ExperienceTO: University of Toronto Historical Tour

Join us for the free-to-attend University of Toronto Historical Tour.

About the University of Toronto: "What would become the University of Toronto (U of T) was founded as King's College by royal charter in 1827. The College was initially controlled by the government and the Church of England. In 1849, the institution was secularized, and, in 1850, became the nondenominational University of Toronto. The Anglicans responded by creating Trinity College in Toronto in 1851 (actually opening in 1852). In the 1850s the University of Toronto was reorganized and University College was created as its teaching arm. Structural changes encouraged other denominational colleges to federate with U of T: Victoria College (Methodist, founded 1841 in Cobourg) and St Michael's College (Roman Catholic, founded 1852 in Toronto by the Basilian Order) joined in 1890 and Trinity College in 1904. Each of them retained their university status to continue granting degrees in theology. During this period some of Toronto's theological colleges also federated with the university. Knox College (founded 1844), originally a Presbyterian seminary, affiliated with the university in 1885 and federated in 1890. Wycliffe College (Anglican, founded 1877) became a federated college in 1889. Emmanuel College (Methodist, founded 1836) became affiliated with the university as a United Church of Canada seminary in 1925, the year the United Church came into existence. Scarborough College, now U of T Scarborough, was first built in 1964 and then Erindale College, now U of T Mississauga, in 1966. Over the course of its history, the university has trained many famous Canadian personalities. Today, the university has more than 97,600 students studying in over 80 departments." ( The Canadian Encyclopedia )

Join us for a FREE, public walking tour that will be a good experience for anyone: whether you’re 8 or 80 years old, and whether you’re a curious local, solo traveler, backpacker, newcomer, or part of a group of friends.

ABOUT

Beginning in front of the Hart House Building's entrance facing Hart House Circle (7 Hart House Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 3H3), the interactive tour will be hosted by your guide Alex Rășcanu. The tour will focus on University of Toronto's history. The historical tour will conclude at a nearby coffee shop.

WHEN

Saturday, October 10, 2026 at 10:00am. The tour will last approximately 90 minutes.

WHERE TO MEET

The tour will start in front of the Hart House Building's entrance facing Hart House Circle (7 Hart House Circle, Toronto, ON M5S 3H3).

WHERE IT ENDS

This tour will end at a nearby coffee shop, where you can order coffee/tea/brunch and spend some more time speaking and connecting with fellow historical tour participants.

FACILITATOR

Alex Rășcanu is a Torontonian, a husband, a father of four, and an avid student of our city's history. Stay in touch with him on LinkedIn / X / Instagram / Facebook / YouTube.