Toronto is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating and diverse cities in the world, offering an abundance of visually stunning and awe-inspiring locations that are perfect for photographers of all levels.
If you’re looking for the best places to take photos in Toronto, you’ll be spoilt with an endless array of options that will take your breath away. From the bustling streets of downtown to the serene parks and gardens, there is something for everyone to capture and share with the world.
So grab your camera, pack your lenses, and head out to explore the best spots for photography in Toronto – your Instagram feed will thank you for it!
CN Tower, a giant woodpecker, and the skyscrapers around Old Toronto
As the largest city in Canada and a hub of finance, culture, and entertainment, Toronto is home to a stunning array of skyscrapers and tall buildings that will delight photographers and travelers alike.
One of Toronto’s most iconic and popular photography spots is the CN Tower. Standing 553 meters tall, the CN Tower is the tallest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere and offers panoramic views of the city.
In addition to the CN Tower, Toronto is home to several other impressive skyscrapers and tall buildings worth checking out. The Royal Bank Plaza, for example, is a sleek and modern building with a distinctive pyramid-shaped top. At the same time, the First Canadian Place is a towering glass-and-steel skyscraper home to some of the city’s most prestigious businesses.
Another popular spot for photography in Toronto is the “Woodpecker Column” near the CN Tower. The giant birds honor two native North American species and are a popular spot for tourists and locals, making for a great photo opportunity.
Overall, Toronto is a city rich in photographic opportunities, particularly for those interested in architecture and urban landscapes. Whether you’re a professional photographer or just having fun, there’s plenty to see and explore in Toronto’s towering skyscrapers and iconic landmarks.
Discovering the Distillery District
Looking for the best places to take photos in Toronto? Look no further than the Distillery District! This neighborhood is a photographer’s dream come true with its historic charm, picturesque brick buildings, and cobblestone streets. It is filled with art galleries, studios, and shops to explore and provides a glimpse into the city’s industrial past.
Whether you’re an amateur shutterbug or a professional photographer, the Distillery District offers a wealth of opportunities for capturing stunning street photography that will impress. So why not make a day of it and take your camera on a stroll through this iconic Toronto neighborhood?
Where are the best places to take photos in Toronto and grab a bite? Kensington Market!
Kensington Market is a vibrant and diverse neighborhood in Toronto known for its colorful houses, unique shops, and delicious food. Its varied food scene, the lively vibe in the summer months, and colorful streets are eye-catching. You can find everything from spicy Jamaican jerk chicken to authentic dim sum, with many worldwide stalls and restaurants featuring dishes.
Street food is also a big part of the experience, with vendors selling everything from tacos and empanadas to freshly squeezed juice and smoothies. I choose to stay in this part of Toronto and can say with 100% certainty that you will not be disappointed if you do the same.
Kensington Market is a great place to visit if you love photography and travel. The area is known for its colorful houses and streets, making it a perfect spot for Instagram-worthy shots. This neighborhood is also home to the iconic Pearl Harbor Gift Shop; the shop is a must-see for anyone interested in tattoo culture.
Overall, Kensington Market is an excellent destination for foodies, photographers, and travelers looking to explore a unique and lively neighborhood. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick bite to eat or a stroll through the streets, there’s something for everyone in this vibrant part of Toronto.
I believe that from all the food options, the architecture you see around there, plus the loud and vivid vibe I experienced there over the weekend, from all the places in this list of best places to take photos in Toronto, this one is one of my favorites!
Where to take photos in the Toronto skyline, you ask?
When it comes to finding the best places to take photos in Toronto, there are many options, as you can see. However, if you want to capture the perfect shot of the city skyline, Toronto Islands should be at the top of your list. These charming islands, just a short ferry ride from downtown Toronto, offer visitors an ideal opportunity to snap stunning photos. With its serene atmosphere, pristine beaches, and lush greenery, Toronto Islands provides an excellent backdrop for photographers of all skill levels.
Are you looking to take a scenic hike? Endless fields to enjoy a picnic with family and friends? Or bask in the beauty of the city? So a trip to Toronto Islands is a must.
Music Garden and Harborfront
The harborfront in Toronto is a must-visit destination for any photographer or traveler. It is located on Lake Ontario’s shore; the harborfront offers breathtaking views of the Toronto skyline and a variety of unique photo opportunities.
One of the most popular photography spots at the harborfront is the CN Tower. You can spot it from many interesting angles and scenarios, giving your photos unique vibes depending on where you are. Most places considered the best places to take photos in Toronto will eventually have the CN Tower in the background.
As we said before, the CN Tower is the tallest free-standing structure in the Western Hemisphere and offers panoramic views of the city. Visitors can go to the top of the tower for a bird’s eye view of Toronto or snap photos from the observation deck, and unfortunately, we didn’t get a chance to witness this as the visitation was closed when we went.
Another popular spot for photographers at the harborfront is the Toronto Music Garden. This beautiful garden, designed by world-renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma and landscape designer Julie Moir Messervy, features a variety of plants and flowers, a series of winding pathways, and musical sculptures. The garden is a peaceful and serene spot for photography, particularly in the early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and golden.
Numerous public art installations are scattered throughout the area, including our next item in this list of where to take photos in Toronto. Reserve a few hours to walk alongside Lake Ontario because those are not the only two magical spots for your lenses.
Ireland Park and despair you can feel.
The Ireland Park commemorates the thousands who escaped Ireland during the great famine to North America between 1845 and 1852 in search of a new life and land. It is right after you finish with the previous suggestion from this list of best places to take photos in Toronto, the harbourfront, and immediately you will be drawn to this memorial.
Five bronze statues by Irish sculptor Rowan Gillespie, who had built Dublin’s well-known Famine Memorial ten years earlier on the bank of the river Liffey, may be found in the park that Irish-Canadian architect Jonathan Kearns planned. The names of individuals who passed away in 1847 are inscribed on a sizable limestone wall in the garden transported from Kilkenny, Ireland.
Please take note of this information since I couldn’t find anything about it when I visited this site. I needed to Google to see what those statues were all about.
The Graffiti Alley and the shocking differences between old and new architecture in Toronto
This alley in Toronto’s west end is famous for its ever-changing, vivid graffiti. It’s a fantastic spot for street art enthusiasts to capture the city’s artistic vibe through their lenses.
Graffiti Alley, also known as Rush Lane, is an absolute must-visit destination for street art enthusiasts and photographers alike. As someone living in Berlin, I might add that it is not comparable to what you can find here around Kreuzberg or RAW Gelände, but it is still a super cool spot to visit. This vibrant alley is brimming with color and life, inspiring and exciting for photographers of all levels.
What sets Graffiti Alley apart from other locations is its sheer size, spanning over a kilometer and several blocks with hundreds of murals, tags, and pieces to discover. From polished and professionally painted murals to raw and spontaneous pieces, the artwork is diverse and lively, showcasing the alley’s energy and dynamism. Whether you prefer traditional graffiti lettering and tags or more abstract and surreal styles, there’s something for everyone in Graffiti Alley.
It’s important to note that the alley is located in an industrial part of the city and may not be well-lit at night, so it’s best to visit during the daytime for optimal photo opportunities (Nothing with being safe as Toronto gave me a super safe-for-women city). Plus, Toronto itself is a photogenic city.
While exploring Rush Lane, you’ll be surrounded by the contrasting beauty of old buildings and modern architectural giants, providing a bonus to a delightful day of walking and capturing the city’s vibrant spirit through your lens.
A secret best places to take photos in Toronto: the Half House
Not a Photoshop trick but instead, after experiencing a history of ruin and zoning changes, a genuine half-home.
The house at Saint Patrick Street was built in the late 19th century amid the slums of Toronto. This bay-and-gable remnant from a bygone period was one of six identical homes on what was once known as Dummer Street built between 1890 and 1893. Time passed, the names of the streets changed, and in the middle of the 20th century, a corporation started buying property all around the neighborhood.
Then the row house owners eventually gave in, but not all of them – the owner of this half-house. The demolition of each half of the row dwellings proceeded at a painfully slow rate… and now we have 54 1/2 as only one left after that. The home was said to be privately owned and unoccupied as of 2013, but we saw movement inside when we visited.
A quick google search showed us that until October 2021, the house was up for grabs. Some of you would like to live in this historical and cute piece of land in Toronto.
CN Tower
Royal Bank Plaza
Distillery District
Kensington Market
Toronto Islands
Toronto Music Garden
Ireland Park
Rush Lane
Maybe the best places to take photos in Toronto
In summary, Toronto is a city that offers a lot to photographers, whether you are interested in street art, colorful neighborhoods, cityscapes, or natural landscapes. Kensington Market, Toronto Islands, the harborfront, and Graffiti Alley are just a few places that offer great photo opportunities in the city.
This post must be saved as an ‘entry level’ post for the best places to take photos in Toronto, ok? You’ll change your memory cards by strolling between the spots I show here.
Toronto is not only a hub of cultures and colors but also a fun city to explore and discover, making it an ideal destination for travelers and photographers alike. So if you’re looking for a new photography adventure, Toronto should be on your list.
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