Some things in life start with a simple idea. For the Toronto Photo Walks, that idea became a community that has lasted for nearly 17 years.
The very first Toronto Photo Walk took place on November 4, 2009. At the time, no one could have imagined that hundreds of photographers would eventually come together to explore the city, share their knowledge, and build lasting friendships.
I joined the group on July 3, 2010, and I'm glad I did. What started as a way to improve my photography quickly became much more than that. Every walk was an opportunity to discover another part of Toronto, experiment with different cameras and techniques, and spend a Saturday with people who shared the same passion.
On August 1, 2026, we'll celebrate an incredible milestone—the 350th Toronto Photo Walk.
Looking back through the group photos over the years tells the story better than words ever could. Faces have changed. Cameras have changed. Some photographers have moved away, while many new members have joined. Yet one thing has remained the same: the welcoming spirit of the group.
Over the years, I have also had the privilege of being one of the walk leaders. Leading a walk isn't just about choosing a route. It's about helping new photographers feel comfortable, pointing out interesting photo opportunities, answering questions, and making sure everyone has a great day. Watching someone discover a new way of seeing the city is one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.
Toronto has become my classroom. We've photographed everything from busy downtown streets and historic neighbourhoods to waterfront sunsets, festivals, parks, trains, architecture, and the people who make this city such an interesting place. Every walk has its own story.
But if you ask me what has made these photo walks so special, it isn't the cameras or even the photographs.
It's the people.
I've made so many friends through the Toronto Photo Walks. We've celebrated milestones together, welcomed new photographers, shared ideas, and encouraged one another to keep creating. Those friendships have become just as important as the photographs themselves.
One tradition that has become just as important as the walk itself is our stop at a local pub for lunch. After spending the morning exploring the city with our cameras, we gather around a table, enjoy a well-earned meal, have a beer, laugh about the photos we captured (and the ones we missed), and simply enjoy each other's company. Those conversations are where friendships grow, photography tips are exchanged, and plans for the next walk begin.
As we gather for Walk 350, I'll be thinking about all the Saturdays we've spent exploring Toronto together since I joined back in 2010. Every walk has created memories, but it's the friendships and the camaraderie that have kept me coming back year after year.
Thank you to everyone who has organized a walk, volunteered as a leader, and shown up with a camera and a smile. Together we've built more than a photography group—we've built a community.
Here's to 350 walks, thousands of photographs, countless laughs over lunch, many pints shared among friends, and many more adventures still to come.
See you on Walk 350. Don't forget your camera...
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