Toronto: Brews, Bacon & Butter Tarts

Welcome to Toronto, Canada’s largest city and a place where history is never far from the surface. Once a muddy outpost plagued by cholera outbreaks, Toronto has grown into a thriving multicultural metropolis – and food has always been one of the best ways to tell its story.

Your guided food and culture tour begins in Old Town Toronto, the historic heart of the city, where the streets still follow the original 19th-century grid. Meet your local guide and set off on a relaxed stroll through a neighbourhood filled with charm and character, with plenty of delicious stops along the way.

Start with a steaming cup of locally roasted coffee – the same fuel that once powered Toronto’s early working class and sparked some of its most important social movements. From there, walk towards St. Lawrence Market, a must-visit landmark at the centre of Toronto’s food culture for over 200 years.

Inside the market, you’ll taste one of Toronto’s most iconic bites – the peameal bacon sandwich. Known locally as the Toronto sandwich, this savoury snack has been a favourite of locals for generations. Not a meat-eater? Don’t worry – a hearty vegetarian option is available, so no one misses out on this must-try dish.

After, step back outside and explore the surrounding Market District, where every corner reveals a piece of the city’s layered past. Pass by architectural gems, cobblestoned lanes and former warehouse buildings that have been transformed into boutiques and galleries. Along the way, your local guide will stop to share the story of Canada Dry Ginger Ale (yes, it really is Canadian) and how it became the soft drink of choice during Prohibition (a law preventing the manufacture and sale of alcohol in the 1920s).

Next comes a sweet treat – the butter tart, one of Canada’s most beloved desserts. Gooey, flaky and unforgettable, it’s the perfect pick-me-up as you continue your walk. Fans of custard and caramel will find this a highlight of the tour – and there are a few variations to sample, so you can decide which one is your favourite.

As you move through the Old Town, your guide will bring the past to life with stories of rebellion, immigration and reinvention. Learn how Toronto weathered cholera epidemics, how waves of newcomers reshaped the city’s neighbourhoods and how reformers fought to improve the city’s living conditions – all of which left their mark on what Toronto eats and drinks today.

Your tour concludes at a beloved neighbourhood pub – a perfect spot to unwind and soak up the atmosphere. Here, you can buy a locally brewed craft beer and raise a glass to Toronto – past, present and future.

Whether this is your first visit to Toronto or you’ve lived here your whole life, this walking tour offers a fresh perspective on the city and its history. Come hungry – not just for food, but for the events, characters and stories that have built modern Toronto.