Fragments and Façades
About this Event
Encounter remnants of Toronto's former city skyline, a time when stately banks and ornate office buildings dominated the landscape.
Rescued from wasteyard and garbage dumps, rubble from buildings demolished in the early to mid-20th century was restored, and found new life at Guild Park. Among the remains you’ll encounter on this walk are the carved red sandstone panels from the Temple Building, the tallest building in the British Empire upon its completion; stone panels and parapets from an Art Deco office tower that housed the operations for the daily newspaper, the Toronto Star; and parts of two grand banks that stood at the corner of King and Bay Street - the Bank of Montreal and the Bank of Toronto.
Pick up the pieces with us as we wander through this unusual park and weave together a story of a lost Toronto.
About the Tour Leaders
Jane Schiedel has worked as a guide and facilitator at Toronto's museums over the past three years. She shares her passion for early Canadian history and explores how its architecture, urban planning, and creative minds have shaped the city today. Jane has a deep appreciation for film, especially regarding the Canadian film industry and its unique storytelling. She looks forward to creating and guiding tours for Heritage Toronto this summer, developing her understanding of Toronto's rich history.
John Mason is founding President of Friends of Guild Park, a volunteer-led organization launched in 2013 to support the revitalization and public awareness of historic Guild Park & Gardens. A longtime resident of Guildwood Village, John has played a central role in developing interpretive programming at the park and has led hundreds of guided tours exploring its unique blend of art, architecture, and landscape along the Scarborough Bluffs.
Start Point: Front Garden at Guild Park (201 Guildwood Pkwy)
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: Sculptor's Cabin at Guild Park (201 Guildwood Pkwy)
Length of Tour: Approximately 90 minutes
Distance and Terrain: This tour is approximately 1 kilometre in distance and takes place predominantly on unpaved gravel and dirt paths.
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.
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
CAD 0.00 to CAD 11.04
