App-Guided Tour explores area history, architecture, restaurants and independent businesses that make it a must-visit destination
TORONTO, June 12, 2025 – The Cabbagetown BIA has launched an updated version of its popular summer Mainstreet Walking Tour – Discover Cabbagetown’s Roots – to engage and delight locals and tourists alike. Starting today, history and architecture buffs, urban adventure seekers and food enthusiasts can take the free app-guided tour to explore the dynamic Toronto neighbourhood. Available to take in English and French, this year’s tour features new stops and content as well as an exciting Scavenger Hunt element.
Using Driftscape’s convenient, free-to-use mobile and web app platform, Mainstreet Walking Tour — Discover Cabbagetown’s Roots provides an immersive experience that shares the diverse attractions, local businesses and historical gems that make up Cabbagetown. Those looking to take the free 1km long walking tour can join any day or time until the end of the year – providing a fun, affordable and accessible activity that everyone can enjoy. It can take anywhere from 30 min to two hours to complete.
Tour-takers will learn all about architectural splendours and historic landmarks that line Cabbagetown’s mainstreet while uncovering unique stories and historical tidbits behind one of Toronto’s oldest and most beloved neighbourhoods, and also featuring old archival photography and interviews with local business owners.
Scavenger Hunt
Now offering a Scavenger Hunt feature, participants can ‘gamify’ their tour experience. Tour-takers will decipher clues and correctly answer questions before unlocking the next stops, all based on objects, signs or landmarks they’ve recently visited.
“We’re excited to welcome everyone back to Cabbagetown this summer for a brand new edition of this innovative walking tour,” said Matthew Mohan, Executive Director of The Cabbagetown BIA. “By uncovering new stories and adding a fun new scavenger hunt that tests your knowledge along the way, we have found more ways to shine a light on the people and places that make Cabbagetown unlike anywhere else in the city. Whether you’re a longtime local or a first-time visitor, we hope you’ll explore, learn something new, and maybe even discover your new favourite spot.”
Cabbagetown Free Tour Highlights Include:
- Architectural Marvels with Historic Photos: Discover a variety of architectural styles in the neighbourhood, from the distinctive Bay & Gable to the elegant Queen Anne-style and an extensive collection of intact Victorian buildings, and see how they’ve changed over the years
- Historical Buildings, Landmarks, and Attractions: Explore significant historical buildings that tell a story of how Cabbagetown and Toronto came to be, including the Jamieson House – where many Indigenous people found a sense of community, or the home of Dr Rowena Hume – a trailblazer who fought for women’s reproductive rights before her untimely murder
- Scavenger Hunt Feature: With this new feature, tour-takers will search for clues at each tour stop in order to move on to the next one. Those who answer all the clues can enter to win a Cabbagetown prize
- An Immersive Tour Guide: Explore Cabbagetown at your own pace, thanks to the app’s many features, including auto-play self-guided tours. The app uses GPS technology to deliver relevant information and engaging content as visitors move around the neighbourhood, ensuring a truly personalized and immersive experience. The Cabbagetown BIA team has enriched the sites and stories with images, audio guides, and written content, ensuring comprehensive and captivating information about each location
- Exclusive Interviews: Hear interviews with local business owners as they share their personal stories of building their businesses from the ground up in these historic sites
- Insider Tips: Get exclusive tips and recommendations from Cabbagetown Preservation Association’s Gilles Huot
- Accessible and Offline Access: Enjoy offline access to content, and explore Cabbagetown even with limited internet connectivity; audio guides are also available to assist those with visual impairment
Where is Cabbagetown exactly?
Nestled between Wellesley St. and Shuter St., bound by Sherbourne St. on the West and the Don River on the East, Cabbagetown is a historic and charming community. Along with having the largest area of preserved Victorian homes in North America, Cabbagetown is also home to an eclectic mix of independent businesses. Local shops, cozy cafes, and delectable eateries line the streets, offering a rich tapestry of experiences to residents and visitors alike. The neighbourhood’s dynamic atmosphere seamlessly intertwines with its historical roots, creating a distinct character that captivates anyone who wanders its streets. Cabbagetown is one of the city’s oldest districts, established in 1840, and in 2004 much of it was declared historic districts.
Why is it called Cabbagetown?
It really is no mystery. This neighbourhood is called Cabbagetown because its early residents, mainly Irish immigrants who fled in the 1840s, had a reputation for growing cabbages and other vegetables in their front yards. This was a way to supplement food supplies during a time of economic hardship.
posted by Terry Lankstead
all photos supplied by Cabbagetown BIA
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