At 260 Adelaide St E, Toronto’s First Post Office combines a working postal outlet with a small museum about mail and the city’s early history. The building dates to the 1830s, when Toronto was known as York. Inside, you can explore two rooms of exhibits, then try writing with a quill and ink and sealing a letter with wax. The gift shop has stationery and other souvenirs. Admission is free, with donations welcome, so it makes an easy stop for local history and a hands-on activity.
A post office from York’s early years
The building was established in the 1830s, when Toronto was known as York. James Scott Howard, the postmaster of York, built it for use as both a post office and his family home. Its location near a bank put postal and financial services close together in the early town.
The building is a late Georgian structure and the oldest surviving purpose-built post office in Toronto. Its later uses included a Roman Catholic boys’ school and cold storage, before it became a museum and working postal outlet.
Mail and city history inside
Two rooms trace the history of mail in Toronto. Exhibits include reproductions of letters from the 1830s and copies of early drawings of York, accompanied by biographical notes about artists and influential people of the period.
One room has been restored to show how customers could collect a letter and write a reply at the post office. Writing desks and supplies let you try the same kind of correspondence, using a quill and ink. Sand is available to dry the ink, and sealing wax adds a finishing touch.
Sending a letter today
The post office still handles mail, so you can use the traditional writing equipment and send a letter from the historic building. A distinctive cancellation mark is applied to outgoing mail. Postage is required; the museum admission is free, and donations are welcome.
The shop carries stationery and other small gifts. There are also tables and chairs where you can sit down to write before sending your letter.
FAQ
Is admission to Toronto’s First Post Office free?
Yes. Admission is free, and donations are welcome.
Can you send mail from Toronto’s First Post Office?
Yes. It is a working postal outlet. Postage is extra, and outgoing letters receive a distinctive cancellation mark.
Can you write with a quill at the post office?
Yes. Writing supplies, including quills and ink, are available for visitors to use.
What can you see inside the museum?
Two rooms cover Toronto’s postal history, with reproductions of 1830s letters and early drawings of York.
