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

Exploring Toronto’s Hidden Underground: A Walk Through the PATH

If you’re planning a trip to Toronto, you might have looked into the big-ticket attractions like the CN Tower or Ripley’s Aquarium. But there’s a whole other side of the city — the underground PATH — that often gets overlooked. Recently, I came across a tour that promises to introduce visitors to this vast network of underground walkways, shops, and hidden urban gems, and honestly, it sounds pretty fascinating.

What I love about this experience is that it offers a unique way to see Toronto — especially if you’re visiting during winter or a rainy day when walking outside isn’t as appealing. Plus, with a knowledgeable guide leading the way, you get a deeper understanding of the city’s underground infrastructure and its place in Toronto’s life. Another plus? The tour’s affordability makes it a compelling option for travelers who want to add something different without breaking the bank.

That said, there are a few things to keep in mind. The tour is around 2 hours long and covers roughly 4 kilometers, so it’s not a marathon but still requires comfortable shoes and some stamina. Also, it’s not suitable for strollers or anyone with mobility issues, so if you’re traveling with young children or friends with accessibility needs, you might want to consider other options.

This tour would suit curious travelers looking to see a different side of Toronto, especially if you enjoy urban exploration and learning about city infrastructure. If you’re after a leisurely, informative walk through a city’s lesser-known corridors, this might be just what you need.

Key Points

• Unique Access to the CITY’S INSIDE: Explore parts of Toronto most visitors never see.
• Great for RAINY or COLD DAYS: Perfect when outdoor sightseeing isn’t ideal.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Guides are praised for their friendliness and depth of knowledge.
• Cost-Effective: At $29, it offers good value for seeing a lot in a short time.
• Limited Accessibility: Not suitable for children under 10 or mobility-impaired travelers.
• Connects Major Sights: The route includes landmarks like Toronto City Hall, CN Tower, and Scotiabank Arena.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Tour

This guided walk takes you beneath Toronto’s busy downtown core, where a network of over 1200 shops, countless eateries, and key transit points connect in what’s essentially a city within a city. The tour begins at Union Station’s historic Great Hall — an impressive starting point — and meanders through roughly 4 km of underground pathways, ending at Toronto City Hall.

The Route and Its Highlights
From the moment you meet your guide, you’ll realize that this isn’t just a walk through a mall corridor. It’s an opportunity to see parts of Toronto that many locals and travelers overlook, and your guide will point out interesting facts about the architecture, history, and development of the PATH.

As you traverse the underground tunnels, you’ll pass by some notable landmarks like the CN Tower and Scotiabank Arena, all from a perspective that few get to experience. The tour includes stops at popular buildings and areas, giving you a glimpse of Toronto’s bustling downtown life from below street level.

The Experience of the Path
Traveling through the PATH is akin to walking through a city’s secret arteries. It’s surprisingly extensive — 32 km or 24 miles of interconnected walkways, though the tour covers just a fraction of this. It’s worth noting that expansion and renovations mean some escalators may not be operational on weekends, leading to stairs or elevators, so plan accordingly.

The Guide and the Stories
Based on multiple reviews, the guides are the real stars. They’re described as knowledgeable, friendly, and engaging. One reviewer raves, “Dave is a great guide and he explained everything about the buildings, the Path, and some extra info about some places.” This personal touch makes the tour more than just a walk; it becomes a mini-lesson about Toronto’s urban backbone.

The Practical Side
The tour lasts about two hours, and the group is limited to 10 people, making for an intimate experience. You should bring comfortable shoes and be prepared for some escalators and stairs. Keep in mind that some locations visited may not be open on certain weekends or holidays, which might affect the route.

Cost and Value
At $29 per person, this tour is quite affordable, especially considering the depth of insight and the opportunity to navigate the city’s underground network with confidence afterward. It’s a great way to get your bearings, learn some history, and enjoy a different perspective of Toronto’s vibrant downtown.

The Authentic Voice of Past Travelers

Many previous participants have left glowing reviews, emphasizing how much they appreciated the guides’ stories and the unique perspective the tour offers. One reviewer from Ireland says, “Dave is a great guide and he explained everything about the buildings, the Path, and some extra information about some places. I totally recommend the PATH tour!!!” Others mention that doing this early in their trip helped them navigate the city more easily later on.

Several travelers highlight the tour’s value during bad weather, with comments like, “It’s especially worth doing on a rainy day,” and “We enjoyed the tour. It was very relaxed, interesting, and a fun day to spend in a part of downtown Toronto that is usually overlooked.” The sense of discovering a hidden city within the city resonates strongly with these visitors.

Some reviews point out that the tour might be more suited to adults and older children, given the walking and stair navigation. It’s not ideal for strollers, wheelchairs, or those with mobility challenges, which is worth considering beforehand.

Why This Tour Works

This experience offers a blend of exploration, education, and urban adventure. For those who enjoy city walks but want to stay dry or avoid the hustle and bustle above ground, it’s an excellent option. The connection to major landmarks like the CN Tower and Toronto City Hall means you’re not just wandering aimlessly — you’re gaining a meaningful context for the city’s layout and history.

The small group size means plenty of personal interaction and the chance to ask questions. The fact that multiple guides are praised for their friendliness and knowledge adds to the appeal.

On the downside, the tour’s focus on the underground network might feel limited if you’re expecting extensive sightseeing or museum visits, but for what it offers — a guided walk through Toronto’s hidden arteries — it’s quite rewarding. Also, some shops and buildings could be closed on weekends or holidays, which might slightly alter the experience.

Who is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for travelers who enjoy urban exploration and are curious about city infrastructure. It’s particularly suited for those visiting Toronto during colder months or rainy days when outdoor walking isn’t as enjoyable. If you appreciate informative guides who share stories and facts, you’ll likely find this a memorable addition to your trip.

It’s less suitable for families with very young children or travelers with mobility issues due to stairs and escalators. But for anyone wanting a different perspective of Toronto — a city within a city — this guided PATH walk can be surprisingly eye-opening.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children under 10?
No, the tour is not recommended for children under 10 due to the walking distance and the need to navigate stairs and escalators.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are a must. Since the tour involves walking in an underground mall-like environment, you’ll want footwear suitable for extended walking.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchairs?
No, the tour is not suitable for wheelchairs, strollers, or people with mobility impairments, as it involves stairs and escalators that might not always be operational.

How long does the tour last?
It typically lasts around two hours, covering about 4 km of walking.

Where do we meet?
The meeting point is inside Union Station’s Great Hall, near the clock and Via Rail Departure Board, on 65 Front Street West.

What’s included in the price?
The tour includes a guide and historical photos, but entry to attractions is not included.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility in planning.

In The Sum Up

If you’re looking to see Toronto from a different angle, a guided walk through the PATH network offers both practicality and a slice of urban adventure. It’s perfect for those who want to stay dry, learn some local stories, and get a sense of Toronto’s underground city. With friendly guides, good value, and a route that connects some of the city’s biggest landmarks, this tour is a solid choice for curious travelers wanting to explore beneath the streets.

While it’s not suited for everyone — especially those with mobility issues or young kids — it’s a memorable way to add a unique layer to your Toronto experience. Whether you’re a first-timer or a city veteran, discovering Toronto’s hidden underground arteries can be surprisingly rewarding.

You can check availability for your dates here: