Kensington Market Walking Tours
Join a local expert and longtime resident Rafi Ghanaghounian. Rafi has lived in the neighbourhood for more than 30 years. Over the years, he has opened three galleries, managed artist studios, and now serves as the Curator and Director of Samara Contemporary.
Discover hidden gems, inspiring art, and working artists' studios. With intimate local knowledge and firsthand experience, Rafi will share the stories, creative spaces, and lived experiences that make this community truly unique. You'll explore beyond the usual tourist spots and gain an authentic perspective on the area's vibrant artistic culture.
Tours run Tuesday through Sunday
Picture This:
Insider Art walking tour
Duration: 90 minutes
Meeting Point: 202 Augusta Avenue
Led by: A Kensington Market resident and local historian with over 30 years of firsthand knowledge of the neighbourhood
Cost: $45 per person
Tour available: Monday–Sunday 9 AM–10:30 AM
Bookings: Email info@marketfreshto.com to book at least 24 hours in advance
On this tour, you'll explore the work of artists who lived and created art in the neighbourhood over the years. You'll see artwork that can still be found on building walls and inside local businesses while learning about the artists who helped shape the area's creative culture.
As you walk through the neighbourhood, Rafi will share stories and insights from his personal experience in the local art community. You'll learn how the area's history, people, and atmosphere inspired artists and influenced their work.
This is a chance to see the neighbourhood through the eyes of someone who has been part of its art scene for decades. You'll hear the stories behind the artwork, discover hidden details, and find plenty of great spots for photos along the way!
BLOCKS: Architecture Walking Tour of Kensington Market
Duration: 90 minutes
Meeting Point: 202 Augusta Avenue
Led by: A Kensington Market resident and local historian with over 30 years of firsthand knowledge of the neighbourhood
Cost: $45 per person
Tour available: Monday–Sunday 11:30 AM–1PM
Bookings: Email info@marketfreshto.com to book at least 24 hours in advance
Join a local expert and longtime resident to discover the diverse architectural styles that have shaped the neighbourhood from the early 1800s to the present day. As both a resident and someone who has lived in several of the area's historic homes, I'll share a unique insider's perspective on its rich history and evolution.
Together, we'll explore life during the Victorian era, the vibrant artists' communities of the 1970s, and the many cultural groups that have helped define the neighbourhood over the decades. Along the way, you'll uncover the stories behind the buildings, the people who lived in them, and the lasting legacy they have left on this remarkable community.
This tour offers a fascinating look at how architecture, migration, and community intersect to create one of Toronto's most distinctive neighbourhoods.