Baldwin Steps

Baldwin Steps is a concrete staircase with 110 steps and metal railings that connects different elevations of Spadina Road across a natural escarpment. The construction winds through a wooded area and opens to varying views as you climb.

The original wooden stairs were replaced with a permanent structure in 1913, marking an important shift in Toronto's urban infrastructure development. This upgrade greatly eased connections between neighborhoods.

The steps sit near Spadina House, whose name comes from the Ojibwe word ishpadinaa, reflecting the indigenous heritage of the Toronto region. This connection shows how the area's original inhabitants shaped its identity.

You can access the steps from Davenport Road, though the climb is fairly steep and sturdy shoes are recommended. The stairs can become slippery in winter, so caution is needed during colder months.

The steps trace an ancient shoreline of Lake Iroquois and reveal views of Toronto's downtown skyline as you climb. This geological feature tells the region's prehistoric story.

Location: Ontario

Official opening: 1913

GPS coordinates: 43.67770,-79.40830

Latest update: December 9, 2025 18:49