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Private Jewish Heritage Walking Tour of Kensington Market

A private 2-hour walking tour through the early 20th-century Jewish immigrant story of Kensington Market, meeting near the Art Gallery of Ontario.

  • 2 hrs
  • Private tour
  • From C$2,095 for the group
Private Jewish Heritage Walking Tour of Kensington Market
Private Jewish Heritage Walking Tour of Kensington Market
Private Jewish Heritage Walking Tour of Kensington Market
Private Jewish Heritage Walking Tour of Kensington Market
Private Jewish Heritage Walking Tour of Kensington Market

Illustrative destination photos. Optional extras shown are not included unless listed below.

Duration2 hrs
TypePrivate
Group size1-56
PriceC$2,095

Overview

For decades Kensington Market was known as the Jewish market, after early 20th-century immigrants turned Victorian houses into family-run stores. On this private two-hour walk with your own guide, we follow that history along Beverley and D'Arcy Streets and through the market itself.

We stop at the Anshei Minsk Synagogue, whose building was finished in 1930, and talk about people who grew up here, like actor Al Waxman of King of Kensington. This walk is about heritage rather than food or shopping, and we arrange transport to the start and from the finish.

Highlights

  • Private two-hour walk with your own guide
  • Kensington Market, a National Historic Site of Canada
  • Beverley and D'Arcy Streets and their settlers' stories
  • Anshei Minsk Synagogue, completed in 1930
  • Stories of Al Waxman and Lou Jacobi
  • Transport to the start and from the finish

Itinerary

Times and order are approximate and depend on traffic, weather and your group.

  • 1BeforeWe confirm your booking by email and send the start time and meeting details.
  • 2TransportWe arrange transport to the meeting point near the Art Gallery of Ontario.
  • 3MeetYou meet your guide near the AGO, which is a meeting place rather than a stop.
  • 4On footWe walk Beverley and D'Arcy Streets, Kensington Market and the Anshei Minsk Synagogue.
  • 5FinishThe walk ends at a point we confirm by email.
  • 6AfterWe arrange transport from the finish.

Meeting point and pickup

We meet near the Art Gallery of Ontario, 317 Dundas Street West, and confirm the exact spot by email. We arrange your transport to the start and from the finish.

What is included

Included

  • Private 2-hour walking tour for your group only
  • Private guide
  • Transport to the meeting point and from the finish
  • Meeting point, finish and start time confirmed by email

Not included

  • Gratuities
  • Food and drink
  • Admission, including the Art Gallery of Ontario
  • Time beyond 2 hours (charged extra)

What to bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Weather-appropriate clothing

Questions about this tour

Can we go inside the synagogues?

We cannot promise it, since it depends on the congregation, and we confirm by email.

Why was it called the Jewish market?

Early 20th-century Jewish immigrants turned Victorian houses into family stores here.

Is this a food tour?

No, food is not included; our Kensington and Chinatown walk is a separate tour.

Does it run on Saturdays or Jewish holidays?

We confirm each date by email.

How far do we walk?

The walking distance is not set, so ask us if it matters for your group.

Can it be in another language?

Please ask us before booking.

Can we do it in winter?

Yes, just dress for the weather.

Who is Al Waxman?

An actor who grew up in the Market; a bronze statue of him stands in Bellevue Square Park.

How do I book?

Pick your date and number of guests in the booking box and send the request. We check with our local partners and email you within 24 hours to confirm, with a secure payment link. You pay nothing until you approve it.

Cancellation and payment

Cancel up to 24 hours before the tour date; cancellations made less than 24 hours before are not refunded. You pay only after you approve your quote, by secure online payment. Read the full policies.

Accessibility

The walk is on city streets with narrow streets and alleyways, and there is no verified information on kerbs or step-free routes; it is not stated whether the transport is wheelchair accessible. Please raise mobility needs before booking.

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