One hundred and ten steps. That’s how many stand between you and the top of Baldwin Steps. Before you is a concrete zig-zag cutting through a steep escarpment. This isn’t just any staircase. It’s a piece of Toronto’s history.
These steps are more than just a way to climb a hill. They connect Davenport Road at the bottom to Austin Terrace at the top. They mark the ancient shoreline of Lake Iroquois. Twelve thousand years ago this area was underwater. The sheer cliff face stopped Spadina Road from going straight through. Wooden steps were the first solution. They were replaced with the current stone and concrete structure in 1913.
The Baldwin family owned the land. Robert Baldwin a former Premier of Ontario was part of that family. They were the first landowners here. That’s how the steps got their name. The steps have also been in the spotlight. They appeared in the popular graphic novel Scott Pilgrim vs the World and its movie adaptation.
The steps weren’t always safe. In the 1960s a proposed Spadina Expressway threatened them. A six lane highway was planned. It would have replaced the steps entirely. Thankfully the project was cancelled in 1971. The land was leased to the city in 1984. They rebuilt the steps in 1987. They added new railings and expanded landings. They kept the original zig-zag path.
Look around. Notice the mature trees. The planting beds surround the steps. The semi-circular landing has pillars. There’s even a small amphitheatre. Take a moment to appreciate the view from the top. You’re looking out at some of Toronto’s most exclusive homes. Casa Loma and Spadina House are nearby. This isn’t just a staircase. It’s a beautiful blend of nature and history. A testament to the resilience of a community that fought to preserve its past. Enjoy the climb.