Original circa 1890 “Toronto: The Ideal Summer City — Pictured and Described” antique photographic souvenir view book, part of the Scenic Canada Photo Album Series and published by W. G. MacFarlane of Toronto.

A wonderful piece of late 19th-century Toronto and Canadian travel ephemera, featuring period photographic views accompanied by descriptive text promoting Toronto as a destination and growing metropolitan center.

Illustrated subjects visible in this example include Toronto University, the Parliament Building and Queen’s Park, Toronto Bay and the Island, panoramic city views, and the R. & O. Palace Steamer Toronto. The text also discusses the city, surrounding attractions, Lake Ontario, Niagara, Muskoka, Georgian Bay and other regional destinations.

The publication is historically interesting for its contemporary portrayal of Toronto near the end of the 19th century. One passage gives the population of Toronto and its suburbs as approximately 225,000.

The attractive illustrated cover reads “Toronto The Ideal Summer City — Pictured and Described,” while the rear identifies it as part of the Scenic Canada Photo Album Series. W. G. MacFarlane is documented as a prominent Canadian publisher of souvenir view books and postcards.

Size: approximately 10 x 7 1/4 inches.