Toronto is known for having a lot of hidden gems but one that many may not know about is thePortsToronto archiveswhich is home to over 30,000 images that document the city's rich history and the evolution of Toronto's waterfront.

Founded in 1975, the collection is housed in a dedicated archival space at thePort of Torontoto ensure that these photographs, documents and records are preserved and accessible to future generations looking to understand the waterfront's historical context.

From the PortsToronto Archives: Legend has it that the spirit of the first lighthouse keeper at Gibraltar Point, John Paul Radelmüller, a well-known bootleger who was killed in 1815, can still be seen late at night patrolling the grounds of the lighthouse.

1985pic.twitter.com/ERl729CObL

— PortsToronto (@PortsToronto)October 28, 2021

公关eviously called the Toronto Harbour Commission, they worked with photographer Arthur Beales to capture images of the organizations building and development initiatives from 1914 to 1951 with Beales often climbing cranes or towers to get the perfect photo.

From@PortsTorontoarchives, the old Union Station that existed until station we know today opened#OTDin 1927#TBTpic.twitter.com/u5a1xysB9x

— PortsToronto (@PortsToronto)August 6, 2015

PortsToronto owns and operates Billy Bishop Airport; the Outer Harbour Marina, one of Canada's largest freshwater marinas; and Marine Terminal 52.

During World War II,@BBishopAirportserved as a training ground for both the Royal Canadian and Royal Norwegian Air Forces. In fact, barracks for the RNAF were built on the mainland at the foot of Bathurst Street—now Little Norway Park. :@PortsTorontoArchives#VEDay75#YTZpic.twitter.com/oBJlBHu7sf

— Billy Bishop Airport (@BBishopAirport)May 8, 2020

Needless to say, the organization has had, and continues to have, a huge influence on Toronto's growth as one of North America's largest cities.

Here is another “dive” into the@PortsTorontoarchives. Toronto Mayor William Stewart congratulates Margaret Ravior, winner of the 1931 Women’s Marathon Swim, in front of a press microphone.

Arthur Bealespic.twitter.com/9PodG6g3dA

— PortsToronto (@PortsToronto)October 6, 2021

History buffs or those curious to learn more about their city could find themselves lost in tens of thousands of photos and documents buried in these archives.

The archivesis located at 60 Harbour St. and available for visits by appointment.