We're Open!

The historic Tollkeeper's Cottage, believed to be Canada's only surviving tollgate from the 1800s (or earlier), certainly the only one available to the public, is open for visitors on Saturdays from 10am - 5pm. We ask for a minimum contribution of $2 per person (except for very young children) to help offset on-going operating costs.

Briefly, the Cottage was "rediscovered" 15 years ago (1993) and a few years later research began in earnest re its origins and history. It's dated at 1835 (and is in the process of being restored to that period) and was operating as a tollgate and home for the tollkeepers' families at least from 1850.

It's of a very rare vertical plank construction - a style used for a short period in the early 1800's. Its history as tollgate #3 on Davenport Road - whose history dates back to the end of Ice Ages when the passageway was used as a footpath by the First Nations people - is fascinating.

More complete descriptions of the Cottage's background, discovery and restoration are available elsewhere on this site. For images, please select "Slideshows" from the main menu.

The Cottage is also available for rent (in order to support operating costs):
   - Limit 35 persons inside - no capacity limit outside;
   - One single unisex fully accessible washroom;
   - Space is $25 per hour - extra charges for use of certain equipment;
   - TTC access from Bloor subway (after Bathurst Street is re-opened). Bathurst bus from Bathurst station to Davenport (every 12 minutes). Davenport bus from Spadina station to Bathurst (every 40 minutes).
   - Limited parking is available along Davenport. There are also large parking lots one block south of Davenport and east of Bathurst on Bridgeman Ave.
   - Tuesdays after Labour Day are reserved for school tours and seniors' groups. Arrangement for these groups must be made in advance by calling 416-515-7546.

From time to time special programs will be announced.