Local guides, not scripts
One dedicated guide stays with your party throughout the day. Our guides are retired police officers and retired journalists who walked these streets and know the city — its good side and its bad side — first-hand.
Section: about us
Private Toronto tours told by the people who worked these streets
Tell us when you arrive and how you travelled, and we will build a tour that fits your visit, your schedule and your group.
Fully Insured & Certified
A member of the Tourist Guide Association of Toronto
TICO Certified Travel Counsellor
A Proud Member of Destination TorontoUnder Niagara Parks regulation, all tourist guides must be licensed to guide in the Niagara Falls park area.
Meet your Toronto insider
“I didn’t learn Toronto from a tour-guide script. I spent my career working its streets.”
Your guests aren’t simply being shown Toronto — they’re experiencing it with someone who has spent a career behind the scenes of the city. Founder John Sandeman’s career has included Citytv, CBC, nearly three decades with the Toronto Police Service, and international assignments with FIFA and the Olympic Games. That experience brings a different perspective to Toronto: its neighbourhoods, its stories, its people and the places most visitors never discover.
Years of VIPs, international guests, tight schedules and discretion — so concierges can hand over their guests with confidence.
Founder
John M. Sandeman
Founder & Head of Creative Experiences
“Where Every Street Has a Story”
John founded Toronto Story Tours to bring the city’s real stories to life through the people who lived and worked them. He believes the best tour is one told by locals who know a neighbourhood’s good side and its bad side — first-hand.
How we travel
Private transportation tailored to your party — from a Cadillac or executive SUV to a Mercedes Sprinter, with motorcoaches arranged for larger private parties and travel-trade programs.
Cruise ship calls
Built around ships that call at Toronto: we meet you at the berth, run to your sailing time, and get you back with margin to spare.
Honorary Torontonian
At the end of the tour you are made an Honorary Torontonian and receive a certificate to prove it.
Photos, sent to you
We stop for candid shots and a portrait of your party at the places that matter to you, then send everything to you before you're home.
Contests & true Canadiana
A little friendly competition along the way, with genuine Canadiana for your party to take home: a stuffed beaver, a stuffed raccoon, an "I Love Toronto" t-shirt, and a Toronto Story Tours tote bag.
Technology on board
Our very own D-PAX system, proudly developed in Canada. GPS-triggered narration in multiple languages, questions answered in real time, and a live passenger list for the driver and guide — safer guests, on-time touring, and a smoother experience for everyone. For larger private parties, QR-code check-in keeps every guest accounted for.
Our vehicles
Private transportation tailored to your party
From a private Cadillac SUV for two, to executive vehicles and Mercedes Sprinters for families and small groups. For larger private parties and travel-trade programs, motorcoaches can also be arranged.
✦Cadillac SUV — Private travel for two
✦Executive SUV — Couples and families
✦Mercedes Sprinter van — Up to 14 guests
✦Luxury motor coach — Up to 55 guests
Company Information
Toronto Story Tours
A division of JS Professional Services, an Ontario-registered business, creating private Toronto and Niagara experiences for couples, families and small groups, with professional destination services for travel advisors, tour operators, DMCs and cruise partners.
- Ontario Business Identification Number (BIN): 1001743484
- JS Professional Services
- Ontario Business Identification Number (BIN): 1000657269
- Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Niagara Parks Licensed Tour Guide — Licence #1555
Contact us
Tell us what you have in mind
Send your question directly to our Toronto booking desk. We usually reply within one business day.