#ExperienceTO: Riverdale Historical Tour

About Riverdale: "Riverdale is a large area of Toronto, encompassing many smaller communities, just east of the Don Valley Parkway. Its history dates back all the way to the late 18th century. Similar to many neighbourhoods, it was originally settled because of the river in the area. According to Best of Riverdale, the Don River linked prominent British settlers, who used generous land grants along its shores to homestead in the valley. Over the years they built residences, sold timber, hay and crops while growing their families. By 1797, there were thirty-five men and 24 women living in The Don Valley and marsh. There were also Indigenous people camping east of the Don as late as 1831. In the following decades, individuals like John Scadding, George Playter and William Smith continued to develop the area, setting the foundation for what would come in the 19th century. In the 1800s, Riverdale became home to a variety of industries, including paint, glue and oil factories, metal and processing plants, as well as dairies and brickyards. The Grand Trunk Railway was created in 1850s and had a big impact on Riverdale. Workers' houses were soon built in nearby Leslieville which led to the creation of roads, bridges and infrastructure. In 1896, the Queen East station of the railway was opened at Degrassi Street. This allowed local industries to begin shipping their products to other markets. Until 1884, Riverdale north of Queen Street was mostly undeveloped. When it was annexed by the City of Toronto, things began to change." (BlogTO)

Join us for a FREE, public walking tour that will be a good experience for anyone: whether you’re 8 or 80 years old, and whether you’re a curious local, solo traveler, backpacker, newcomer, or part of a group of friends.

ABOUT

Beginning in front of the Toronto Public Library - Riverdale Branch (370 Broadview Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 2M8), the interactive tour will be hosted by your guide Alex Rășcanu. The tour will focus on Riverdale's history. The historical tour will conclude at a nearby coffee shop.

WHEN

Saturday, March 28, 2026 at 10:00am. The tour will last approximately 90 minutes.

WHERE TO MEET

The tour will start in front of the Toronto Public Library - Riverdale Branch (370 Broadview Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 2M8).

WHERE IT ENDS

This tour will end at a nearby coffee shop, where you can order coffee/tea/brunch and spend some more time speaking and connecting with fellow historical tour participants.

FACILITATOR

Alex Rășcanu is a Torontonian, a husband, a father of four, and an avid student of our city's history. Stay in touch with him on LinkedIn / X / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube.

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Host or Publisher Alex Rascanu