With a sweeping skyline stretching out across the shores of Lake Ontario sits one of the top travel destinations in Canada, the city of Toronto. There are endless things to do in Toronto, from exploring its diverse cultural neighbourhoods to visiting its iconic landmarks. But one of my favourite activities is photographing Toronto! So, I’m sharing my top photography spots in Toronto that are both Instagrammable and give you a real sense of all the city has to offer.
What are the best photography spots in Toronto? The possibilities are endless as you’ll see below. I’ve shared more than 30 Toronto photography spots that range from within museums to outdoor locations. All you have to do is have fun with it! I’m sure you’ll find a photo-worthy moment around every corner.
Landmarks in Toronto Photography Spots
CN Tower
Standing tall for all to see, the CN Tower is, for obvious reasons, one of the top photography spots in Toronto. Whether you’re taking in the 360 degree views from its observation deck or standing along a nearby street with a direct line of sight of this towering beauty, a photograph of the CN Tower is a must for any photographer in Toronto.
If you’re looking for places to take pictures in Toronto of the CN Tower there are tons of places, from the Toronto Islands for a city skyline view or standing directly below it panning up. But for me, one of the best street views is while standing just north of Roy Thompson Hall and catching the CN Tower above it and between two other skyscrapers. Consider it a two for one photography spot for two Toronto landmarks.
Nathan Phillips Square & Toronto Sign
One of the most Instagram famous places in Toronto is at another of the city’s landmarks. In Nathan Phillips Square you’ll find the new city hall, an ice rink in the winter as well as one of Toronto’s Christmas Markets, and the Toronto sign. Standing center stage are the letters spelling out Toronto, much like in other places like Amsterdam and Lyon. And depending on the time of year you visit you’ll see them lit up in a variety of colours. But one important feature is the giant medicine wheel that sits alongside the sign that honors Indigenous people, whose land this was before we came.
But don’t get too focused on the Toronto sign and miss out on other key features of the square. There are more photo opportunities to be had here! Like the incredible old city hall to the right of the square. And even new city hall, with its spaceship-like appearance with two flanking towers.
Location: 100 Queen St West
Gooderham Building
Another iconic landmark in Toronto is the Gooderham Building, otherwise known as the Flatiron Building. But an interesting fact about the building is that it was built in 1891 making it older than New York City’s Flatiron Building. The best place to get a photograph of the Gooderham Building is from Front Street just east of the building. But be sure to spend some time exploring the western part of the building. Here you’ll find one of the top murals in Toronto, that of an open curtained window spanning the height of the building, as well as a lovely little park, Berczy Park. In the park is a fun dog fountain that any dog lover will want a photograph of.
Location: 49 Wellington St East
Casa Loma
If you’re looking for fairytale-like photography spots in Toronto then Casa Loma is it! Yes, right in midtown is a castle! Casa Loma may not be a medieval castle but it’s still a must-visit on any Toronto itinerary. It was built in 1914 as a residence for Sir Henry Pellatt by of the city’s famous architects, E. J. Lennox who also built old city hall, as well as over 70 other buildings in the city.
Any angle of this grand building is photo worthy but I do have a few favourites. From the back gardens, especially in the peak of summer when all the flowers are in bloom, you can get a great shot of Casa Loma behind the blooms. Another favourite spot is inside Casa Loma’s conservatory, with its stunning stained glass-domed roof.
Location: 1 Austin Terrace
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St. George Campus of the University of Toronto
If you’re looking for a little slice of Europe in Ontario than head to St. George Campus in the heart of downtown Toronto and you’ll feel like you’re on an old campus in Dublin or London. Established back in 1827 as King’s College, it is a beautiful spot to wander and photograph. With winding paths leading around historic buildings and through beautiful manicured gardens it’s one of the most enchanting places in Toronto.
But where are the best spots for photographs? It feels like around every turn you’ll catch sight of a photo-op. But a couple of my favourite include; the Soldier’s Tower and in front of the main campus building with its massive front lawn that gives you an awesome shot of the CN Tower in the distance.
Location: 27 King’s College Cir.
Photogenic Neighbourhoods in Toronto
Toronto is one of the most culturally diverse cities in the world and that is reflected in its array of neighbourhoods. All of them have something different to offer, from Chinatown to Greektown. But a couple of my favourite neighbourhoods for awesome photography spots in Toronto are the Distillery District and Kensington Market.
Distillery District
One of the most popular attractions and top places to take pictures in Toronto is the Distillery District. While it’s a great place to visit any time of year the best is in December when they host one of the best Christmas Markets in the world! Lining the pedestrian only pathways between the old buildings you’ll find festive displays, wooden huts selling Christmas goodies and delicious treats, and in the middle of it all a massive Christmas tree that is begging you to take your next Instagram profile pic with!
But there are endless photo-ops all year long throughout the Distillery District. Like catching a shot of the large metal peace sign. Or from the north end of the main thoroughfare with the iconic Gooderham & Worts sign flanked by the incredible buildings red-bricked buildings. But there’s more! Like the love locks sign and the big red heart at the western entrance.
Related Post: Where to Find Christmas in Toronto
Kensington Market
If you’re looking for a neighbourhood in Toronto with a relaxed, artsy vibe, with a ton of great cafes and shops, then Kensington Market is the place you’re after. You’ll find everything from vintage shops to some of Toronto’s best cafes in Kensington. But you’ll also find a host of photo-worthy moments. Whether it’s the hustle of pedestrians crowding the narrow streets or the insides of cafes like Fika, get your camera ready.
But one of my favourite things to photograph in Kensington Market is the wealth of street art! Kensington is one of the top street art places in Toronto. You’ll find it everywhere from across building facades to down alleyways. So, don’t be afraid to wander and explore all the nooks and alleys of Kensington.
Plus, if you’re looking for one of the best Toronto Lookouts, you’ll find it in Kensington Market. Head to the top of the Kensington Market parking garage. At the top level you’ll find sweeping views of the city!
Street Art Instagram Spots in Toronto
Toronto is the top street art destination in Ontario. You’ll find everything from epic murals spanning towering buildings to graffiti down alleyways. And while there are some top locations for street art in Toronto, I’m sharing a few that are Instagram worthy locations.
Graffiti Alley
One of the most famous street art Instagram spots in Toronto is Graffiti Alley. This stretch of alleyway south of Queen Street is a popular photo shoot location in Toronto for everything from bloggers to clothing brands. And the best part is that it’s always evolving with new pieces, so it’s a great place to return to again and again.
A couple of the top spots in Graffiti Alley for Instagram worth places include in the alcove of the under the sea building and in front of the Toronto graffiti at the eastern entrance.
Related Post: Where to Find Street Art in Ontario
Wings on Queen Street
Everyone loves a good Instagram shot of themselves with wings and Toronto has a bunch of winged street art. One of which is along Queen Street West. This dynamic black and white piece is by one of Toronto’s top street artists, Durothethird.
Location: 1186 Queen Street West
Wings at Cali Love
Another fun piece of street art wings in Toronto is along the side of Cali Love café. This adorable Toronto café has a beachy vibe and is Instagrammable inside and out! Alongside the building, you’ll find a vacant lot that has another set of wings but with a pop of colour! There are a couple of other Instagrammable spots here, but you’ll have to go to find out what they are!
Location: 367 King Street West
Related Post: Toronto Street Art
Leslieville
If you’re exploring photo spots in Toronto and looking for another street art location than head to Leslieville. Here you’ll find a ton of great street art, from Indigenous pieces to giant murals paying homage to bumblebees. All you have to do is take a stroll down Queen Street East and you can’t miss them.
This is Paradise
At the corner of Queen Street West and Cameron Street, you’ll find The Cameron House, a live music venue. The building’s eastern side, running along Cameron Street has seen a bunch of murals over the years. But now it’s home to a very popular piece, the This is Paradise mural by Tom Dean. Stretching across the exterior is This is Paradise both upside down and right side up against a colourful backdrop of yellow and blue.
Location: 408 Queen Street West
Viewpoints in Toronto
If you’re looking for the best places to take photos in Toronto of the skyline and city itself there are a bunch of great locations. But I have a few favourite viewpoints of Toronto.
Toronto Islands
For that iconic view of Toronto with the full skyline with Lake Ontario head over to the Toronto Islands. From the ferry ride over you’ll start snapping photos but two great spots on the Islands for views of the city are right when you get off at Ward’s Island and at Gibraltar Point. Here you’ll get epic sunset shots of the brilliant city!
Don Valley Parkway into Toronto
I don’t remember how many times I’ve taken the Don Valley Parkway into Toronto but I recall that iconic view of the city! But as you wind your way closer to the downtown core you’re rewarded with awesome views. And this is a great spot to see fall colours in Toronto, with the vibrant leaves juxtaposed against the steel of the city.
Baldwin Steps
Another favourite viewpoint in Toronto, especially in the fall, is atop the Baldwin Steps. Located at the north end of Spadina, the 134 Baldwin Steps are over 100 year old and lead you up to Casa Loma. But from the top of the steps you’ll find a beautiful view of the city. It’s worth the climb, I promise!
Location: 486 Davenport Road
Indoor Photography Spots
Eaton Centre
Every time I walk into the Eaton Centre and see those geese statues seemingly flying through the large expanse I feel at home. I’ve been going to this mall since I was a baby and that first view of it always screams Toronto to me. But over the years I go less for the shopping aspect and more for that iconic Toronto photo stop! Make sure you enter the Eaton Centre at the main Queen Street entrance and you’ll see the geese.
The Eaton Centre is also one of the best places to visit during Christmas in Toronto during the holiday season. There is always an enormous Christmas tree towering in the center, as well as large reindeer staggered around.
Brookfield Place
If you’re a big fan of architecture like me then you’ll love the next indoor photography spot in Toronto. It’s in Brookfield Place. This shopping mall/business centre is home to the Allen Lambert Galleria, a glass and steel pedestrian walkway that will have you craning your neck up in awe. It’s even been described as the “crystal cathedral of commerce”. Within you’ll find different art installations and during the holiday season it’s full of magical Christmas displays.
Location: 181 Bay Street
Osgoode Hall
One of my favourite hidden gems in Toronto is Osgoode Hall. It might not look like much from the outside and it gets sorely overlooked by its neighbour Nathan Phillips Square. But in the spring it’s a perfect place to find cherry blossoms and in the fall it’s a blaze with fall colours.
But it’s the inside that holds the secret photo spots and unless you’re a law student there are few chances that you’ll wander its halls. One of those times is during Doors Open when you get to go inside some of Toronto’s interesting buildings, like Osgoode Hall. And it’s free! My favourite photo worthy spot within is in the American Room. A small library that looks like something out of the pages of a classic novel. With a spiral staircase, wooden bookshelves going from floor to ceiling, and colourful books lining the shelves it’s a book lover’s dream photo stop in Toronto!
Location: 130 Queen Street West
Toronto Public Library
Another book lover’s stop in Toronto is the Toronto Public Library. But this photo spot is not just for the books. As soon as you enter and walk a few steps in you are surrounded by the incredible architecture of the interior. The staircases winding up look like waves in a hushed warm glow from the lights.
There is another hidden gem within the walls of the library. On the top floor you’ll find a glassed in room that will transport you to into the pages of a Sherlock Holmes novel. It’s the Arthur Conan Doyle room. Decorated like a stately English home’s library room with a Persian rug, stately desk with regal chair and wooden bookshelves lining the walls, it’s filled with the various works of Doyle himself.
Location: 789 Yonge Street
Royal Ontario Museum
One of the most popular attractions in Toronto is the Royal Ontario Museum, affectionately dubbed The ROM. But don’t forget to visit these other amazing Toronto museums. The ROM is one of the largest museums in North America and home to a diverse mix of exhibits that range from dinosaurs to Ancient Egypt.
Throughout the museum, you’ll discover photo worthy stops, like in the entrance above you sits a stunning mosaic ceiling built in the 1930s. Another great photo stop is along the central staircase. Here you’ll find the towering Nisga’a and Haida Crest Poles by the Nisga’a people and Haida people of British Columbia. They are so large that the building had to be built around them.
Location: 100 Queens Park
Union Station
I’m a sucker for train stations so I think they’re all beautiful but Union Station is another of those photogenic places in Toronto, both inside and out. Out front, on Front Street, you’ve got the Union Station sign with the massive building and the iconic CN Tower in behind. But inside it is a work of art. (Though seemingly always under construction!)
In the Great Hall, where you get you’re train tickets, you’ve got the ever popular train departures screen that I always find stirs my wanderlust, even if I’m only staying in Toronto for the day. But don’t forget to look up and see the beautiful detailed ceiling.
Location: 65 Front Street West
Fika
One of my favourite things to do in Toronto is to explore its hundreds of cafes. And a few of my favourite Toronto cafes are beyond Instagrammable! One of them is Fika, located in Kensington Market. From the moment you step up to the colourful old house turned coffee shop to the moment you enter you’ll get a purely Scandinavian vibe. Every detail of Fika is just asking to be captured in a photo, from its wall of book pages to their cute little Dala horse cookies.
Location: 28 Kensington Avenue
Eco I Stems
This adorable little flower shop in the heart of Leslieville may be small but makes up for it in drama! Eco I Stems is a dream shop with a sustainable focus and beautiful selection of orchids, terrariums, and succulents. As soon as you walk it you’re surrounded by greenery, from the shelves to the ceiling, and little pops of colour. You’ll want to start snapping photos! And maybe buy a plant or two!
Location: 364 King Street East
Allan Gardens Conservatory
There are endless indoor photography spots in Toronto and one of my favourite helps bring the outdoors in. It’s Allan Gardens! This hidden gem is located right in the heart of the city and is surrounded by one of the city’s oldest parks. The Allan Gardens Conservatory is over 100 years old and is filled with six different greenhouses that range from a palm house to a cool temperate house.
Allan Gardens is full of photo opportunities, from a tranquil koi pond to endless brilliantly coloured followers. You’ll feel like you’re in a wondrous jungle at times with narrow pathways lined with lush plants and trees. It’s easily one of the best places in Toronto to photograph.
Location: 19 Horticultural Avenue
Outdoor Photography Spots in Toronto
Evergreen Brickworks
One of Toronto’s gems is the Evergreen Brickworks. Created from the ruins of the old Don Valley Brick Works, it now promotes green practices and urban sustainability all while preserving the historic site. But it is also full of incredible places to take photos in Toronto, from epic views to serene nature spots, be sure your battery is full!
Located in the Don Valley, Evergreen Brickworks is home to one of the best views of the Toronto skyline. From the parking lot to the top of the Lookout Path is only 20 minutes and worth every step. But you’ll also find sweeping views of the area’s winding trails, ponds, and the iconic building. The area is also full of street art, from the pillars in the parking lot to the garage doors on some of the building’s small businesses. Another great spot for photos is along one of the beautiful floating boardwalks. And in the winter there’s even a free skating rink!
Location: 550 Bayview Avenue
Edwards Gardens
With over 1500 parks and gardens in Toronto, the options for outdoor photography spots is endless. And one of Toronto’s best gardens is Edwards Gardens. Set aside Toronto Botanical Gardens and just north of the downtown core, Edwards Gardens is home to sprawling flowerbeds, beautiful and towering trees, and charming winding pathways.
The Gardens is also located along Wilket Creek. So, along with the rolling gardens, you’ll find trails, cherry blossom trees, and even a little waterfalls. And if you want to learn more about the plants, the garden, and more you can take part in one of the free garden tours that run throughout the summer.
Location: 755 Lawrence Ave East
High Park
If there is only park you visit for outdoor photography locations in Toronto it should be High Park! Set right in the heart of the city, High Park is full of fun photography spots any time of year, whether you’re picnicking in the summer by Grenadier Pond or taking in the fall foliage across the 400 acres. Especially if you’re looking for cherry blossoms in Toronto in the spring!
High Park is not you’re traditional city park. There is a big portion of the park that is still in its natural state, providing a wild experience in the middle of the concrete jungle. You’ll find everything from ravine trails to beautiful gardens, and even a historic building that is photo-worthy. So, be sure to grab your camera and explore High Park.
Location: 1873 Bloor Street West
More Instagrammable Toronto Photo Stops
Ripley’s Aquarium
If you’re looking for family-friendly photo spots in Toronto then Ripley’s Aquarium is it! Actually, you don’t even need kids to enjoy all the photo-ops, just a sense of wonder and child-like amusement. Along with showcasing over 20,000 aquatic animals, the aquarium has over 100 interactive exhibits and a bunch of great places to snap a photo.
One of the favourite photo spots in Ripley’s Aquarium is in front of their stunning illuminated floor to ceiling tank of Pacific Sea Nettles. Nothing is more photogenic than pink jellyfish dancing in the blue waters. But the most popular place for photos is within the Dangerous Lagoon. This exhibit takes you along a moving walkway through a nearly 100 metre tunnel where you’re surrounded by sharks, sea turtles, and an array of beautiful fish.
Location: 288 Bremner Blvd
Looking for more Instagrammable places in Ontario? Try these dream, quirky, and cute Airbnbs in Ontario!
Art Gallery of Ontario
If you’re looking for more Instagrammable spots in Toronto then I encourage you to visit one of the many galleries and museums in Toronto. And start with the Art Gallery of Ontario! Home to over 90,000 pieces of art, the AGO is considered one of North America’s best art museums. The gallery’s collection ranges from Canadian classics like the Group of Seven to art from across the globe.
There are two great places that are worthy of an Instagram feed post. One is the incredible winding staircase. And the other is from the Espresso Bar in the Galleria Italia. The area is shaped like a massive ship’s hull with sweeping windows looking out over the city. With the architecture and views, it’s easily one of Toronto’s most photographed places.
Location: 317 Dundas St West
Yonge and Dundas Square
Toronto has its very own Times Square and it’s just as Instagrammable! Located at the intersection of Dundas and Yonge Street, Dundas Square is filled with mega electronic billboards, shops, restaurants and cafes, and a huge open square where an array of fun festivals and events take place. So, don’t forget to look up! It’s also a hotspot for tourists and travellers alike as many Toronto tours depart from Dundas Square. And the square even offers free Wi-Fi for all your Instagram photo uploading!
Photography Spot Just Outside Downtown Toronto
Guild Park & Gardens
One of my favourite hidden gems in the city is also one of the most photogenic places in Toronto. Guild Park & Gardens is located just outside downtown and sits along the breathtaking Scarborough Bluffs. Rising up 90 metres out of Lake Ontario, Scarborough Bluffs are one of Ontario’s natural wonders. And while there are lookouts and walking trails all along the bluffs, which stretch for 15 kilometres, please note they are very fragile.
But one of the many parks along the Bluffs, and in my opinion the best, is Guild Park & Gardens. Set on 80 acres, the park and gardens are an awesome blend of nature and history. Along picturesque walking trails are beautiful gardens and sprinkle of historic ruins. These pieces are from many of Toronto’s old historic buildings, and other from around Ontario, which were torn down but are thoughtfully remembered here. It’s easily one of the most Instagram-worthy parks in Toronto.
Location: 201 Guildwood Parkway
Can’t get enough photography spots in Toronto? Here are a few bonus options for you to add to your photography tour of Toronto. So get your batteries charged up and grab your cell phone or camera and start photographing Toronto!
Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres
Fairmont Royal York Hotel
Humber Bay Arch Bridge
Spadina House
Shangri-La Hotel’s Rising Sculpture
Museum Subway Stop
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