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Toronto
Toronto Crime Tour: Walk with Ex-Detectives!
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Overview
Private 2-Hour Walking Crime Tour in Toronto offers a thrilling journey into the city's dark past, guided by former detectives who once patrolled these very streets. This unique walking tour explores Toronto's criminal history, from the Upper Canada Rebellion to modern-day events.
Visitors can expect to uncover secrets and stories behind 15 key locations, including Downtown Toronto (1977), a former Streetgang Shootout Location (2005), and sites of Toronto Riots. The tour also explores the Toronto Criminal Justice System, Ambrose Small's Last Known Location, Courthouse Square (Former Gallows Site), Massey Mansion (Former Crime Scene), The Don Jail & Former Bank Heist Locations, Jarvis Street (Duel Site), Dundas & Jarvis ('The Corner'), Old Toronto Police Headquarters Site, The Village Ravine, Toronto Parks, Gooderham & Worts Distillery District, and the Distillery District from the Bootlegging Era. Learn about infamous figures, forgotten riots, and the evolution of crime in Toronto.
This private tour ensures an intimate and personalized experience. It offers a unique perspective on Toronto's history, delving into the underbelly of the city's past. Please note that bottled water is not included. 
Highlights
Walk with Former Detectives: Hear true crime stories from the people who investigated them.
Explore 15 Key Crime Locations: Discover the hidden history behind Toronto's most infamous sites.
Private and Personalized Experience: Enjoy an intimate tour tailored to your group's interests.
Uncover Toronto's Dark Past: Delve into the city's criminal underbelly and forgotten stories.
Sites of Toronto Riots: Relive some of the most violent days in the city’s history.
Distillery District (Bootlegging Era): Hear the stories behind how alcohol was made during the Bootlegging Era.
Sentiment Analysis
Customers generally enjoyed the Private 2-Hour Walking Crime Tour in Toronto, praising the knowledgeable guides and unique stories. However, some mentioned hearing difficulties and physical demands.
Customers loved hearing real stories from former detectives.
Many found the tour informative and interesting.
Guests appreciated the unique perspective on Toronto's history.
People enjoyed the personal touch of a private tour.
Some found it challenging to hear everything the tour guide was saying.
Tour may not be suitable for everyone, as it requires physical activity.
The Journey
Downtown Toronto (1977)
Delve into the grim past of Toronto's downtown core in 1977, where the tragic murder of a young shoeshine boy catalyzed a much-needed cleanup of the city's then-filthy underbelly. Explore the revitalized streets and reflect on how a dark event spurred transformative change, shaping the modern urban landscape you see today. Witness the resilience and rebirth of a district once marred by neglect.
Streetgang Shootout Location (2005)
Visit the site of a heartbreaking streetgang shootout from 2005 where a 15-year-old girl tragically lost her life. Explore the neighborhood and reflect on the impact of violence on the community. Understand the ongoing efforts to address gang-related issues and promote safety, while remembering the victims of such senseless acts.
Sites of Toronto Riots
Trace the tumultuous history of riots in Toronto, from the Upper Canada Rebellion of 1837 to the G20 protests of 2010. Visit key locations where these events unfolded and understand the social and political tensions that fueled them. See how these uprisings shaped the city's identity and led to significant changes in governance and policy.
Toronto Criminal Justice System
Gain insight into how the mentally ill are treated within Toronto's criminal justice system. Visit locations associated with mental health advocacy and the legal process, and learn about the challenges and reforms surrounding mental health and the law. Understand the efforts made to support individuals and improve the system’s responsiveness to their needs.
Ambrose Small's Last Known Location
Unravel Toronto's greatest unsolved mystery: the 1919 disappearance of wealthy theatre owner Ambrose Small. Visit his last known whereabouts, retracing his steps and exploring the theories surrounding his vanishing act. Imagine the opulent world of early 20th-century theatre and the secrets that may have led to his enigmatic fate.
Courthouse Square (Former Gallows Site)
Stand at Courthouse Square, the site of Canada's last public gallows, and explore the bizarre list of crimes that once carried capital punishment, from stealing turnips to stealing cattle. Reflect on the evolution of justice and the changing attitudes toward crime and punishment. This somber site offers a chilling glimpse into a bygone era of legal severity.
Massey Mansion (Former Crime Scene)
Step back in time to 1915 and the trial of the century: the murder of Bert Massey of the wealthy Massey Ferguson empire. Visit the site associated with this scandalous crime and hear the gripping details of the investigation, trial, and the societal impact of a crime that captivated the nation. Uncover the dark secrets of one of Toronto's most prominent families.
The Don Jail & Former Bank Heist Locations
Follow the exploits of the infamous Boyd Gang, notorious for their daring bank heists and improbable escapes from The Don Jail. Explore locations connected to their criminal activities and learn about the media frenzy that surrounded their escapades. Discover how these charismatic criminals became legends, despite their violent actions, including the killing of a Toronto Police detective.
Jarvis Street (Duel Site)
Visit Jarvis Street, the site of the Jarvis Duel in 1817, the last such duel in Toronto. Reflect on the history of dueling and its place in early 19th-century society. Learn about the individuals involved and the circumstances that led to this dramatic and final clash in the city's history.
Dundas & Jarvis ('The Corner')
Hear the shocking details of Canada's first 'gangland' slaying in 1939 at Dundas & Jarvis, once known as 'The Corner'. Explore the area and learn about its sordid past, marked by crime and vice. Understand the efforts to revitalize this historic intersection and transform it into a vibrant urban hub.
Old Toronto Police Headquarters Site
Uncover the incredible story of how a riot between circus clowns and the Hook & Ladder fire company in 1855 led to the revamping of the Toronto Police structure. Visit the site where this bizarre event unfolded and understand how it shaped the law enforcement system that is still in effect today. Discover the unexpected origins of modern policing in Toronto.
The Village Ravine
Confront the dark history of a serial killer who targeted gay men in The Village. Visit the ravine where eight victims were tragically discovered and learn about the initial police indifference and the eventual pursuit of justice. Reflect on the importance of inclusivity, equality, and the fight against prejudice in this poignant location.
Toronto Parks
Explore Toronto's parks and uncover the historical context surrounding laws related to public behavior, such as topless sunbathing. Consider the ongoing debates about freedom, expression, and public morality in these green spaces. Reflect on the evolution of social norms and the boundaries of acceptable conduct in urban environments.
Gooderham & Worts Distillery District
Explore the historic Gooderham & Worts Distillery District, dating back to 1832 and the rapid growth of whiskey making. Wander through the cobblestone streets and hear the whispers of Wort's ghost, rumored to still haunt the area. Experience the atmospheric charm of this iconic landmark and its connection to Toronto's distilling past.
Distillery District (Bootlegging Era)
Delve into the rougher past of the Distillery District and its involvement in bootlegging during the 1922 prohibition era. Discover the hidden stories and secret passages of this complex, where illicit activities thrived amidst the industrial architecture. Experience the thrill of a bygone era and the rebellious spirit that defined the time.
Know Before You Go
This private 2-hour walking tour includes an immersive experience led by former detectives. It excludes bottled water. Please confirm meeting point details upon booking, as pickup and drop-off services are not provided.
Hot Tip
Wear comfortable shoes as the tour involves a good amount of walking. Also, consider bringing a portable personal speaker or listening device to use during the tour to amplify sound if you have trouble hearing in loud environments.
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