This Saturday marks the return of Heritage Toronto's Walking Tours for the 14th year with a trip into South Rosedale's evolution from wooded ravine to posh residential development over the course of the 19th and 20th centuries. It's the first in a full slate of tours taking place across the city throughout the spring.

Researched and led by volunteer historians and neighbourhood groups, the tours focus on different aspects of the city's past, including architectural styles, natural heritage, or the history of neighbourhoods and the remarkable people who've lived there. Moving well beyond the city's most well-traveled neighbourhoods, the walks include jaunts through Beaconsfield Village, Indian Grove, Riverdale and The Exhibition Grounds.

After South Rosedale on April 19, the next couple walks include the Grange neighbourhood (April 20), Terra Cotta Design in Toronto's History Architecture (April 26), Indian Road and Indian Grove (April 27), Madison Avenue (May 3), The Danforth (May 4), and Toronto's Railway Heritage (May 10).

For full descriptions of each walk on the schedule, as well as the exact meeting points and start times, see Heritage Toronto's website. The walks, which usually last about two hours, are free, and require no advance booking. Wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing because walks take place rain or shine.

Photo by frigante from the Torontoist Flickr Pool.