Walk through downtown Toronto and learn the stories behind the city’s iconic signs.
Toronto, · Cultural tours
Listing highlights
Airbnb Original
This cultural tour was designed by Kurt exclusively for Airbnb.
2024 Jury Award for book
By Canadian Association of Heritage Professionals
What you’ll do
Neon glow-up
We’ll start by visiting two recently restored neon signs that adorn historic music venues and learn about the famous acts who performed there.
Exploring Chinatown
Next, we'll explore Chinatown and discuss the distinctive style of signs that have come to define this neighbourhood.
Some quirky surprises
We'll continue along Dundas Street where you'll spot some smaller signs off the beaten path and hear about the colourful stories behind them.
Look up!
Stopping at University Avenue, we'll look up to get a glimpse of two unique glowing fixtures that carry special meaning to Torontonians.
The ultimate Toronto sign
Then, we’ll wander down to Nathan Phillips Square, where you'll have the opportunity to take a photo with the iconic TORONTO sign and learn how it came to be.
I’m Kurt, an architect fascinated by historic signs. I co-edited The Signs That Define Toronto, an award-winning book. My work at ERA Architects includes adaptive reuse and urban infill design. I’m excited to share Toronto’s unique signage with you.
To help protect your payment, always use Airbnb to send money and communicate with hosts.
5.0, · 12 reviews
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, · May 2025
So much fun! Kurt made all of us fall in love with this city and its rich history. Highly recommend!
Thep
Toronto, Canada
, · May 2025
His ability to engage and share history was energetic and fun. Great experience filled with knowledge. Would recommend and hope he guides more tours I would join just to hang with him.
Spencer
Canada
, · May 2025
Such a pleasant afternoon learning about the signs that define Toronto. Kurt was very knowledgeable and friendly. I loved getting to see the city through his point of view. 10/10
Imran
Toronto, Canada
, · April 2025
The tour was fun! Kurt took us through different parts of the city centre, showing various signages with interesting local history and characters. It definitely made me look up more and pay attention to all the different signs. Highly recommend for anyone who's curious about local stories and tidbits about Toronto from a different lens!
Kristina
Canada
, · April 2025
Very interesting walk! Signage as a lens to learn about architecture, music, and pop culture history of Toronto. Kurt is a great speaker who balance simplifying the complex policies of heritage conservation with the minute details of construction.
Jasmine
Toronto, Canada
, · April 2025
Kurt was very knowledgeable not only on the signs he talked about but also the buildings and urban landscape these signs belong to. Very unique and informative way to get to know Toronto. Highly recommend!
Franco
Toronto, Canada
Some reviews have been automatically translated.
Things to know
Guest requirements
Guests aged 18 and up can attend.
Activity level
The activity level for this experience is moderate and the skill level is beginner.
Accessibility
Access provider supported
Cancellation policy
Cancel at least 1 day before the start time for a full refund.
Airbnb Originals are designed for Airbnb
Airbnb Originals are vetted for quality and hosted by the world’s most interesting people. Learn more
See an issue?
From $20 CAD / guest
From $20 CAD per guest
Free cancellation
Reveal the secrets behind Toronto's signs
5.0 · 12 reviews
From $20 CAD / guest
From $20 CAD per guest
Free cancellation
What you’ll do
Neon glow-up
We’ll start by visiting two recently restored neon signs that adorn historic music venues and learn about the famous acts who performed there.
Exploring Chinatown
Next, we'll explore Chinatown and discuss the distinctive style of signs that have come to define this neighbourhood.
Some quirky surprises
We'll continue along Dundas Street where you'll spot some smaller signs off the beaten path and hear about the colourful stories behind them.
Look up!
Stopping at University Avenue, we'll look up to get a glimpse of two unique glowing fixtures that carry special meaning to Torontonians.
The ultimate Toronto sign
Then, we’ll wander down to Nathan Phillips Square, where you'll have the opportunity to take a photo with the iconic TORONTO sign and learn how it came to be.
Hosted in English
Where we’ll meet
The Waverley Apartments (Silver Dollar Room sign)
Toronto, Ontario, M5S 0E4
About me
Co-editor of The Signs That Define..
I’m Kurt, an architect fascinated by historic signs. I co-edited The Signs That Define Toronto, an award-winning book. My work at ERA Architects includes adaptive reuse and urban infill design. I’m excited to share Toronto’s unique signage with you.
To help protect your payment, always use Airbnb to send money and communicate with hosts.
Reveal the secrets behind Toronto's signs
Walk through downtown Toronto and learn the stories behind the city’s iconic signs.
Toronto, · Cultural tours
Listing highlights
Airbnb Original
This cultural tour was designed by Kurt exclusively for Airbnb.
So much fun! Kurt made all of us fall in love with this city and its rich history. Highly recommend!
Thep
Toronto, Canada
, · May 2025
His ability to engage and share history was energetic and fun. Great experience filled with knowledge. Would recommend and hope he guides more tours I would join just to hang with him.
Spencer
Canada
, · May 2025
Such a pleasant afternoon learning about the signs that define Toronto. Kurt was very knowledgeable and friendly. I loved getting to see the city through his point of view. 10/10
Imran
Toronto, Canada
, · April 2025
The tour was fun! Kurt took us through different parts of the city centre, showing various signages with interesting local history and characters. It definitely made me look up more and pay attention to all the different signs. Highly recommend for anyone who's curious about local stories and tidbits about Toronto from a different lens!
Kristina
Canada
, · April 2025
Very interesting walk! Signage as a lens to learn about architecture, music, and pop culture history of Toronto. Kurt is a great speaker who balance simplifying the complex policies of heritage conservation with the minute details of construction.
Jasmine
Toronto, Canada
, · April 2025
Kurt was very knowledgeable not only on the signs he talked about but also the buildings and urban landscape these signs belong to. Very unique and informative way to get to know Toronto. Highly recommend!
Franco
Toronto, Canada
Some reviews have been automatically translated.
Things to know
Guest requirements
Guests aged 18 and up can attend.
Activity level
The activity level for this experience is moderate and the skill level is beginner.
Accessibility
Access provider supported
Cancellation policy
Cancel at least 1 day before the start time for a full refund.
Airbnb Originals are designed for Airbnb
Airbnb Originals are vetted for quality and hosted by the world’s most interesting people. Learn more