Walk the Talk

The site of Toronto has historically been a destination for shipping, trade and military ventures by water. The building of Yonge and Dundas streets expanded transportation alternatives to overland routes and by the mid-19th century, rail was a significant addition to transportation possibilities. The 20th century brought air travel to Toronto.

Toronto has grown into the country's largest transportation hub, complementing its role as a centre of commerce and finance. Naturally, with all that activity and its large population, Toronto is also a communications hub.

The stories and sites gathered under the theme "Transportation and Communication" highlight the history of transportation in Toronto, and show the close links with communications networks. Much as telegraphy was associated with rail in the 19th century, the antenna of the CN Tower—built on former rail land—transmits television and FM radio signals in addition to wireless voice and data transmissions.

This is a long trail that highlights downtown transportation and communications sites. It may be enjoyed in a single day or broken down into two sections. It begins with the first subway, and moves back in time to the water, where a trip on a Toronto ferry to Ward's Island followed by a return from Hanlan's Point is required. The second part of the trail begins with the Gardiner Expressway to the west.

The Stories