On May 16, 1853 the first passenger train steamed out of Toronto from a wooden depot that was located near present-day Union Station. During the next century, the railways were to have a profound impact on the city.

This tour explores the railways' influence on downtown Toronto, with an emphasis on the Railway Lands and the old CPR John St. roundhouse.

LEADER: Derek Boles, Toronto Railway Historical Association
START POINT: N side of King St, just E of Yonge St
DATE & TIME: Saturday, April 21st at 11:00 a.m.
FINISH POINT: John Street Roundhouse, Rees St and Bremner Blvd
LENGTH: Approx. 2 - 2.5 hours
FOCUS: Historical, architectural
DIFFICULTY: Long walk on sidewalks, some stairs

The sites that I deal with in some detail include:

1. The CPR Building at King & Yonge.
2. Canadian Northern headquarters at King & Toronto.
3. Toronto Railway Company headquarters at King & Church.
4. The Gooderham (Flatiron) Building.
5. The Great Western Railway station at Yonge & Esplanade.
6. The Railway Viaduct.
7. Union Station (although only the public areas, not the restricted areas we access on my monthly tours)
8. Old Union Station.
9. Roundhouse Park.
10. CPR John Street Roundhouse (exterior only)
11. The Railway Lands

I will be leading this annual walk for Heritage Toronto. The walks are free and no reservations are required.

Derek Boles
Toronto Railway Historical Association