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

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

Imagine walking beneath the bustling streets of Toronto without ever stepping outside. That’s exactly what you get on the Experience Toronto’s PATH, a 2-hour guided tour that takes you through 32 kilometers (about 24 miles) of underground walkways, connecting over 1200 shops, dozens of eateries, and key city sights. For just $29 per person, this tour offers a unique perspective on a city that’s often overlooked — especially in winter or when the weather isn’t cooperating.

What we love most about this tour is how it reveals a hidden world beneath the city’s surface, full of history and everyday life. The guides, like Dave, aren’t just walking encyclopedias; they make the experience engaging with stories and interesting facts that bring the underground pathways to life. The second highlight? Getting to see key landmarks such as the CN Tower, Scotiabank Arena, and the Hockey Hall of Fame—all without braving Toronto’s busy streets.

A potential consideration? The tour covers about 4 km (just over 2.5 miles) of walking, mostly on escalators, which might be tiring if you have mobility issues or prefer less walking. Also, some buildings may not have functioning escalators on weekends, so be prepared for stairs or elevators. This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy exploring at a relaxed pace and are comfortable with a small group.

If you’re keen on discovering Toronto from a different angle — especially if cold weather or rain is in the forecast — this underground adventure is perfect. It’s especially popular with those wanting to navigate the city efficiently or learn insider tips about the area’s commercial and cultural hubs.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Unique underground world: The PATH is a 32 km network of tunnels filled with shops, restaurants, and connecting buildings.
• Expert guides: Knowledgeable guides like Dave bring the underground city to life with stories and historical insights.
• Convenient for weather: Perfect for visiting in winter or rainy days when outdoor walking isn’t appealing.
• Highlights: See iconic sights such as Toronto’s CN Tower, ScotiaBank Arena, and the Hockey Hall of Fame without stepping outside.
• Good value: At $29, it’s a cost-effective way to explore a lesser-known side of Toronto.
• Limited accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, or those with mobility impairments due to escalators and stairs.

A Thorough Look at the Experience

Starting Point: Union Station’s Great Hall

The tour kicks off inside Union Station’s Great Hall, a historic and impressive space characterized by its high ceilings, grand architecture, and the central clock. Meeting here gives you an immediate sense of Toronto’s blend of old and new. The guide, often Dave, is easy to spot holding a sign marked PATH, making it straightforward to find the group.

The Path’s Size and Significance

Once underground, you quickly realize why Toronto calls its PATH a “city beneath a city.” With over 1200 shops and hundreds of eateries, it’s a lively network used daily by over 200,000 commuters. We loved the way guides explain how the PATH connects subway stations, hotels, major attractions, and shopping malls, providing a shortcut through the city’s core.

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Aspects of the Tour

The 4 km/2.5 miles walk feels just right — enough to see a significant section of the PATH without it becoming overwhelming. The tour is usually in the afternoon, which is perfect for those arriving in Toronto or looking to beat the evening crowds.

You’ll encounter many features that locals use daily but that travelers might overlook. For example, the guide often shares historical photos and snippets about how the underground network was designed and developed. These stories add layers of meaning to what might seem like just a maze of shops and corridors.

Key Stops and Sights

While the tour is primarily a walk through the underground corridors, it’s sprinkled with visits or views of notable points:

• CN Tower: One of Toronto’s most recognizable landmarks, visible from many parts of the PATH.
• Scotiabank Arena: Home to major sports teams, also connected directly to the PATH.
• Hockey Hall of Fame: Not far from the walk, easily accessible for a future visit.

Accessibility and Comfort

Keep in mind that this tour involves using escalators on four occasions, and some buildings may not have functioning escalators on weekends. If stairs or elevators are a concern, or if you have mobility limitations, this might not be the best fit. The guide emphasizes this in the notes and recommends comfortable shoes, as some walking and stair-climbing is unavoidable.

Reviews and Guide Quality

Feedback from past travelers consistently praises the guide’s knowledge and friendliness. Amanda from Ireland said, “Dave is a great guide and explained everything about the buildings, the Path, and some extra information.” Many reviewers mention that doing this early in their stay helped them navigate Toronto more confidently afterward. Fanny from Germany called the tour “especially worth doing on a rainy day,” highlighting its practicality.

Value for Money

At $29, the tour offers an excellent introduction to Toronto’s underground city—a portion of the PATH that would otherwise take hours to explore on your own. Considering the number of shops, the historical insights, and the convenience it provides, it’s a solid bang for your buck. Plus, the small group size (limited to 10 participants) ensures personal attention and a relaxed pace.

Who Should Join

This tour works best for adults and older children (over 10) who are comfortable walking, climbing stairs, and looking to explore a different side of Toronto. It’s ideal for visitors wanting to avoid outdoor walking in bad weather, those who enjoy learning local stories, or travelers who appreciate the convenience of navigating a city easily.

Final Thoughts

This guided walk through Toronto’s underground PATH offers a rare glimpse into a bustling, hidden part of the city that many visitors miss. It’s a clever way to see the city’s commercial heart while avoiding the cold and rain, especially in winter. The knowledgeable guides, like Dave, turn what could be a simple corridor tour into a lively, educational experience filled with stories, history, and insider tips.

For travelers looking for a practical, engaging, and affordable way to understand Toronto’s downtown core, this tour fits the bill. It’s perfect if you want to maximize your time, stay dry, and see the city from a different perspective. Plus, you’ll leave with a better sense of how Toronto’s underground network connects the city’s most significant sights and neighborhoods.

While it might not be suited for everyone — particularly those with mobility issues — for most, it’s a fun and surprisingly informative way to spend a few hours. Don’t forget your comfortable shoes, and be ready to discover a whole new side of Toronto that most don’t even know exists.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
This tour is best for travelers over 10 years old due to walking and stair climbing requirements. It might not be suitable for very young children or strollers.

How long does the tour last?
The walk lasts approximately 2 hours, covering about 4 km (just over 2.5 miles) through Toronto’s underground PATH.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes a live guide and historical photos. Entry to attractions is not included, but the focus is on the underground network.

Where do we meet for the tour?
You meet inside Union Station’s Great Hall, near the clock and Via Rail departure board, holding a sign marked PATH.

Is the tour available in the evenings?
The typical schedule is in the afternoon, but availability can vary. Check with the provider for specific times.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility in planning.

Is this accessible for people with mobility issues?
Due to escalators and stairs, this tour is not suitable for wheelchairs or those with mobility impairments.

Does the tour operate on holidays?
Some locations may be closed or have limited access on certain weekends and holidays, which can affect the experience.

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a Toronto local curious about your city’s underground network, this tour offers valuable insights in a relaxed, friendly setting. It’s a clever way to see Toronto from an entirely different angle and enjoy a bit of the city’s secret life beneath the streets.

You can check availability for your dates here: