Featured Walks

Walking Tour of the Esplanade

Neighbourhood: The Esplanade
Meeting Location: “Kitchen Theatre” – St. Lawrence Market (Mezzanine level; 92 Front Street East/south side of Jarvis)
Start Time: 9:45am

Bruce Bell
Bruce Bell, official historian of St. Lawrence Market

There is probably no other street, boulevard or avenue in Toronto that has had a more diverse or checkered past than The Esplanade. Its existence was born from a majestic plan of a tree-lined waterfront promenade that, over the next two centuries, saw it transform into an industrial nightmare before becoming what it is today, a world renowned model of mixed housing to more than 2,000 people.

We will meet meet at 9:45am in the ‘Kitchen Theatre’ on the mezzanine level of St Lawrence Market 92 Front Street East south side at Jarvis. After a short slide show depicting the history of The Esplanade and St. Lawrence Market, local Toronto historian and tour guide Bruce Bell will lead the group on a one hour tour of the Esplanade. For more info checkout www.brucebelltours.com

Bruce Bell bio
Bruce Bell who lives on The Esplanade has been the popular monthly history columnist for the Bulletin, Canada’s largest community newspaper since 1999. In 2002 he was named by the city of Toronto the Official Historian of St. Lawrence Hall and St Lawrence Market. In November of 2003 Bruce was asked by the Ontario Heritage Foundation to host the 200 anniversary celebrations of St. Lawrence Market. In May 2004 Bruce was appointed official historian of Toronto’s King Edward Hotel as part of the famed hotel’s centennial celebrations. In October 2004 Bruce was appointed Honourary Historian of the Hockey Hall of Fame Heritage Building. In June 2006 Bruce was appointed Curator in Residence for the spectacular Dominion Bank Building (built in 1914). In October 2006 Bruce was bestowed the title ‘Honourary Historian of the 51 Division Heritage Building’ by Toronto Police Services for his work as a historian in 51 Division. Bruce is the author of two books Amazing Tales of St. Lawrence Neighbourhood and the just published TORONTO: A Pictorial Celebration. Bruce is also the official tour guide of St Lawrence Market where visitors from around the globe are constantly being impressed with his expert knowledge. Bruce’s History Project a plaque program marking historical sites with large bronze markers to date includes Toronto’s First Jail, The Great Fire of 1849, the hanging of the Rebellion of 1837 leaders Lount and Matthews and the birthplace of Canadian Statesman Robert Baldwin. Bruce’s mission is to tell Toronto’s history through his tours, writings and lectures including his sold out shows at Toronto’s famed Winter Garden Theatre, in an informative and entertaining way.