Are you visiting Toronto for the first time? Here is a round up of the places I love to visit in Toronto which are truly instagrammable and photo worthy. It ranges from the typical tourist attractions to some unexpected ones.
CN Tower
290 Bremner Blvd.,
Toronto, ON M5V 3L9
An impressive architectural wonder dominating the city of Toronto, towering above all other skyscrapers in the city. A visit to Toronto will not be complete without a visit (or at least a photo) with the CN Tower.
Entertainment, dining and adventure can all be enjoyed in the CN tower. You can also enjoy its visual from all around the city.
While we are at the subject of that, let me share my favorite spots to take photo of this iconic landmark!
Up close and personal!
Feel the magnitude of this structure, and see the size comparison between you and this tower by taking photos around the area where it was erected!
Additional photo spot & tip:
Near the entrance of the CN tower, is the Canada sign that of course everybody seems to want to take photo with, and during peak hours its almost impossible to have a photo here without the crowd. So unless you can come here early, what you can do, is go on the wrong side of the sign then just flip the photo later on.
From the Harbourfront Center
A few minutes walk from the CN tower, this is a great spot to enjoy the view of the tower. You can also enjoy numerous activities here, with various cultural programs being organized. In the summer it is bustling with activities with plenty of dining options, a variety of activities including a skating rink, Simcoe Wavedeck.
From Polson Pier
11 Polson St.,
Toronto, ON M5A 1A4
With a spectacular view of the Toronto skyline, it's no surprise why photographers love to flock here. Great sunset spot and notably astonishing at night with the lights on. Perfect to capture a long exposure shot.
Toronto Island
Toronto, ON
The easiest and fastest way to escape the city is to go to Toronto Island! Brimming with activities and attractions in summer, but still a worth a visit during the colder months (albeit the limited activities) if you want to enjoy downtown view from a distance without the crowd. Comprise of three main island, Centre, Ward and Algonquin but for winter only Ward Ferry is operational.
Ripley's Aquarium of Canada
288 Bremner Blvd.
ON M5V 3L9
Located just 5 minutes southeast of the CN tower. Escape into the aquatic life and enjoy the colourful underwater world of over a thousand variations of marine life. Plenty of fun photo spot. In my opinion the best photo spot is the aquarium tunnel, followed by the jelly fish aquarium.
Toronto Railway Museum
255 Bremner Blvd.,
Toronto, ON M5V 3M9
A fun place for kids, an interesting place for locomotive enthusiasts, an educational place for history buffs and a place for beautiful photos too. The undeniable charm of the vintage displays undoubtedly photographs really well. So whichever category you are (of if you are just a curious tourist) then journey back into the bygone era and enjoy the rail history of transportation of Toronto.
Nathan Phillips Square, City Hall, Old City Hall
100 Queen St.,
W. Toronto, ON M5H
Barely a minute away from each other, these triumvirate form another famous symbolic landmark of Toronto. This is another much sought after photo spot for every visitor in Toronto. Understandably so, for what could be more representative of a place than having its name in your backdrop.
Various activities and events are held here including a New Year's countdown which we once attended and endured a freezing temperature! In winter this transforms into an outdoor skating rink.
Gooderham Building
49 Wellington St.
E. Toronto, ON M5E 1C9
Named after the Gooderham Family, who commissioned architect David Roberts Jr. to build this historic building. This also came to be known as Toronto's Flatiron Building. Built in 1891 with its distinctive triangular shape, it is actually older than NY Flatiron Building
At only four and half stories high, the modern sky scrapers towers behind it, but it provides an interesting and beautiful juxtaposition between old & new, modern & classic. Its red brick exterior is a pop of color with the more muted buildings at its background.
Don't forget to check out the 3D mural at the back of the building by artist Derek Besant.
Dog Fountain
Berczy Park, 35 Wellington St.,
Toronto, ON M5E 1C6
While in the area, head on to Berczy Park and visit this adorable dog fountain. This is just about the cutest fountain, and if you are a dog lover, this will surely melt your heart.
St. Lawrence Market
93 Front Street
E. Toronto ON M5E 1C3
Not just a market for the locals but a major tourist destination in Toronto as well. It features a variety of specialty foods and delicatessen. Be sure to try Toronto's famous Peameal bacon sandwich.
Graffiti Alley
753 Queen St., (Alley between Queen and Richmond St.)
Toronto, ON M6J
While Graffiti is loosely associated with vandalism, this alley is not a place for or of vandals, and is certainly leaning more on the art side definition of graffiti. This place has been transformed into a canvas for various artists to showcase their talent. The amount of talent here is certainly commendable and so very instagrammable.
Casa Loma
1 Austin Terrace
Toronto, ON M5R 1X8
Castles do exist in Toronto, and it is very well maintained and beautifully kept. A favourite tourist attraction not only for its stunning facade but for various activities it offers, from indoor tours, dining and various events.
Corresponding fee will allow you entry to this fabulous castle and access to secret rooms and passages, tunnels restaurant, fairytale gardens. Haunted tours are occasionally offered.
If you want to skip the fee, then you can just enjoy the castle from the outside and its surroundings. including the view of Toronto as it is situated in a hill.
Humber Bridge
Martin Goodman Trail
Toronto, ON M8X 3M9
The Humber Bridge has become an iconic landmark in Toronto. It's a long time favourite place among locals for walking or cycling (and yes, photoshoots) and it is also gaining recognition among tourists. The interesting geometric shape of the bridge certainly photographs beautifully.
In addition, the bridge gives a spectacular view from whichever angle you look out, Toronto downtown including the CN tower, Humber River, Lake Ontario, and the other for sunset.
Leslieville Dollhouse
35 Bertmount Ave.,
ON M4M 2X8
If you are looking for something quirky and unique, then this is the place! Creepy for some, cool for others, but unquestionably interesting.
Let me say though that this is a private property, shared by owners generously to those wanting to photograph it. As such, visit with utmost respect to the owners. A labour of love from the owners who obviously have penchant for toys and displays. The display is year round and not seasonal.
Royal Ontario Museum
100 Queens Park,
Toronto, ON M5S 2C6
As one of largest museum in North America, it houses various exhibitions and galleries. There are permanent display but some exhibits are seasonal. The outside architecture is world class, while inside there is a vastness of culture, history, display that it will take hours to fully explore it's 40 galleries and about 6,000,000 items.
Aga Khan Museum
77 Wynford Dr., Northyork
ON M3C 1K1
Thursday - Sunday 10:00 am - 5:30 pm
The exterior is architecturally beautiful, constructed in a modern minimalist style with a well kept landscape making it very photogenic. Simple photography is allowed, however if you are planning for a special type of photoshoot, check their guidelines here.
Cabbagetown
Toronto, ON M5A
My vote for the most charming neighbourhood in Toronto goes to Cabbagetown. Be enamoured by Victorian houses lined with trees. Home to several affluent figures and famous celebrities.
CF Eaton Center
220 Yonge St.,
Toronto, ON M5B 2H1
If you are not a mall rat like me, you are probably raising your eyebrows why a mall made it into this list. But there are spots here that might just catch your fancy and are certainly photo worthy. For instance, the pedestrian bridge connecting Hudson's Bay to Saks Fifth is certainly an architectural beauty. So wonderfully constructed that it even won the International Architecture Award in 2020 and CISC Ontario Steels Design Award in 2019.
Come Christmas time, a massive Christmas Tree (said to be Canada's largest) towering at 108 foot tall installation can be found inside this mall.
Brookfield Place
181 Bay St.,
Toronto, ON M5J 2T3
Another world class architecture in the heart of Toronto is Brookfield Palace. A massive commercial structure occupying a block it is filled with with photo worthy spots, dining options
Cathedral Church of St. James
106 King Street E.,
Toronto, ON M5C 2E9
Architecturally awe inspiring and historically significant, as such the Cathedral of St. James became a celebrated heritage site that dates back to 1850. The gothic architecture gives a mysterious and other-worldly vibe yet stunning particularly at night.
Niagara Falls
Address: Niagara, Ontario
A world renowned falls, that is not to be missed once you are in Toronto. Unlike the aforementioned places which are close to the city, Niagara Falls will take a bit longer to get too. While you can go for a day trip, I'd suggest spending the night (or more). The falls is illuminated at night, and on some weekends there are even fireworks.
I have only visited Niagara once during winter! So yes, it is cold! But its also quiet and not crowded. We found great deals with hotels that have great view of the falls. A caveat though is that sometimes it gets really foggy that you don't get to see the falls at all. There was a night when there was fireworks but we didn't get to really see it.
Niagara is more than just the falls, its neighbourhood is filled with attractions and adventure.
Van Gogh's Watching
Mayberry Fine Art
324 Dundas St. West
Toronto, ON
If you have a penchant for art, head on to Mayberry Fine Art. And if you are lucky, you might just see the coolest installation ever. Just outside Mayberry is a Van Gogh 3D sculpture by Joe Fafard. Check out the video below, to see how absolutely incredible it is.
Distillery District
9 Trinity St.,
Toronto, ON M5A 3C4
A bustling hub of activities and fun fare that is both visually enticing and artistically alluring.Thus, expect plenty of photo spots and artsy things.
That's it for now, loves! Toronto is a place that we hold dear to hearts and we keep coming back too. For sure, this list will be updated and I will be sharing more places that we will be visiting.
Pin for Later, Loves!
