Toronto is known for having a lot of hidden gems but one that many may not know about is the PortsToronto archives which 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 the Port of Toronto to 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. 👻

📷 1985 pic.twitter.com/ERl729CObL

— PortsToronto (@PortsToronto) October 28, 2021

Previously 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 @PortsToronto archives, the old Union Station that existed until station we know today opened #OTD in 1927 #TBT pic.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, @BBishopAirport served 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. 📷: @PortsToronto Archives #VEDay75 #YTZ pic.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 @PortsToronto archives. Toronto Mayor William Stewart congratulates Margaret Ravior, winner of the 1931 Women’s Marathon Swim, in front of a press microphone.

📷 Arthur Beales pic.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 archives is located at 60 Harbour St. and available for visits by appointment.