Toronto: Experience PATH – A 32km/24mile underground walkway

If you’re planning a trip to Toronto and want a different perspective of the city, this guided tour of Toronto’s underground PATH offers a fascinating glimpse into a vibrant subterranean world. This tour isn’t just about wandering through tunnels; it’s about uncovering a hidden layer of Toronto’s daily life—an underground city packed with shops, restaurants, and corridors linking key landmarks.

What we love about this experience is how it combines practical underground navigation with storytelling about Toronto’s urban development. You’ll get insider tips from a knowledgeable guide and see parts of the city usually off-limits to visitors. The only downside? If you’re in a wheelchair or have mobility issues, this tour might not be suitable, as it involves escalators and stairs. Still, for the curious traveler who enjoys urban exploration and learning about city infrastructure, this tour hits the sweet spot.

This experience is best suited for those who want to avoid the cold or rain, like urban explorers, history buffs, or anyone looking for a practical way to get around downtown Toronto while soaking up some local stories. If you’re staying downtown and want an insider’s view of what’s beneath the surface, this tour is a smart choice.

Key Points

1. A Unique Underground Experience: Explore Toronto’s PATH, a 32 km network of tunnels connecting key sites, shops, and landmarks without stepping outside.
2. Knowledgeable Guide: The small group format ensures personalized attention and engaging storytelling, enhancing your understanding of Toronto’s underground city.
3. Convenient Starting Point: The tour begins in Union Station’s Great Hall, a central and easily accessible location in downtown Toronto.
4. Focused Itinerary: The 2-hour walk covers about 4 km, ending at Toronto City Hall—giving you a practical overview of how Torontonians move through their city daily.
5. Insightful Historical Context: The tour features historical photos and anecdotes that help you appreciate the development of this underground network.
6. Authentic Local Experience: Many reviews highlight how guides like Dave make the tour lively, interesting, and packed with local lore.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the PATH Tour

Starting Point: Union Station’s Great Hall

The journey kicks off inside Toronto’s historic Union Station, a hub of activity and a fitting place to begin your underground adventure. The guide — often a personable local like Dave — stands at the center of the Great Hall, holding a sign that clearly marks the start. From here, the tour is designed to be as accessible as possible, though it does involve escalators and stairs, so it’s not suited for wheelchairs or strollers.

What the Tour Covers

The 3.5 km / 2.2 miles route takes you through a web of tunnels, showcasing over 1200 shops, eateries, and key buildings — all beneath the city streets. You get to see parts of Toronto that most visitors and even many locals rarely explore. The experience is enriched by historical photos and storytelling that reveal how the PATH developed over the years.

Highlights Along the Way

You’ll pass some of Toronto’s most iconic sites, often without realizing it. The CN Tower, the Scotiabank Arena, and the Hockey Hall of Fame are all accessible from this underground network, and the guide will point out these landmarks, giving you a glimpse of their underground connections.

One reviewer, Amanda from Ireland, praised her guide Dave, saying, “He explained everything about the buildings, the PATH, and some extra information about some places. I totally recommend the PATH tour!” That kind of enthusiastic endorsement underscores how guides bring this underground maze to life.

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The End Point: Toronto City Hall

The tour concludes at Toronto City Hall, a modern architectural marvel that stands in contrast to the historic Union Station. Ending here gives you the opportunity to explore more of downtown or continue your adventure above ground.

Practical Details

The tour lasts about 2 hours, covering a manageable distance of 4 km / 2.5 miles. It’s available mainly in the afternoons, and the small group size (limited to 10 participants) makes for a more intimate experience. The cost, at $29 per person, offers a compelling value—especially when you consider the insider knowledge and the convenience of navigating Toronto’s underground without the hassle of outdoor weather.

What’s Not Included

While the tour is rich in sights and stories, it doesn’t include entry to the attractions you pass. It’s primarily a walking tour focusing on the PATH itself, not on visiting individual buildings or landmarks. If you want to access specific sites, you’ll need to buy tickets separately.

Accessibility and Limitations

The tour is not suitable for children under 10, people with mobility issues, wheelchair users, or those over 80. The use of escalators means you should be prepared for stairs or elevators at some points. Some buildings may not have working escalators on weekends, so be aware that stairs might sometimes be necessary.

Authentic Insight from Reviews

Guests consistently praise the knowledgeability and friendliness of guides like Dave. Tiffany from Australia calls Dave “fabulous,” mentioning his “great stories and interesting facts.” Marianne from Canada appreciated the relaxed pace and the unique perspective of the underground network, saying, “We gained a deeper appreciation of the PATH and its history.”

Several reviewers note how this tour provides practical navigation tips — useful if you plan to explore Toronto on your own later. Hollybeth from Canada mentioned that Dave’s tips helped her get around the city more easily, which is an added bonus for travelers.

Many guests also highlight that the tour is particularly good for rainy or cold days, making it a practical choice for winter visits. As one reviewer put it, “It’s especially worth doing on a rainy day,” since you stay dry while discovering the city.

The Value of the Experience

For just $29, you gain more than just a walk through tunnels — you get a guided tour packed with stories, photos, and insider tips. It’s a cost-effective way to learn about Toronto’s urban development and to see parts of the city that are usually hidden from view. The small group size enhances the experience, ensuring everyone can ask questions and absorb the information comfortably.

While entry to individual attractions isn’t included, the knowledge gained can make your sightseeing more efficient and enjoyable. Plus, it’s a perfect way to get your bearings in downtown Toronto, especially if you’re planning to explore further on your own afterward.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is ideal for history buffs, urban explorers, and those wanting a practical way to navigate Toronto during bad weather or busy days. It’s perfect for travelers who appreciate stories behind cityscapes and enjoy small-group experiences. If you’re traveling with children under 10 or have mobility challenges, you might want to consider other options, but for most visitors, this offers a fascinating, useful, and well-priced glimpse into Toronto’s underground world.

The Sum Up

The PATH tour in Toronto delivers real value for an accessible price. It’s more than just a walk through tunnels — it’s an opportunity to see a hidden side of the city and learn how Torontonians move through their daily lives beneath the streets. The knowledgeable guides, engaging stories, and practical insights make this a memorable experience that complements any Toronto itinerary.

If you’re a curious traveler eager to understand the city beyond its surface, this tour is a smart choice. It’s especially handy in winter or rainy weather, providing a warm, dry, and fascinating way to explore downtown Toronto. Best of all, it offers a sense of connection to the city’s ongoing story, seen through the eyes of local guides who love sharing their city’s secret underground.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Not really — it’s designed for travelers over 10 years old. The tour involves escalators and stairs, which aren’t ideal for young children or mobility-impaired visitors.

How long does the tour last?
It lasts about 2 hours, covering around 4 km / 2.5 miles of underground pathways.

Where does the tour start?
It begins inside Union Station’s Great Hall, at 65 Front Street West, in the historical part of the station.

Do I need to pay for attractions separately?
Yes, the tour does not include entry to specific attractions; it’s focused on exploring the PATH network and its surroundings.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchairs or mobility-impaired visitors because of escalators and stairs.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are recommended, as you’ll be walking for about two hours.

When is the best time to take this tour?
It’s most often available in the afternoon, but check with the provider for current scheduling.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

How many people will be on the tour?
The tour is limited to a small group of 10 participants, ensuring a personal experience.

What’s the cost?
It’s $29 per person, offering good value considering the insider knowledge and experience.

Is this tour suitable for rainy days?
Absolutely. It’s a perfect indoor activity when you want to stay dry while exploring the city.

This guided walk through Toronto’s underground PATH offers a practical, engaging, and authentic way to see parts of the city most visitors overlook. Whether you’re in town for a short visit or a longer stay, it’s an experience that reveals the city’s hidden infrastructure and local life—well worth considering for your Toronto itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: