Top 10 Places to Take Photos in Toronto

Toronto Photo Spots

Located in the province of Ontario, Toronto is Canada’s largest city and has endless options for those looking to experience culture and entertainment. World-renowned galleries, hip restaurants and bars, trendy boutiques, and an impressive arts scene are just some of the things you can expect when you visit Toronto. Pair that with the beautiful nature throughout the city, and you’ve got one incredible place with a true diversity of things to experience. Naturally, with all of this to offer, there are countless photo opportunities to be found! Let’s walk through some of the best places to take photos in Toronto. 🌃

Photo: Laura in Toronto for Flytographer. Sydney and family capture memories together in Toronto at Distillery District with a family trip photoshoot.

1. Graffiti Alley

Graffiti Alley is one of the most photographed spots in all of Toronto — and for good reason! Located near- trendy Queen Street West, the area bursts with colour as street art covers the buildings in the neighbourhood. This vibrant location stretches over three city blocks and showcases impressive murals from iconic artists like ELICSER and Duro the Third. 🎨

Graffiti Alley is one of the best places to take photos in Toronto — the wide variety of murals creates a photo background that instantly grabs attention. Stroll through the entire area to capture the spirit of Toronto.

Fun fact: The area was once a hotspot for “unofficial” graffiti art. Rather than work against this, the city designated the area as an area of cultural significance. As a result, Grafitti Alley has become a hub for Toronto’s arts scene. You’ll sometimes stumble across film sets or small festivals in the area, adding to the cool, creative vibe. 😎

Photo: Monika in Toronto for Flytographer. Anita captures memories of their trip to Toronto at Graffiti Alley with a solo adventure photoshoot.

2. The Distillery District

Widely regarded as Canada’s top arts and entertainment hub, the Distillery District is the cultural heart of Toronto. This pedestrian-only neighbourhood is home to the largest collection of Victorian-era architecture in North America. Rusty red bricks and tall smokestacks line the narrow cobblestone streets. As you wander through the alleyways, you’ll find hip restaurants, trendy boutiques, and upscale bars set in 19th-century whisky distilleries — a dramatic juxtaposition of old and new.

This is another great spot to enjoy the Toronto arts scene! Art lovers will appreciate the many galleries, sculptures, and buskers in the area. If you want to make an evening of it, there are multiple theatres in the neighbourhood where you can enjoy live performances of all types.

💡Travel tip: The Distillery District requires a photo shoot permit which costs $250 CAD. Be sure to apply in advance as it can take a few weeks to receive!

Photo: Jenn in Toronto for Flytographer. Mojan and partner capture memories together in Toronto at High Park on a couples trip photoshoot.

3. Harbourfront

If you’re looking for incredible city views, look no further than Toronto’s beautiful Harbourfront! Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, and easily accessible from Union Station, this serene area has something for everyone. From lush green spaces to waterfront parks to galleries and theatres, the Harbourfront neighbourhood is bustling with energy and one of the best places to take photos in Toronto. 

If you want to sit back and relax for an afternoon, visit Sugar Beach at Queen’s Quay. Here, you’ll have great views of Polson Pier and the downtown core. For a fun family-friendly activity, take a ferry to Toronto Islands — home to an amusement park with a historic 1907 carousel. Picturesque parks and beaches provide countless opportunities to capture special family memories.

For excellent photo opportunities, take a stroll along the boardwalk that stretches along the lake shore. You can expect gorgeous views of glittering lake waters on one side and Toronto’s skyline on the other — complete with the iconic CN Tower! Visiting the CN Tower gives you unbeatable  360 panoramic views of the whole city. 🏙️

From here, head up Spadina Avenue to explore popular Toronto attractions including Kensington Market, Art Gallery of Ontario, Casa Loma, Royal Ontario Museum, and more.

Photo: Jenn in Toronto for Flytographer. Oksana and family capture memories in Toronto at Harbourfront on a family trip photoshoot.

4. High Park

High Park is to Toronto as Central Park is to New York — a lush green oasis surrounded by the towering skyline. 🌳Toronto’s largest public park features many wonderful amenities, including hiking trails, a beautiful lakefront, a zoo, greenhouses, picnic areas, and more. 

Stretching across over 300 acres, it’s the ideal place to spend your day. Wander through the trails to immerse yourself in nature, visit the zoo or nature house to learn more about the region’s wildlife, and settle in for a bite at one of the quaint cafes. ☕

While there are many great photo ops throughout the park, an exceptional photography location is the Maple Leaf Flower Bed. 🍁Located at the bottom of a hill lies a striking red flower bed in the shape giant maple leaf. Surrounded by manicured hedges, lush trees, and a lake, this is a beautiful location for a photo shoot.

Photo: Laura in Toronto for Flytographer. Julie and friends capture memories together in Toronto at High Park on a friends photoshoot.

5. Kew’s Gardens

Located in Toronto’s Beach neighbourhood, Kew’s Gardens is a popular destination for locals and visitors. The park runs along the shores of Kew-Balmy Beach, making it a unique location to visit. 🌟

Within the park, you’ll find a picturesque gazebo, colourful flower beds, and lush green fields. There are plenty of recreation and leisure opportunities, including tennis courts, a baseball diamond, fire pits, a bandstand, and more. 

Visit the historic Kew Williams House — also known as the Gardener’s Cottage — for an enchanting photo opportunity. 🌷The quaint brick paired with the round, turreted roof and vibrant gardens make for a fairytale-like backdrop. 

From here, the beach is only steps away. Golden sand stretches along the lake shore, and a wooden boardwalk lines the coast — the perfect setting for beachy pics! For extra pretty photos, visit the park to watch the sunset and take advantage of the golden hour glow. 🌅

Photo: Jenn in Toronto for Flytographer. Darrell and partner celebrate their engagement on a custom route in Toronto with a proposal photoshoot.

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6. St. Lawrence Market

Located in the centre of Old Town, St. Lawrence Market is a culinary hotspot and a must-visit for foodies! 😋 The market is situated in historic buildings that have served as social centres, City Hall, and now, a marketplace. You’ll see iconic buildings like the Gooderham Building — aka the Flatiron Building — all throughout the area.

With over 120 merchants, this lively market offers an incredible sensory experience. The St. Lawrence Market South building is home to local restaurants and specialty food vendors while the St. Lawrence Market North building is home to the farmer’s market where you can find cheese, produce, meat, and more. To get the full experience, consider taking a walking tour where you can learn about the history of the area while you indulge in delicious foods. Or, take a cooking class to immerse yourself in the culture and learn from the market’s artisans themselves. 🧑‍🍳

If you’re into shopping, St. Lawrence Market is the ideal place to find unique Toronto mementos. 🛍️Everything from handmade jewellery to trendy clothing to cute crafts can be found throughout the market. And, on Sundays, the market turns into a massive antique shop filled with everything from unique furniture to quirky knick-knacks. No matter where your interests lie, St. Lawrence Market offers a rich Torontonian experience for everyone!

Photo: Navy in Toronto for Flytographer. Hong and partner celebrate their engagement in Toronto on a custom route with a proposal photoshoot.

7. Toronto Music Garden

Located in the beautiful Harbourfront neighbourhood, the Toronto Music Garden is a truly enchanting place. The park is inspired by Bach’s First Suite for Unaccompanied Cello — each section of the song is represented by a different section of the garden. 🎼

With flowing streams, forest groves, wildflower meadows, weeping willows, and much more, this park is a stunningly beautiful place. 😍Needless to say, thephoto opportunities are plentiful! Take an afternoon to explore all the garden has to offer while you snap pics along one of the best places to take photos in Toronto.

Photo: Janice in Toronto for Flytographer. Joseph and partner celebrate their engagement on a custom route in Toronto with a proposal photoshoot.

8. CN Tower

The CN Tower is Toronto’s most popular attraction, and once you see it, you’ll understand why! Standing at 1,815 feet tall, the CN Tower is the tallest structure in all of North America. You can catch a glimpse of it from virtually anywhere in the city, but nothing beats seeing it up close and personal.

The CN Tower offers a few exciting experiences, including the 360 Restaurant, LookOut, Glass Floor, and SkyPod. If you’re up for an adrenaline rush, try out the EdgeWalk, the world’s highest open-air walkable ledge. During the tour, you’ll have the chance to lean over the edge with nothing between you and the skyline behind you — a truly incredible photo opportunity! 📸

No matter what you choose to experience when you visit the CN Tower, the panoramic views of downtown Toronto (and beyond) will leave you in awe. A truly unforgettable experience! 🌆

Photo: Monika in Toronto for Flytographer. Amber and partner capture memories of their trip at CN Tower in Toronto with a couples photoshoot.

9. Trillium Park & Beach

For an Instagrammable shot of Toronto’s skyline, you must visit Trillium Park, a lovely greenspace located west of downtown Toronto. The park has a beautiful lakeside pathway overlooking Lake Ontario, the Toronto Islands, and downtown Toronto. The park is full of life — you’ll see joggers, families, cyclists, and everything in between. 

Wander along the William G. Davis trail for a picture-perfect shot of the city skyline, including an impressive view of the CN Tower. Greenery, lake water, and urban cityscape all collide, creating one of the best spots for photos in Toronto. 📸

Photo: Tracey and Bi in Toronto for Flytographer. Christopher and family capture memories of their trip at Trillium Park & Beach in Toronto on a family photoshoot.

10. Humber Bay

If you’re looking to get off the beaten path, Humber Bay is the place for you! This quaint neighbourhood is the perfect place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city. With plenty of outdoor space to enjoy, Humber Bay is a popular recreation spot for locals. You’ll see people fishing, birdwatching, walking, and enjoying the plentiful nature around them. ☀️

With all of the charm of Toronto, but fewer crowds, Humber Bay is a fantastic place to capture your memories in the city.

Photo: Tracey and Bi in Toronto for Flytographer. Leianne and family capture memories of their trip at Humber Bay in Toronto on a family photoshoot.

Capturing memories in Toronto

There’s no doubt about it — Toronto is an incredible place to visit! With its bustling city centre, unique parks, diverse culture, and rich culinary offerings, there is so much to explore. Connect with a local photographer to capture your time in this unforgettable destination. 💫