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

Taking a tour through Toronto’s underground PATH might not be the first thing that comes to mind when thinking about exploring a city, but it’s surprisingly one of the most practical and fascinating ways to see the downtown core. This guided walk offers a unique perspective on Toronto, revealing a sprawling subterranean world that many locals and travelers never get to experience firsthand.

What we love about this tour is how it combines convenience, insider knowledge, and an authentic glimpse into the city’s underground life. It’s perfect for those chilly winter days or anyone wanting to avoid a long walk in the rain. The fact that over 200,000 daily users rely on PATH for their commute speaks volumes about its importance—and it’s a chance to see Toronto from a fresh angle.

One thing to keep in mind is that the tour is around 2 hours long, and involves some escalator use and stairs, so it might not be suitable for everyone with mobility issues. Still, if you’re flexible and curious, this tour offers a lot of value for just $29. It’s especially ideal for visitors wanting to connect with Toronto’s local life and understand how the city’s downtown functions behind the scenes.

If you’re someone who enjoys urban exploration, appreciates history with a modern twist, or simply wants to make the most of your time in Toronto, this PATH tour could be a perfect fit. Let’s explore what makes it a standout experience.

Good To Know

• Unique underground exploration: Discover parts of Toronto most travelers miss.
• Convenient access: Visit major landmarks like CN Tower and City Hall without stepping outside.
• Knowledgeable guides: Learn insider facts and historical insights.
• Value for money: At $29, it offers a well-rounded, immersive experience.
• Accessible city insights: Great for understanding the city’s underground infrastructure.
• Ideal for weather flexibility: Perfect during winter or rainy days.

You can check if your dates are available here:

What is the Toronto PATH Tour?

The Toronto PATH is essentially a 24-mile (32 km) underground network connecting key areas of downtown Toronto—think of it as the city’s secret labyrinth of shops, eateries, and spectacular buildings. On a typical workday, more than 200,000 people use PATH to move around, avoiding the traffic and cold weather above ground.

This tour is a guided walk of about 4 km (roughly 2.5 miles), starting at the historic Great Hall of Union Station and concluding at Toronto City Hall. It’s designed to give you a taste of this underground maze, with stops at notable spots like the CN Tower, Scotiabank Arena, and the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Most of the tour takes place inside, making it an excellent choice if you prefer not to brave Toronto’s winter chill or rain. The entire experience lasts about 2 hours, usually scheduled in the afternoon, and is limited to small groups of 10 people, ensuring a personal and engaging experience.

The Itinerary and Highlights

Starting at Union Station’s Great Hall—a majestic space filled with history and architectural charm—the tour kicks off with a focus on the station’s significance as the hub of Toronto’s transit network. Your guide, often described as friendly, knowledgeable, and full of stories, will point out architectural details and share insights about Toronto’s railway history.

From there, you’ll move into the PATH itself. Along the way, you’ll encounter over 1200 shops, several dining options, and a few surprises. The tour navigates through different sections of this underground city, offering glimpses of hidden corridors and less-visited areas that most visitors never see.

One of the main draws is the opportunity to observe the city’s key landmarks from beneath the streets—the CN Tower looms in the distance, and you’ll get close enough to appreciate its scale, all without braving the elements. The Scotiabank Arena and the Hockey Hall of Fame are also nearby, and the guide often shares interesting facts about these venues.

Escalator use and stairs are part of the journey, with some buildings on weekends having non-operational escalators, so expect some stairs or elevator use. Participants have commented that the pace is relaxed and accommodating, making it suitable for most fit travelers.

Authentic Insights from Past Participants

Many reviewers have highlighted the knowledge and friendliness of guides like Dave, who is often praised for his storytelling flair and deep understanding of Toronto’s architecture and underground network. One reviewer from Ireland called him a “great guide,” while another from the UK mentioned Dave as “so knowledgeable and friendly,” warning that doing this early in your stay helps make later explorations easier.

Participants also appreciate the value for money—at just $29, many felt it was a worthwhile investment that provided a deeper understanding of Toronto’s city layout. Several reviews mention how the tour helped navigate the underground pathways, making it easier to explore on their own afterward.

The visuals and historical photos shared during the walk enrich the experience, giving context and bringing the underground corridors’ stories to life. For those who enjoy quiet, less crowded spaces, some reviews noted how the tour felt especially peaceful on days when shops and buildings were less busy.

A common theme among reviews is the unexpected beauty of the underground architecture—from sleek modern corridors to historic features—showing that Toronto’s underground isn’t just functional but also visually interesting.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

Meeting Point: Inside Union Station’s Great Hall (at 65 Front Street West), near the clock and Via Rail Departure Board. The guide holds a small sign with the word PATH for easy identification.

Tour Duration: Approx. 2 hours, typically in the afternoon.

Price: $29 per person—remarkably affordable for such an engaging, insider experience.

Group Size: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring personalized attention.

Inclusions: Guided tour, historical photos—no entry tickets to attractions are included.

Not Suitable For: Children under 10, wheelchair users, or those with mobility impairments, because of escalator and stairs use. Some buildings might have non-operational escalators on weekends, so expect stairs or elevators.

What to Bring: Comfortable shoes are strongly recommended, as the tour involves walking and some staircases.

Cancellations: Can be canceled up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for changing plans.

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Authentic User Experiences

Reviewers consistently rave about the guide’s storytelling. Amanda from Ireland called Dave “a great guide,” while Heidi from the UK emphasized his knowledge and friendliness. Marianne from Canada appreciated the relaxed pace and how the tour gave her a deeper appreciation for the underground paths.

Several participants mentioned that this tour is especially helpful for first-timers in Toronto, as it provides practical navigation tips and a unique view of the city’s infrastructure. Many note that doing the tour early in their visit made later exploration much easier.

Others highlighted that the tour is particularly suited for bad weather days, making it a smart choice when outdoor sightseeing isn’t appealing. Some even enjoyed the quiet atmosphere when shops were closed, describing the experience as peaceful and almost contemplative.

Why This Tour Is a Great Value

For just $29, you get more than a walk—you gain valuable insights into Toronto’s urban fabric. The small group size guarantees a more personal experience, allowing you to ask questions and get tailored recommendations. The knowledgeable guides enhance the journey, turning a simple walk into an engaging story about the city’s history and architecture.

The fact that it conveniently begins at Union Station — a major transit hub — makes it accessible and easy to fit into your travel plans. If you’re interested in understanding how Toronto’s underground network connects and functions, this tour is both practical and eye-opening.

On top of that, the tour’s focus on hidden parts of the city offers a fresh perspective that few visitors experience, making it a smart addition to any Toronto itinerary.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for urban explorers who love discovering lesser-known parts of a city. It’s perfect if you prefer indoor sightseeing, especially in winter or rainy weather. The tour also appeals to history buffs and those interested in architecture, given the historical photos and insights provided.

However, it’s less suitable for those with mobility issues or traveling with very young children, as some walking and stairs are involved. If you’re in Toronto for a short stay and want an authentic, behind-the-scenes feel of the city’s underground life, this tour is a superb choice.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s recommended for children over 10 years old. The tour involves walking, stairs, and escalator use, which might not suit very young children or those with mobility restrictions.

Does the tour include entry to attractions?
No, the tour covers public spaces and corridors. Entry to specific attractions like the Hockey Hall of Fame or City Hall is not included.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 2 hours, usually scheduled in the afternoon.

Where do I meet the guide?
Inside Union Station’s Great Hall, at 65 Front Street West, near the clock and Via Rail Departure Board. The guide holds an “PATH” sign for easy spotting.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
No, it may not be suitable for wheelchair users or those with mobility impairments due to stairs and escalators.

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

Is it worth the price?
Absolutely. For $29, you get a detailed, insider look at Toronto’s underground infrastructure, guided by expert storytellers.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are essential, as there will be walking and some stairs involved.

Final Thoughts

This Toronto PATH tour offers a fantastic blend of practical insight and city discovery. It’s a perfect way to see parts of downtown Toronto that are usually hidden from view, all while staying dry and warm. The knowledgeable guides, especially those like Dave, bring stories and context that enrich the experience, making it much more than just a walk through corridors.

The tour’s affordability and small-group approach mean it delivers great value for travelers looking for an authentic, low-stress way to explore. Whether you’re new to Toronto or a seasoned visitor, this experience will give you a fresh perspective on the city’s underground world.

If you’re someone who loves urban stories, wants to understand how Toronto’s cityscape works behind the scenes, or simply needs a good indoor activity, this tour is a smart choice. It’s especially suited for those who enjoy learning while exploring and want to make the most of their downtown visit in a relaxed, friendly setting.

Whether you’re a history lover, architecture buff, or just seeking a practical way to navigate Toronto, the PATH guided walk offers a memorable, insightful experience. Book ahead, bring comfortable shoes, and prepare to see Toronto from a whole new underground perspective.

You can check if your dates are available here: