Vintage Toronto tourism ads have less swagger, more mullets

Tourism Toronto's new campaign dropped on Monday morning featuring an eye-catching video one advertising experthailed as one of the best ads for a city he's "ever" seen.

• New tourism campaign shows off Toronto's 'civic swagger'

It got CBC Toronto staff wondering: What were Toronto tourism videos like before?

From the sweeping skyline shots of previous Tourism Toronto videos to the 80's cheese of vintage Ontario Place ads, there's lots to love or hate in old campaigns advertising the sightsof the city.

The new ad on the block

If you haven't seen the new campaign yet, here's the first video:

Andrew Weir, executive vice president and chief marketing officer for Tourism Toronto, says it taps into the city's growing "civic swagger."

Heartbeat of the city

Now, for something a little different thisTourism Toronto video released five years ago on YouTubestarts off with sketches of the city and apulsating heartbeat.

Unlike the new ad spot, which focuses on the Blue Jays and Raptors, this older video covers all the bases when it comes to Toronto sports teams.

The world next door

This 1991 Tourism Canada ad shines a neon spotlight on Toronto. You'll also spot alsodancing nurses, a big-haired bartender, and a doughnut. (There's... a lot going on here.)

Oh, and havefun feeling emotional about that little Honest Ed's appearance.

Let's play spot the mullet

The matching sunscreen noses are a timely touch in this1987 ad for Ontario Place.

There's also classic '80s fashion like high-rise jeans, colourful shirts andyes! a mullet.

Feel the grip of the Vortex

Canada's Wonderland opened The Vortex rollercoaster in 1991 with this ad spot, featuring some top-notch '90s computer animation.

Is your heart racing yet?

The clock is ticking

Okay, okay, it's not a tourism ad. But this 1987 promotional video for the Blue Jays is kind of epic.

A little mystery: Which '80s Jay is that?

Classic Canadiana

Toronto is one of the hot spots in this 1984 Canadian tourism ad, along with some very, very clich Canuck imageryMounties, canoeing, the Parliament buildings, and more.