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Toronto's Best Photography Spots - Part 1: Downtown Locations

Toronto's Best Photography Spots - Part 1: Downtown Locations

Toronto is an incredibly photogenic city – chock full of history, innovation, sports, art and so much more. If you’re looking to capture the essence of the city in photos or just want to scope out some unique selfie backgrounds, we have plenty of unique photography location ideas for you to check out. These amazing downtown Toronto photography spots will help make your selfie stick out from the crowd!

In need of Toronto photography inspiration for outdoor photo shoots? Check out Part 2 of our series: Toronto's Best Photography - Outdoor Locations.

Take a Selfie at the Toronto Sign in Nathan Phillips Square

Obviously, no visit to the city would be complete without capturing a photo of the Toronto Sign at Nathan Phillips Square, an eye-catching idea for your next Facebook cover photo. This national landmark currently features a wrap by Toronto artist Danilo Deluxo McCallum called ‘Patterns of the People’, and if you snag a pic at night, it will be shining in bright blue in support of our frontline healthcare and essential workers.

Celebrate Multiculturalism with a Group Photo

Toronto is a city known around the world for its multiculturalism, and the Monument of Multiculturalism, just a few steps from UP Express Union Station in downtown Toronto, is a fitting tribute and the perfect place to capture unique group photos of friends and family. Created by Francesco Perilli and unveiled in 1985, the sculpture depicts a man joining two of the world’s meridians, with doves holding the other meridians. Identical sculptures by the same artist are located in South Africa, China, Bosnia, and Australia so globe-trotting photographers can explore a photo-series spanning many continents!

Add Toronto Street Art to Your Photography Portfolio

If you’re looking for great downtown photography locations that feature cool street art, Toronto definitely has plenty of options. From Graffiti Alley to the Kate Moss mural (behind Portland Variety) and the Angel Wings at Calii Love (at First Canadian Place), the walls and alleys of the city are a large and diverse canvas to fulfill your need for creative photo ideas. Graffiti Alley can be found in The Fashion District south of Queen Street West from Spadina Avenue to Portland Street – and offers dynamic backgrounds for engagement photos, fashion photography or just for fun!

Get an Action Shot of Canada’s Official National Winter Sport

Hockey fans simply must get their picture taken on the Leafs Bench at the Scotiabank Arena. With the recent addition of Wendel Clark, Frank Mahovlich, Red Kelly and Charlie Conacher – joining Ted Kennedy, Darryl Sittler, Johnny Bower, Borje Salming, George Armstrong, Syl Apps, Mats Sundin, Dave Keon, Turk Broda and Tim Horton – the line-up is now complete with 14 iconic Toronto Maple Leafs players. Join the team for a great and truly Canadian Instagram shot!
Another iconic and Insta-worthy hockey stop is the Hockey Hall of Fame near Union Station. On the south side, you’ll find the work of Canadian sculptor, illustrator and designer Edie Parker. Her Our Game monument is a well-loved homage in bronze to Canada's national passion and makes a great backdrop for an outdoor family photo!

Get Ready for Your Close-Up in Toronto’s Crystal Cathedral of Commerce

One of the most photographed spaces in Toronto – often featured in film and TV shows – is the Allen Lambert Galleria in Brookfield Place, which has been described as the "crystal cathedral of commerce." Designed by Spanish architect Santiago Calatrava, this atrium connects Bay Street with Sam Pollock Square, creating a six-story high pedestrian thoroughfare topped by an inspired roof of majestic steel and glass in Toronto’s financial district. Your camera (or phone) lens will love the façades of the historic buildings which were preserved indoors when the tower was built. This is a must-see Toronto location for artsy architectural photo ideas and professional portrait photo inspiration.

Adjust your Focus in Toronto’s Photogenic Parks

A park in the heart of downtown Toronto that offers plenty of Instagram-worthy photo ideas with friends is Roundhouse Park. Located near Lower Simcoe Street and Bremner Boulevard, it’s a 17-acre reserve on former railway lands. It features historic touches like the John Street Roundhouse, a preserved locomotive roundhouse (which is home to the Toronto Railway Museum), the Steam Whistle Brewing company, and other aesthetically pleasing destinations. You can also roam through the collection of trains or snap some cool long-exposure photos of the Roundhouse Park Miniature Railway.
Venturing slightly west of downtown Toronto, High Park offers amazing outdoor photo ideas for groups of friends – definitely worth checking out! High Park is located on Bloor St. W. and is only a 10-min walk from UP Express Bloor Station.
You will never run out of photo ideas or perfect backdrops for your professional photos or amateur selfies in this city – from street art to amazing architecture, Toronto’s got it all. So, check out these amazing permit-free downtown Toronto photography spots– and be sure to tag us at #UPExpressPhoto with pictures and suggestions of your own!
Need more inspiration? Check out Part 2 of our series for Toronto’s best outdoor photography locations!

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