Meet the women who overcame persecution and prejudice in their fight for opportunity and justice in 19th- and 20th-century Toronto. From the former site of the Mercer Reformatory, the first women’s prison in Canada, we’ll explore the area’s long-lost factories, immigration centres and rooming houses to uncover the stories of the women who lived and worked here.

This Heritage Toronto tour runs rain or shine and lasts approximately 90 minutes. Please wear comfortable walking shoes and consider bringing sunscreen and water to make your tour as enjoyable as possible. This tour relies on a loudspeaker sound system. For over 25 years, our goal has been to share Toronto’s history and showcase its architecture, spaces, communities and cultures with as many people as possible. We continue this commitment by providing these accessible tours and ask you to support this work by making a donation when you register, or on the tour. Charitable tax receipts will be issued for donations of $20 or more. This tour was developed and will be led by an emerging historian. Learn more about how Heritage Toronto is empowering the next generation of heritage advocates with our Emerging Historians Program. This tour was developed thanks to the generous support of Alexander Pike.

Start Point:
Allan A. Lamport Stadium Park (1155 King Street West)

End Point:
70 East Liberty Street

Cost:
Donations encouraged; pre-registration required