Running in Toronto: The Queen City
- audreyubertino
- 15 hours ago
- 3 min read
Cosmopolitan Toronto is the heart of the Golden Horseshoe, the vast metropolitan area that stretches in a crescent shape around Lake Ontario. Running in Toronto means, above all, exploring a modern city with eclectic architecture and a phenomenal number of skyscrapers. JOOKS offers 22 routes to help you discover the Queen City from every angle.
"I love British Columbia because it's so beautiful, but I think Toronto is the best place because people from all over the world come together there," says Rupi Kaur, a Canadian poet, writer, and feminist known as the "Instapoet".
Although Toronto is Canada’s most populous city and the capital of the province of Ontario, its colonial history began as a simple fortification called Fort Rouillé, built in 1750 by the French. Previously, the Iroquois inhabited the region, and evidence of Indigenous peoples can be traced back nearly 10,000 years.
During the American Revolution, Toronto welcomed large numbers of British Loyalist settlers. This led to the Constitutional Act of 1791, which divided the Province of Quebec into two parts, establishing the colony of Upper Canada. In 1793, the site of Toronto was purchased—controversially—by the British Empire from the Mississauga people.
The city was then founded under the name York—a name that appears in the names of some of its current neighborhoods—and quickly became the province’s capital. It did not become Toronto until 1834, the year slavery was abolished in Upper Canada. Its name comes from one of the rivers that flows through the city, now called the Humber. A very descriptive name for the islands formed by the confluence of the Humber and Don rivers, it means “the place where tree roots dip into the water” in a Mohawk dialect.
From Yorkville to the Banks of the Don
As a financial, artistic, banking, and commercial hub, Toronto is considered "one of the most multicultural and cosmopolitan cities in the world." Indeed, it has historically served as a destination for immigrants, a fact reflected in its residents: it appears that they come from “more than 200 distinct ethnic backgrounds,” and “more than 160 languages” are spoken there!
This cultural richness has given rise to numerous institutions, including museums, art galleries, and festivals. As you stroll through Toronto, you’ll discover the Royal Ontario Museum in the Yorkville neighborhood, which immediately catches the eye with its striking deconstructivist architecture. From there, you’ll be right next to Queen’s Park, home to the Ontario Legislative Assembly!
As you climb Davenport Hill, you'll discover the impressive Casa Loma, built in the early 20th century, which combines a variety of architectural styles: Norman, Neo-Gothic, Scottish Baronial...
Nearby, Rosedale and its trails along the banks of the Don River beckon you. You can even stop at the Todmorden Mills Heritage Site, which features fully restored 19th-century buildings, including a former brewery. Then, as you walk along the river upstream toward the vast, modern Ontario Science Center, you’ll find yourself in a pleasant wooded area. A refreshing stroll—perfect for summer days!
Old Toronto
Getting to the historic heart of the city is easy: during your visit to Toronto, just keep an eye out for the CN Tower. A symbol of the city, this 553-meter-tall tower overlooks the harbor on Lake Ontario. It’s the tallest tower in the Western Hemisphere! Used as a communications tower by various media outlets, you can visit its observation deck… and experience the thrill of looking down through its glass floor.
If you enjoy running at night, you'll especially appreciate the illuminated retractable dome at the Rogers Center, at the base of the tower. It's a true marvel of technology—the first motorized roof of its kind to be installed on a stadium!
Once you leave the harbor, you’ll have many options. One would be to head toward Fort York, the site of battles related to the American invasions during the War of 1812. You could then head up toward Chinatown, or take a detour to see Osgoode Hall, built around 1830 in the Palladian and Neoclassical architectural styles. This building serves an important function, as it houses the Ontario Court of Appeal, the Ontario Divisional Court, and the Law Society of Upper Canada!
Nearby, you'll find the old City Hall and St. Michael's Basilica-Cathedral, two iconic buildings. It’s also worth taking the short ferry ride to the islands to enjoy the beaches at Hanlan’s Point and Gibraltar, as well as the various parks there. All while taking in a breathtaking view of the Toronto skyline!
Run, walk, or bike with JOOKS—from the CN Tower to the banks of the Don!
Find all of Toronto’s routes and more than 1,700 others on the JOOKS app.
Every new run in Crossy Road presents different opportunities and risks, ensuring that players remain focused while adapting their strategies to survive increasingly difficult traffic patterns and environmental hazards.