Love long walks on the beach? Try a romantic boardwalk stroll along the Humber River that recounts true stories of love and loss throughout the history of Toronto. Take in the beautiful city lights at dusk with accompanying music as you listen to stories from tour host Adam Bunch, who will tell tales of heartbreaking farewells, torrid affairs, and long-lasting romance. Hear about the legacy of two artists who challenged the city’s attitudes toward same-sex relationships, the war-time romance behind Toronto’s most notorious highway, a French-Canadian fur trader’s four weddings, and many more. On a backdrop of picturesque shoreline views, learn about how the landscape of the Humber has been shaped by thousands of years of people falling in love.
Developed in collaboration with Adam Bunch.
WHAT TO EXPECT
Meeting point: Sunnyside Boardwalk at Sunnyside Park, just south of Humber Bridge Parking at Lake Shore Blvd. W and Windermere Ave
1998 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto ON (Google Maps)
End point: Queen Elizabeth Way Monument, 2002 Lakeshore Blvd W
Length of the tour: 75-90 minutes
Total active walking time: 60 minutes
Total walking distance: 2.3 km
Longest walking time between stops: 15 minutes
LED BY
Adam Bunch is an award-winning storyteller who brings the history of Toronto and Canada to life. He’s the author of The Toronto Book of the Dead and The Toronto Book of Love, the host of the Canadiana documentary series, and the creator of the Toronto Dreams Project. He’s taught history at George Brown College and created writing workshops for the Toronto Public Library. He’s spoken at the Art Gallery of Ontario and the Royal Ontario Museum, and his writing has appeared in The Toronto Star, Spacing Magazine and The Huffington Post. His work popularizing Canadian history was recognized with an honourable mention for a Governor General’s Award in 2012. He’s lived in Toronto since he was a few weeks old, growing up along the Humber River, raised on stories of snowstorms, jazz clubs and wartime romances.
ABOUT SIDEWALK STORIES
Get to know Toronto’s unforgettable stories with a unique series of walking tours. There’s something for everyone in these five distinct experiences that will transport you back to the formative Toronto of the 17th century, all the way through to the gritty 1980s.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Led by and developed in collaboration with Adam Bunch.
Myseum of Toronto is made possible with the generous support of Diane Blake and Stephen Smith.
Image credit: Photo by Jed Dela Cruz
Sidewalk Stories: Love Stories of the Humber
02 Oct 2022
TOURS:
Saturday October 1, 2022
3:00 PM
5:30 PM
Sunday October 2, 2022
3:00 PM
5:30 PM
COST:
Free
LOCATION:
Sunnyside Boardwalk at Sunnyside Park, just south of Humber Bridge Parking at Lake Shore Blvd. W and Windermere Ave
1998 Lake Shore Blvd W
Toronto, ON (Google Maps)
COVID POLICIES:
Tours will be in large groups of people. We recommend wearing a mask because physical distancing cannot be possible.
ACCESSIBILITY:
This tour will take place on mixed terrain, including flat paved trails, sand/gravel, grass, and sloped hills. The trail is shared with pedestrians and cyclists.
RAIN CONTINGENCY:
Rain or shine the tours will move ahead. However, in the event that the forecast calls for storms or very heavy rain, a notice of cancellation will be sent out 3 hours prior to the start of the tour.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email us at [email protected].
