Though it’s the largest city in Canada, Toronto isn’t the country’s capital (that would be the less-visited Ottawa). It is one of the Top 10 most liveable cities in the world, however, which isn’t surprising given its cultural diversity, many sports teams, competitive universities, good healthcare system and iconic skyline. Whether you’re just visiting or planning to move there, this big city has plenty to offer. And though it may not have the stunning natural beauty of Banff and the Rockies, there are still plenty of photogenic places to check out. I spent about three months living in Toronto, so I was able to explore quite a bit. For me, these are some of the best photo spots in Toronto that I came across while there.
1. CN Tower
The most iconic part of the city’s skyline is definitely the CN Tower and it deserves to be right up there at the top of the list of best photo spots in Toronto. Completed in 1976, for 32 years it was the tallest free-standing structure in the world. Until the Burj Khalifa in Dubai came along and smashed all those records. It’s a bit pricey to go up the internal elevator to the observation deck in the round section at the top, so I never actually did it, but even viewing the tower from the ground is worth doing. The CN Tower is visible from all over the city, so I was always catching glimpses of its unique silhouette between buildings as I explored.
In my opinion, the best spot from which to take a photo of the CN Tower is from Roundhouse Park, just a little to the south. Getting a bit of distance allowed me to get the whole tower in my photo (a wide angle lens is useful here too), as well as a little space amongst the crowd.
Check the official website for opening times and ticket prices.
2. Rush Lane / Graffiti Alley
Located within Toronto’s Fashion District, if you’re interested in street art, Rush Lane is one of the best photo spots in the city. This three-block-long back alley may be a little dirty (especially in spring when the snow is melting and slushy), but the beautiful and thought-provoking murals more than make up for it. Trust me, you won’t be looking down at your feet. Rush Lane began as a hotspot for unsanctioned graffiti, then became the centre of a movement pushing to legitimise street art in the city. In 2011 the alley was designated as an area of municipal significance, and was the birthplace of StreetARToronto, an organisation that provides funding for street art and public murals (this handy map shows you all the murals around the city).
Graffiti versus street art is still a contentious subject in Toronto, but no one can deny that Graffiti Alley is one of the city’s biggest attractions and one of the best photo spots around.
3. Nathan Phillips Square
Right in the heart of the city is where you’ll find the Toronto city sign at Nathan Phillips Square, in front of City Hall. During the summer, the fountain and pool are a lovely spot to relax, but in winter it turns into a public ice skating rink, with skate rentals available just next to it. From here it’s easy to explore the rest of the downtown area, though I honestly found this part of Toronto to be a little soulless. The arches over the pond/rink make for some interesting photos, and the city sign a nice little splash of colour amongst all the tan and grey.
It is the largest public square in Canada, and hosts many public events, including concerts, weekly markets and art displays.
4. The Esplanade
The Esplanade is basically one long, narrow park that takes you to the Distillery District, but it’s a pleasant walk through a part of Toronto that actually feels lived in. The playgrounds may be a bit rusty, the grass a bit patchy, but the people walking past me didn’t seem to be rushing through their day like everyone downtown. It felt like a real neighbourhood. There was also this fantastic mural along the way that made for some great photos.
Tucked between two popular attractions in Toronto – the Distillery District and St. Lawrence Market – the Esplanade was originally built in 1850 as a part of the city’s “beautification” project, but was quickly taken over by the incoming railway. The former railway line was then converted into the David Crombie Park. There are plenty of restaurants in the area if you want to take a break from all the sightseeing and photo-taking you’re doing.
5. Distillery District
By far my favourite part of the city, the Distillery District originated as, you guessed it, a distillery. Now a series of historic buildings, the Gooderham and Worts Distillery was once one of the largest distilleries in Canada. The building of the large complex began in 1859 between the waterfront and the rail lines, the perfect spot from transporting goods in and out. It became the biggest employer in Toronto, but over the years the company saw deaths, tax evasion charges, a decline in production and even a dodgy connection to notorious bootlegger Rocco Perri.
By 1990, all production ceased and the buildings were emptied. The deserted area became a haven for film crews, both before and after the district’s major revamp into a pedestrian community space. Nowadays, the historic buildings are filled with art galleries, boutiques, organic beauty companies, cafes and restaurants. The streets between are a photographer’s dream, full of art installations and Instagram-oriented designs.
The Distillery District isn’t just one photo spot in Toronto, it’s a whole range of them. Give yourself an afternoon at the very minimum to really take in the entire place, as well as a bite to eat.
6. Roy Thomson Hall
Home to the Toronto Symphony Orchestra, the Roy Thomson Hall is an important feature of the city. The curious curving design stands out amongst the tall, straight-edged buildings in the surrounding downtown area. Next to it, the David Pecaut Square is home to an Eternal Flame, lit in 1996, as well as several sculptures.
If you’re not taking in a performance, then the Roy Thomson Hall will just be a brief stop on your photography journey across Toronto, but I thought it was a worthy addition to the list.
7. Sugar Beach
The name of this urban park is a bit misleading, because it’s not somewhere you can go for a swim. The water is not exactly enticing-looking anyway, due to its proximity to downtown Toronto, but the park is a pretty place to relax for a few hours. Named Sugar Beach because it’s located across from the Redpath Sugar Refinery, the pink umbrellas, yellow sand and painted rocks make this a very photogenic spot.
On a warm, sunny day, Sugar Beach is a very popular place with locals and visitors alike. I happened to go on an overcast, chilly day and I had the whole beach to myself! Although those pink umbrellas would definitely stand out more against a bright blue sky.
8. Nassau Street Market
The Nassau Street Market is eclectic, to say the least. On the ground, the street is filled with painted houses, sticker-covered vans, stalls selling hand-crafted jewellery, sumptuous food and countless flyers for live music. But the real photography treasure can be found a bit higher up. From the top of the near-by parking garage, there is a fantastic view of the city skyline, particularly at sunset when the city is painted in orange and pink.
While the garage itself isn’t exactly one of Toronto’s prettiest photo spots, you certainly won’t be the only person on the rooftop taking in the view. It has become a popular spot to hang out in the evening, and with that view, I’m not surprised. The nearby Kensington sign is a cool element to incorporate into photos (even if it’s backwards!).
9. Harbourfront area walk
With glistening waters and tall ships, the waterfront area of Toronto is a great place to walk and shoot. Perched on the edge of Lake Ontario, this was once the heart of industrial Toronto, but nowadays you’re more likely to find high-rise apartments and boutique hotels than cargo ships and factories. It’s a lovely blend of urban and nature landscapes, with a surprising amount of green spaces dotted between the small, boat-filled harbours. Boardwalks line the area, the CN Tower can be seen at almost all times behind, and sunset can offer some really beautiful shots across the water.
10. High Park
Spanning over 400 acres, this urban oasis is renowned for its lush greenery, picturesque gardens, and serene water features. Perfect for photography at any time of year, this park is one spot you won’t want to miss. In spring, the famous cherry blossoms are in full bloom, the trees a gift from Japan in the 1950s. However, with the blooms come the crowds, so it can be hard to get shots without lots of people, unless you come early in the morning or zoom right in. The expansive meadows and tranquil lakes are vibrant in summer, and in autumn the fiery oranges and reds are unmissable. There’s also plenty of wildlife – particularly waterfowl – that are worth visiting for.
11. Scarborough Bluffs
A simple bus journey from the city centre, the Scarborough Bluffs are very pretty and, at the weekends, very busy. The lower section on the shores of Lake Ontario, called Bluffer’s Park, is filled during the warmer months with picnickers and families barbequing on the grass. Jet skis and speed boats roar past – this isn’t the place for peaceful contemplation. The small “beach” below the cliffs has been used as a filming location in multiple films and television series.
Walk past the marina to Bluffer’s Park Beach for a really nice place to swim in the lake. But you certainly won’t be the only one there.
Scarborough Bluffs upper section
Okay, so I hesitated to write about this at all, but I think it’s something important that should be addressed.
Many of the stunning photos you’ve probably seen of people standing at the top of the bluffs overlooking the beach and the lake were taken illegally. When I found my way to the top (which is pretty difficult on foot), I realised that in order for those photos to be taken, you need to jump over a fence and pass by signs that explicitly tell you it’s illegal to walk on the tops of the bluffs due to the danger of falling and the destruction of the very fragile ecosystem there. Anyone caught trespassing here can be fined up to $5000. There were many people wandering around the nearby park and climbing over the fence when I was there, and yes, I climbed over too. But I didn’t go past that sign, and though I took a few photos sitting on a fallen tree, I’ve decided not to share those because I know I shouldn’t have taken them in the first place.
If the danger wasn’t clear enough, a section of the cliffs above the beach actually collapsed in August 2020. It’s lucky no one was hurt.
12. Evergreen Brick Works
Originally a brick-making factory dating back to the late 19th century, this historic site has been transformed into a dynamic hub for environmental education, urban revitalization, and community engagement. Its iconic red-brick buildings, adorned with rustic charm and industrial relics, serve as a striking backdrop for photography, offering a glimpse into Toronto’s industrial past. The surrounding park offers some beautiful walking paths, as well as a distant view of the Toronto skyline.
Though a little further out than the other Toronto photography spots on this list, it’s pretty simple to get to the Evergreen Brick Works from the city centre using public transport. Take the TTC (Toronto Transit Commission) subway to the Broadview Station (Line 2 – Bloor-Danforth). From Broadview Station, you can catch the 28A Bayview South bus, which will take you directly to the Brick Works. Alternatively, you can take the 82 Rosedale bus from Rosedale Station (Line 1 – Yonge-University).
Bonus Day Trip: Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls, one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders, is easily accessible as a day trip, as it is located just over an hour and a half drive from downtown Toronto. It’s also easy to get there via public transport. Whether admiring the falls from the iconic Hornblower boat tour, taking in panoramic views from observation decks, or exploring the surrounding parks and attractions, a day trip to Niagara Falls promises stunning photo opportunities.
You can even enter tunnels beneath the falls and get up close and personal with the powerful water as it plunges over the edge. It’s truly unforgettable to feel the vibrations in the stone around you.
Taking a trip to Canada? Check out some of my other posts about this huge, but incredible country:
Newfoundland & Labrador: How To Spend Four Days In St. John’s
Québec: Québec – Why You Need To Visit Canada’s European City
Manitoba: My Favourite Manitoba Destinations
Alberta: My Favourite Alberta Destinations / Your Banff Bucket List – 20 Unmissable Places
Staying within the province but want to get a little further afield and away from the city? Then this post about some great day hikes in Ontario is for you!
If photography is one of the reasons you travel to new places, where have you found the best shooting opportunities?
Like this post? Save it for later!
