First Toronto Post Office

Nestled in the heart of Old Town Toronto, the First Toronto Post Office stands as a window into the city’s early 19th-century past. Built in the 1830s, this historic site opened when the city was still called York, a part of the British Empire. At the time, York was a modest, growing settlement, and the post office played a key role in connecting its residents with the rest of the empire.

One of its unique features was a reading room, a common amenity in post offices of that era. Visitors could come not only to send and receive mail but also to read newspapers from across the empire, keeping up with news from far-flung corners of the British world.

Today, the First Toronto Post Office has been restored to reflect its original charm and continues to welcome visitors. In addition to its museum exhibits, guests can experience a hands-on slice of history by writing letters with quill pens and ink, just as it was done when the building first opened. This interactive opportunity allows modern visitors to step into the shoes of 19th-century Torontonians and connect with the city’s roots.