Toronto, Ontario: Top Photo Spots

Top Photo Spots in Toronto, Ontario

Heading the big city of Toronto? Whether you’re local, a tourist, or driving in from the ‘burbs – there are some top photo spots in the city you should definitely check out. Here is a list of top photo spots in Toronto, but it doesn’t include them all!

Graffiti Alley

The name probably gave this one away. Essentially Graffiti Alley is a long alley full of colourful murals and graffiti. There are also offshoots of the main alley with random graffiti appearing on buildings on the sides streets as well. If you’re looking for bright colours, abstract art, and murals then this is the place to go! As you can imagine, on weekends this area can get quite busy, however we found that everyone was really polite and even helpful (offering to take others’ photos, giving tips on good angles, waiting patiently for their turn) on the day we were there. Definitely a top photo spot in Toronto to get a variety of shots!

Yonge-Dundas Square

This happening square is home to shopping, entertainment and restaurants. The square is a great place to be in general if you’re visiting the city, but if you’re looking for a bright and bustling photo backdrop – this is the place! At night the bright lights will make a fantastic addition to any city-inspired photo. It does get busy, but sometimes a crowd makes for a great photo! Make sure you add this top photo spot to your Toronto itinerary.

Harbourfront – Jack Layton Ferry Terminal

Parts of the Harbourfront were flooded the weekend we were visiting Toronto. Despite this, there were still some great areas for photos. Near the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal there is a nice park (Harbour Square) and boardwalk with views of the Toronto Islands. If you continue on the boardwalk you can visit Canada Square, Ontario Square, Ann Tindal Park and get up close to see the tall ship Kajama. A little bit further – but still on the waterfront – is HTO Park – with colourful umbrellas and Muskoka chairs. If you like to be by the water, there are many places to check out for photos starting at the ferry terminal.

Nathan Phillips Square

If you’re in the area of City Hall, then Nathan Phillips Square is an excellent spot to get a photo of the Toronto sign. City signs are pretty much a standard now, but the Toronto sign does change occasionally with the seasons. Sometimes they even coordinate it for certain events taking place in the city. Visiting in the winter also has an even better photo opportunity as the skating rink is up, and things just tend to look a little bit more magical when it snows.

Distillery District

The Distillery District is a historic area of the city, also known as the Gooderham & Worts Distillery. This area has been transformed into an arts, culture, and entertainment area and also combines modern infrastructure and a unique So-ho inspired atmosphere. Here you will find unique artistic shops, a market in the warmer months and a Christmas market from November to December. There are also one-of-a-kind shops and trinkets for sale. It’s definitely a nice escape from the typical downtown core and has many opportunities for photography. Another top photo spot in the city of Toronto.

High Park

This park is most well-known for their cherry blossom trees that bloom in full force during the spring. It’s hard to time the perfect day to visit during prime bloom, but their website provides updates to help you plan your visit. These blossoms are popular around the world with visitors specifically visiting to get the perfect cherry blossom shot. With a limited blossom time, this park gets quite busy on the weekends. Make sure you plan accordingly to get to this top photo spot!

From the CN Tower

The CN Tower is definitely a tourist attraction in itself, but for the photography buff this is a great spot to get some shots of the city from above. There are city views and water views to be had from this vantage point. With the various observation decks you can have 360 degree views of Toronto. While some of the viewing points have glass, you’ll have to get creative to remove the reflection, but it is definitely worth the fee to get to the top for these beautiful views.

Fort York National Historic Site

Nestled in the downtown core – among condo buildings and below the Gardiner Expressway – you will find the Fort York National Historic Site. It’re pretty interesting to see such an old fort among the modern architecture of the city. You can visit the fort inside the historic walls and take a peek inside the old buildings. But, if a view from outside of the walls is all you’re looking for, you can get some great shots from the bridge on Bathurst Street. Or get up close and personal! Walk the walls of the fort from the outside for great shots of the fort with the CN Tower in the background.

Calii Love

On the hunt for more murals? The location of Calii Love on King Street West has three murals alongside the building. With the gap between buildings, I’m not sure how long these murals will last. So get there quick if you want to take some fun and cheery shots with these pretty paintings.

Top Photo Spots in Toronto Summary

The above sites are just a few of the great spots to take photos in Toronto. There are many great photo spots in the city for you to visit as well. For example: Toronto Islands, Kensington and St. Lawrence Markets, the CNE, Ontario Place Marina, Queen’s Park, The University of Toronto St. George Campus, and Casa Loma. Toronto is a photogenic city, so make sure you’re prepared with enough battery power and memory space for your visit! If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in the city, check out my post on the Westin Harbour Castle, and take a look at the room we stayed in.