
Toronto First Post Office
Step back in time at Toronto's oldest operating post office, built in 1833. Send mail with quill pens and wax seals!

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal

Toronto First Post Office
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more personal

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Step back in time at Toronto's oldest operating post office, built in 1833. Send mail with quill pens and wax seals!
"Amazing historical place as this is Toronto's oldest existing post office."

💌 Send a Piece of History
Mail a letter with a special pictorial cancellation for a unique souvenir.
✍️ Try Quill & Ink
Experience writing with a quill pen and ink for an authentic historical touch.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

1833 Post Office Building
260 Adelaide Street East
Toronto's oldest purpose-built post office, a brick architectural marvel witnessing centuries of history.

Vintage Mail Experience
Inside the Post Office
Send letters with quill pens and wax seals for a truly unique, historical correspondence.

Postal History Exhibits
Museum Area
Explore fascinating displays on Toronto's early mail services and postal heritage.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Step Back in Time
Plan Your Visit
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💌 Send a Piece of History
Mail a letter with a special pictorial cancellation for a unique souvenir.
✍️ Try Quill & Ink
Experience writing with a quill pen and ink for an authentic historical touch.
📜 Get Wax Sealed
Add a classic wax seal to your letters for an extra special touch.
🎁 Unique Stationery
Browse and buy stationery products often designed by local artists.
Tips
from all over the internet
💌 Send a Piece of History
Mail a letter with a special pictorial cancellation for a unique souvenir.
✍️ Try Quill & Ink
Experience writing with a quill pen and ink for an authentic historical touch.
📜 Get Wax Sealed
Add a classic wax seal to your letters for an extra special touch.
🎁 Unique Stationery
Browse and buy stationery products often designed by local artists.
📜 Live Typewriter Poetry
Catch poets creating personalized poems on vintage typewriters on select days.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Toronto's First Post Office as a charming historical gem, highlighting the friendly staff and the unique experience of writing with quill pens and wax seals. Many appreciate the opportunity to send mail with special cancellations and browse local artisan stationery. While some wish for a wider postcard selection, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, celebrating its role as a living piece of Toronto's past.
"Amazing historical place as this is Toronto's oldest existing post office. The staff are very friendly and we got to enjoy writing letters in ink with a quill pen as well as getting them wax sealed. Definitely recommend visiting it to learn more about the history of Toronto as well as early mail services in Canada."
Prehistoric Terminator
"Visited today. Lovely exhibits of postal history in Toronto. Lovely merchandise for sale. Even the permanent stamps I was looking for were available. Great place."
Tamsin Mavric
"Awesome place 📮 They have special pictorial cancellation. Staff are so kind and helpful, and I enjoy shopping stationery products by local artists!"
Seoyoung Hwang
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Toronto First Post Office is located at 260 Adelaide Street East. It's easily accessible by public transit, with several streetcar and bus routes nearby. Driving is also an option, though parking in the area can be challenging.
Information regarding wheelchair accessibility is not widely available, but it's advisable to contact the venue directly to confirm their facilities for visitors with mobility needs.
Several TTC streetcar and bus routes stop within a short walking distance of the post office. Check the TTC website for the most up-to-date route information.
Street parking may be available, but it's often limited. There are also several paid parking garages in the vicinity. Consider using public transit to avoid parking hassles.
Yes, depending on your starting point, it's a pleasant walk from many downtown Toronto locations. The area is quite walkable and offers a good way to see the city.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission to the Toronto First Post Office is generally free, allowing you to explore the exhibits and the historic building. However, specific events or workshops might have separate fees.
Operating hours can vary, so it's best to check their official website or social media for the most current information before your visit.
Absolutely! You can send mail from this historic post office, and it often features special pictorial cancellations, making your mail a unique keepsake.
The museum exhibits are typically included with your visit to the post office, making it an accessible way to learn about Toronto's postal history.
Yes, you can purchase regular stamps and a variety of postal supplies, including unique stationery items.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography for personal use is generally permitted inside the Toronto First Post Office. However, it's always a good idea to be respectful of other visitors and any posted signage.
The exterior of the historic red-brick building is very photogenic. Inside, the vintage mail counters, quill pens, and wax sealing station offer unique photo opportunities.
Photos of the postal history exhibits are usually allowed for personal use, but flash photography might be restricted to protect the artifacts.
For professional photoshoots or commercial purposes, it's best to contact the venue in advance to inquire about their policies and any necessary permits.
A camera that can handle low-light conditions well would be beneficial for interior shots. Natural light from the windows can also create a beautiful, vintage ambiance.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The Toronto First Post Office primarily focuses on its historical and postal services. There are no dining facilities within the post office itself.
The post office is located in a vibrant area of Toronto with numerous restaurants and cafes offering diverse cuisines. You'll find options ranging from casual eateries to more upscale dining experiences nearby.
While there are no specific rules mentioned, it's generally considered polite to refrain from eating or drinking inside historical buildings unless in a designated area. It's best to enjoy your snacks outside or at a nearby cafe.
Yes, the surrounding neighborhood is filled with cafes where you can grab a coffee and a pastry before or after your visit to the post office.
This area offers a wide range of culinary delights, including Italian, Asian, and contemporary Canadian cuisine. You're sure to find something to satisfy your cravings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making a game out of writing postcards to family members or friends, using the wax seal for an extra flourish. The staff are generally friendly and can make the experience more interactive for younger visitors. It's a low-cost, high-engagement activity that offers a break from typical tourist attractions.
📜 History Buffs & Vintage Enthusiasts
The opportunity to write with a quill pen and ink, and to send out mail with a historical cancellation, offers a tangible connection to the past. It's a chance to appreciate the evolution of communication and the enduring legacy of this historic site.
🎁 Gift Seekers & Souvenir Hunters
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Journey Through Toronto's Postal History
Visitors can immerse themselves in this rich history through the small museum component, which features exhibits on Toronto's early mail services. It's a chance to understand the evolution of communication and the vital role the post office played in connecting the community. The staff are often praised for their knowledge and friendliness, adding a personal touch to the historical experience.
Beyond the exhibits, the post office offers a unique opportunity to engage with history directly. You can write letters using traditional quill pens and ink, and even have them sealed with wax, creating a tangible connection to a bygone era. This hands-on approach makes learning about postal history both engaging and memorable, appealing to history buffs and curious visitors alike.
Experiencing Vintage Mail and Unique Gifts
Beyond sending letters, the post office often features a selection of merchandise, including stationery products, many of which are designed by local artists. This provides an excellent opportunity to find unique souvenirs or gifts that support local talent. On select days, you might even encounter poets creating live, personalized poems on vintage typewriters, offering another unique and emotional gift option.
These elements combine to make Toronto's First Post Office a destination for more than just postal needs. It's a place to create, connect, and acquire one-of-a-kind items that carry a story and a piece of Toronto's heritage.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit