Toronto Old Town: Self-Guided Dark History Walking Game
Active
1h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Think you know Toronto? Think again. Beneath Old Town’s polished streets lie twisted tales, strange encounters, and buried secrets waiting to be uncovered. On this spine-tingling walking adventure, the city becomes your puzzle board.
Using your smartphone, you’ll follow eerie clues through alleyways and historic sites, uncovering bizarre stories like a battle between clowns and firefighters, strange underground truths beneath St. James Park, and dark secrets behind Toronto’s oldest market. You’ll solve 10–15 interactive challenges, each revealing a hidden layer of the city’s past - no guide needed.
What makes this tour unique?
It’s a thrilling mix of self-guided discovery, real-world puzzles, and dark local lore that transforms a walk into an unforgettable adventure.
Perfect for curious minds, groups of friends, and couples looking for a deeper, more unexpected side of Toronto.
Available options
Toronto Old Town: Self-Guided Dark History Walking Game
What's included
10 puzzle challenges
Flexibility to pause and resume anytime
Storyline content about Old Town’s dark history
Mobile access code
Detailed itinerary
1
Originally installed for the 2015 Pan American Games as a temporary attraction meant to be dismantled in November 2016 at the earliest, the City of Toronto decided to continue to operate the sign after it became popular with tourists and residents.
Here you will have to look around to find the answer to our challenge to advance to the new location and learn the story of this place.
2
Toronto's Old City Hall was one of the largest buildings in Toronto and the largest civic building in North America upon completion in 1899. It was the burgeoning city's third city hall. It housed Toronto's municipal government and courts for York County and Toronto, taking over from the Adelaide Street Court House.
Here you will have to look around to find the answer to our challenge to advance to the new location and learn the story of this place.
3
The Toronto-Dominion Centre, or TD Centre, is an office complex in the Financial District of downtown Toronto owned by Cadillac Fairview. It serves as the global headquarters for its anchor tenant, the Toronto-Dominion Bank, and provides office and retail space for many other businesses. The complex consists of six towers and a pavilion covered in bronze-tinted glass and black painted steel. Approximately 21,000 people work in the complex, making it the largest commercial office complex in Canada.
Here you will have to look around to find the answer to our challenge to advance to the new location and learn the story of this place.
4
Between the towers are two large expanses, collectively known as Oscar Peterson Place. The northern space contains a more formal tract of granite, while the southern space contains the lawn and features The Pasture, a sculpture by Saskatchewan artist Joe Fafard, who died in early 2019.
Here you will have to look around to find the answer to our challenge to advance to the new location and learn the story of this place.
5
Through a history of nearly 90 years, the Fairmont Royal York has played host royal guests, heads of state, celebrities, superstars of sport, and millions of others. It has been a crucial lynchpin in the history of Toronto luxury.
Here you will have to look around to find the answer to our challenge to advance to the new location and learn the story of this place.
6
Stop 6
Pass by
Its first permanent building opened at Exhibition Place in 1961. The hall was relocated in 1993, and is now in Downtown Toronto, inside Brookfield Place, and a historic Bank of Montreal building. The Hockey Hall of Fame has hosted International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) exhibits and the IIHF Hall of Fame since 1998.
Here you will have to look around to find the answer to our challenge to advance to the new location and learn the story of this place.
7
The King Edward Hotel was designed by Chicago architect Henry Ives Cobb and Toronto architect E.J. Lennox for developer George Gooderham's Toronto Hotel Company, and was granted its name by namesake King Edward VII. The structure opened in 1903 with 400 rooms and 300 baths, and it claimed to be entirely fireproof.
Here you will have to look around to find the answer to our challenge to advance to the new location and learn the story of this place.
8
The Cathedral Church of St. James is an Anglican cathedral in Downtown Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is the location of the oldest congregation in the city, with the parish being established in 1797.
Here you will have to look around to find the answer to our challenge to advance to the new location and learn the story of this place.
9
St. Lawrence Hall opened in 1850 and was Toronto's first large meeting hall. Named for Canada's patron saint, it was for many years the centre of cultural and political life in Toronto, hosting many balls, receptions, concerts, exhibitions and lectures.
Here you will have to look around to find the answer to our challenge to advance to the new location and learn the story of this place.
10
Stop 10
Pass by
The St. Lawrence Market South building is a major public market building in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. It is located on the southwest corner of Front and Lower Jarvis Streets. Along with the St. Lawrence Market North and St. Lawrence Hall, it comprises the St. Lawrence Market complex.
Here you will have to look around to find the answer to our challenge to advance to the new location and learn the story of this place.
What's not included
A physical tour guide
Available languages
Written guide
EN
FR
Reviews breakdown
Viator
4.7
3 reviews
5★
2
4★
1
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
4.9
12 reviews
5★
11
4★
1
3★
0
2★
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1★
0
Important information
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Meeting point
Please use Google Maps or other map services to arrive at this location. When you arrive, please follow the instructions inside the Questo app closely.
Important notes
To unlock the experience in the Questo app, go to https://www.questoapp.com/unlock, and add your booking number and e-mail address. Then, download the Questo app and create a new account with the e-mail address you used for unlocking.
About Toronto
Toronto is Canada's largest city and a vibrant multicultural hub known for its towering skyscrapers, diverse neighborhoods, and rich cultural scene. It's a city where modernity and tradition blend seamlessly, offering a dynamic urban experience with a welcoming atmosphere.
Top Attractions
CN Tower
The CN Tower is an iconic landmark of Toronto and one of the tallest freestanding structures in the world. It offers panoramic views of the city and a thrilling EdgeWalk experience.
Architecture
1-2 hours
$38 CAD for general admission
Royal Ontario Museum (ROM)
The ROM is Canada's largest museum of natural history and world cultures. It features a vast collection of artifacts and exhibits, including dinosaur fossils, ancient artifacts, and contemporary art.
Museum
2-3 hours
$23 CAD for adults
Toronto Islands
The Toronto Islands offer a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle. With beautiful beaches, scenic trails, and stunning views of the skyline, it's a perfect spot for picnics, cycling, and relaxation.
Nature
Half-day to full day
$8.25 CAD round trip ferry ticket
Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
Ripley's Aquarium is a fascinating underwater world featuring a wide variety of marine life, including sharks, rays, and penguins. It's an exciting and educational experience for all ages.
Attraction
1-2 hours
$42.99 CAD for adults
Distillery District
The Distillery District is a historic and charming neighborhood known for its cobblestone streets, Victorian-era buildings, and vibrant arts scene. It's a great place for shopping, dining, and cultural events.
Cultural
1-2 hours
Free to explore, varies for shops and restaurants
Must-Try Local Dishes
Poutine
A classic Canadian dish consisting of French fries topped with cheese curds and gravy.
Main Dish
Contains dairy and gluten
Butter Tarts
A sweet pastry filled with a mixture of butter, sugar, syrup, and sometimes raisins or pecans.
Dessert
Contains gluten and dairy
Peameal Bacon Sandwich
A Toronto specialty featuring peameal bacon (back bacon rolled in cornmeal) served on a bun.
Breakfast/Lunch
Contains pork
Nanaimo Bars
A no-bake dessert square with a crumb base, a light custard-flavored butter icing in the middle, and a chocolate layer on top.
Dessert
Contains gluten, dairy, and nuts
Popular Activities
Hiking
Skiing
Canoeing
Spas
Yoga
Meditation
Museums
Art Galleries
Best Time to Visit
May to October
This is the best time to visit Toronto for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city comes alive with festivals, outdoor dining, and events.
15°C to 30°C
59°F to 86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: English, French
- Widely spoken: English, French, Mandarin, Cantonese, Punjabi, Spanish, Tagalog, Portuguese
- English: Widely spoken
Currency
Canadian Dollar (CAD)
Time Zone
GMT-5 (Eastern Standard Time, EST) or GMT-4 (Eastern Daylight Time, EDT)
Electricity
120VV, 60HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Toronto is generally considered a safe city, but like any major urban center, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.
Important Precautions:
- • Keep valuables secure and out of sight
- • Be cautious when using ATMs
- • Avoid walking alone late at night in isolated areas
Getting there
By air
- Toronto Pearson International Airport • 22.5 km from city center
- Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport • 3 km from city center
By train
Toronto Union Station
By bus
Toronto Coach Terminal, Union Station Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
The TTC subway system is efficient and widely used. It consists of four lines that connect major attractions and neighborhoods.
Taxis
Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Downtown Toronto
Kensington Market
Chinatown
The Annex
Leslieville
Day trips
Niagara Falls
130 km from Toronto • Full day
Niagara Falls is one of the world's most famous natural wonders, offering breathtaking views, boat tours, and a variety of attractions.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
135 km from Toronto • Full day
Niagara-on-the-Lake is a charming town known for its historic sites, wineries, and beautiful architecture.
Blue Mountain
150 km from Toronto • Full day or overnight
Blue Mountain is a popular year-round destination offering skiing, snowboarding, hiking, and a charming village with shops and restaurants.
Festivals
Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) • September
Pride Toronto • June
Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) • August
Pro tips
- Visit the Toronto Islands for a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle
- Explore the Distillery District for its charming cobblestone streets and vibrant arts scene
- Try local craft beers at one of the city's many breweries
- Visit during the Toronto Christmas Market for a magical and festive experience
- Take a stroll along the waterfront for stunning views of the city skyline
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
