Heritage Toronto Walking Tour: Ghost Signs of Toronto

Uncover the hidden history of Toronto’s ghost signs and advertising relics that reveal how early Canadian commerce used imagery, typography, and emotion to persuade purchases and influence a national identity. Learn how to spot these disappearing relics and become a ghost hunter of the signs of Toronto‘s past.

This tour was developed and will be led by Stephan Petar. Stephan is an award-winning publicist and Heritage Toronto Award-winning writer. His passion for ghost signs started during a Doors Open Toronto event in the early 2010s. Since then, he has documented these signs worldwide on his Instagram @GhostsOfCanada from Canada to Greece, France, Sweden and more. A born and raised Torontonian, he is passionate about the city’s heritage and architecture. Stephan enjoys wandering Toronto where he always manages to discover something new.

Heritage Toronto staff and volunteers will be at the tour’s starting location 30 minutes prior to each tour. Please arrive at least 5-10 minutes prior to the start of the tour to allow time for check in. Feel free to call them at (647) 542-3450 if you are having trouble finding the start location.