Rediscovering Canada Through Its Pay Phones:

An Urban Wanders Photographic Journey

In a world dominated by iPhones, pay phones have quietly slipped into the background of our cities, becoming almost invisible in our urban landscape. Yet, as I’ve traveled through the bustling streets of Ontario and the vibrant neighbourhoods of Quebec, I’ve become fascinated by these overlooked pay phone booths—each one a unique portal to the past, but also the community around them.

Over the years, I’ve dedicated my photography to making the invisible visible, capturing the quirky intersections of architecture, culture, and community that define these iconic structures. My lens explores how these booths adapt to their environments—whether nestled within the eclectic energy of downtown districts, tucked away in serene parks, or standing sentinel along remote highways.

From a solitary booth standing at the edge of a bustling farmer’s market to clusters of phones nestled between towering skyscrapers, each pay phone tells its own story within the rich tapestry of Canadian urban life. As an urban enthusiast, I find joy in discovering their varied placements, revealing how they still serve as critical nodes in the communication networks of our cities. My lens captures the graffiti that adorns their sides, the vibrant settings that surround them, and the myriad ways they connect us to one another—even in this digital age.

This project celebrates the quirky charm of pay phones, shedding light on their roles in both connecting and disconnecting us within the frenetic energy of city life. Join me as I explore these often-forgotten gems, revealing the stories they hold and the moments they continue to foster in our ever-evolving urban landscape.

To share my journey and the stories behind these iconic pay phones, I’ve created an Instagram account dedicated to the #bellpayphoneproject. Here, I showcase the striking images I’ve captured throughout my wanderings, highlighting the vibrant settings and unique characters of each booth.

Alongside the photographs, I share anecdotes and insights about their locations, encouraging a dialogue about our shared experiences with these relics of communication. I invite fellow urban enthusiasts, history buffs, and curious travellers to join the conversation—follow along, share your own memories, and help me celebrate these often-overlooked landmarks that still play a role in our urban landscapes.