changing neighbourhoods.

Long before Liberty Village became a hub of condos, cafés, and creative industries, it was home to Canada's first women's Pr*son. This walk uncovers the stories of women whose lives intersected with the Andrew Mercer Reformatory, where ideas about morality, gender, race, and respectability shaped who was deemed "criminal."

Along the way, we'll explore the remaining traces of Mercer Reformatory and the Toronto Central Pr*son, while uncovering stories of factory workers, immigrant women, reformers, and inmates whose experiences reveal a different side of Toronto's history. Together, these places illuminate how women navigated work, freedom, surveillance, and resistance in a rapidly industrializing city.

About the Tour Leader

Ela is a longtime heritage enthousiast and historic researcher. With a background in architectural conservation and a passion for Toronto history, she loves to share her interests and knowledge about the city’s secrets, quirks, and stories.

Start Point: Allan A. Lamport Stadium (1155 King St W)

Our staff and volunteers will be at the tour's starting location 30 minutes prior to each tour. Please arrive at least 10-15 minutes prior to the start of the tour to allow time for check-in. Feel free to call us at (647) 542-3450 if you are having trouble finding the start location.

End Point: Liberty Village Park (70 East Liberty St)

Length of Tour: Approximately 90 minutes

Distance and Terrain: This tour is approximately 1.5 kilometres in distance and takes place predominantly on paved city sidewalks and streets.

Ticket Price and Registration: This tour is provided for $8.00/person. The total cost is $10.05 (includes a $2.05 transaction fee). Please note that space is limited on our tours. You may not be able to join a tour group if you have not registered ahead of time. Cash cannot be accepted onsite.

This tour uses individual audio headsets. All registered participants will be provided with an individual headset that will allow you to hear the tour guide throughout the tour.