The Town of York Historical Society is preparing for the return of its popular Summer Walking Tour Series, set to run every other Friday from June through August 2025.
Led by the society’s Museum Coordinator, the guided tours offer participants a chance to walk through Old Town Toronto while exploring different aspects of the city’s early development—including the vital role played by its first post office.
Each tour is built around a unique theme, shedding light on Toronto’s political, social, and commercial roots. Several of the tours will highlight communications and infrastructure, including the establishment of mail service in Upper Canada and the story of Toronto’s First Post Office, which now serves as both a museum and national historic site.
Tours begin at the steps of St. James Cathedral on King Street East and conclude at the historic post office itself. Along the way, participants will explore streets once travelled by early settlers, merchants, and mail couriers who laid the foundation for Canada’s postal system. The walks proceed rain or shine and may include uneven surfaces, so proper footwear and attire are recommended. All ages are welcome, and leashed dogs are permitted on most routes.
Toronto’s First Post Office, operated by the Town of York Historical Society, is the only remaining example of a post office in Canada that functioned as a department of the British Royal Mail. It continues to honour that legacy through educational programming and exhibits, including the Summer Walking Tour Series.
For a full schedule of themes, dates, and to reserve tickets, visit www.townofyork.com.