Little Italy on College Street

Explore the businesses, gathering places, and cultural institutions that helped shape Italian life in Toronto's Little Italy.
About this Event

What makes a neighbourhood feel like home? On this walk through Little Italy, explore the businesses, gathering places, and cultural institutions that helped shape Italian life on College Street from the early 20th century to today. Discover stories of migration, family enterprise, faith, food, and community-building in one of Toronto’s most beloved streetscapes. From bustling cafés to local landmarks, this tour traces how Italian Canadians helped transform Toronto’s social and cultural fabric, and invites you to experience a little taste of la bella vita along the way.

About the Tour Leader

Xavier Mazzotta is a second-year student at the University of Toronto majoring in History and Sociology. He was born and raised in Toronto and grew up near Koreatown and Christie Pits Park. Throughout his childhood, he was exposed to the beautiful diversity Toronto possesses and met people from all cultures and walks of life. He is a third-generation Canadian, with his grandparents of Italian and Guyanese descent respectively. As he's grown up and continued to interact with the various cultural landmarks of Toronto, Xavier has developed a keen interest in teaching others about the various aspects our great city.

Start Point: Toronto Public Library – College/Shaw Branch (766 College St)

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: CHIN Radio (622 College St)

Length of Tour: Approximately 90 minutes

Distance and Terrain: This tour is approximately 1.1 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.