Top 20 Photos from Toronto’s History

By Elli Davis, October 25, 2012

Have a look at Toronto in the "Good Old Times"

An old model of PCC streetcar on Queen Street East (1954)

Toronto is the largest city in Canada and is the provincial capital of Ontario. The city sits at the Northern tip of Lake Ontario and its history dates back to the 18th century. As you can see in one of these pictures, the city was severely damaged by two large fires, in 1849 and 1904. Today it’s stronger than ever and with a population of 2.6 million, the city continues to flourish and attract many visitors every year.

Some facts about Toronto’s development through history:

By 1851, the Irish were the largest ethnic group following the immigration of many fleeing the Great Irish Famine. The sewage system was built in the 19th century. The horse carriages slowly started to be replaced by cars and trains; long-distance railway lines were built in 1854. The Gooderham and Worts Distillery (now known as part of the popular Distillery District) was one of the biggest whiskey factories of the 19th century. Horse-drawn streetcars gave way to electric streetcars in 1891. With flourishing trade connections and industry, together with a large number of immigrants, Toronto began its transformation into the multicultural metropolis that it is today.

Let’s travel back in time and look at some of these beautiful historic photographs documenting important events, daily life, and the changing face of the city. Do you recognize some of these places? You might be surprised how they looked decades ago and mesmerized by the look of the people who once walked the streets of Toronto.

These photographs are digital reproductions of public records from City of Toronto Archives, which document the lives and experiences of residents, businesses, and community organizations in Toronto’s past. If you’d like to explore the history and discover even more exciting photos, you can browse their digital collection online.

Horse Carriage on Jarvis Street (1884)

The Bloor Viaduct Construction (1917)

Workers on Bloor Viaduct Construction (1917)

21 Elizabeth Street in the Financial District (1913)

The Rear of 210 Chestnut Street reveals the conditions people there lived in around (1914)

Front Street traffic just West of Yonge Street (1934)

Look at these lovely cars on Avenue Road! (1937)

Bay Street looking southeast from Louisa Street (1918)

Toronto Bus Terminal Bay Street at night (1935)

Coxwell car house, Leslieville (1961)

Eglinton Avenue West from Avenue Road (1935)

Elizabeth Street Playground around 1913

Iceboats in front of Toronto Harbour Commission building (1920)

The construction of the railway bridge over Queen Street East near De Grassi street, placing the first girder (1926)

Dundas and Bay Streets around 1923

The illuminated Concession Hanlans Point (1928)

The unbelievable "diving horse" attraction at Hanlans Point (1907)

Maple Leaf Gardens refreshment stand (1955)

The opening week celebrations and the New City Hall (1965)

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