29 Instagrammable Places in Toronto - Best Outdoor Photo Locations

Looking for the best (outdoor) instagrammable places in Toronto? This guide is for you!

Toronto has so many great instagrammable places and photoshoot spots.

If you're planning on visiting Toronto soon and hoping to get some great photos while you're there, you definitely don't want to miss this guide on the most instagrammables places in Toronto, outdoor edition! This guide features all sorts of incredible outdoor photography locations in Toronto and the GTA. Pictured here: Billy Bishop Airport

After having spent 6 years living in Toronto’s downtown core and shooting all around the city, I figured it was about time to put a guide together like this!

BTW – if you’re visiting Toronto soon you might also want to check out these posts:

And for other Ontario destinations check out these posts”

Now, onto the guide of the most instagrammable places in Toronto, outdoor photoshoot spots edition!

1. Dundas Square

Address: 1 Dundas St E

If you’re looking for New York City vibes right here in Toronto, then look no further than Dundas Square!

Dundas Square is located at the southeast corner of the intersection of Yonge Street and Dundas Street East, right next to the Eaton Centre in Toronto.

Dundas Square boasts lots of large screen billboard ads that gives it the appearance of a mini Times Square.

The square also hosts all sorts of performances, events, and art displays year round making it a bustling, exciting, and very busy destination in Toronto.

Here you’ll find all sorts of great angles to shoot a NYC inspired photo right here in Toronto.

2. Princes’ Gate

Address: 11 Princes’ Blvd

I absolutely love Princes’ Gate because it gives you the feeling of getting a little slice of Europe right here in Toronto.

The Princes’ Gate is a beautiful archway with large columns located at Exhibition Place.

Because of how big it is, you’ll definitely want to make sure you bring a wide angle lens to shoot with.

But if you don’t have one of those for your camera you can just use the wide angle lens on your phone!

There’s also an old fountain on the corner of Princes’ Gate which makes for another unique outdoor photoshoot spot.

3. University of Toronto

Address: 27 King’s College Cir

There is no way I could write a guide on the most instagrammable outdoor places in Toronto without including the incredible University of Toronto grounds!

There is no denying that the University of Toronto is home to some of the most beautiful architecture in all of Toronto.

The majority of the buildings throughout University of Toronto were built in a Romanesque or Gothic Revival in style.

They are so beautiful!

I love exploring the U of T grounds so much.

It really makes you feel like you’re exploring castles in Europe!

4. Toronto Harbourfront

Address: 235 Queens Quay W

The Toronto Harbourfront (particularly in and around the Harbourfront Centre) has so many great spots to not only stop and take in some pretty incredible views, but get some great photos too.

Take a walk along the boardwalk to admire the boats and ships, grab ice cream or a beer at one of the lakeside restaurants and bars, or have a picnic at one of the many parks and beaches along the lake.

The Toronto Harbourfront is full of great locations for an outdoor photoshoot.

One of my favourite photoshoot spots along the Harbourfront is with the Mariposa Cruises showboat.

I just love it’s cute vintage look!

5. Osgoode Hall

Address: 130 Queen St W

Osgoode Hall, which was built in 1832, is the headquarters for the Law Society of Upper Canada.

But it also happens to be a very popular outdoor photoshoot location in Toronto too!

One visit to the Osgoode Hall grounds and you can quickly see why that is.

The grounds at Osgoode Hall are so beautiful, and during the springtime the front yard is full of blooming cherry blossoms.

The architecture here is also stunning.

There are all sorts of great angles to take photos here.

It’s also a very popular spot for wedding photos and you’ll often see bridal parties walking around the grounds!

6. The CN Tower

Address: 290 Bremner Blvd

As if I could write a guide on the most instagrammable places and best outdoor photo spots in Toronto without including Toronto’s most iconic building on the list!

The CN Tower is a 553.3 m-high tower in downtown Toronto, that’s definitely the most famous building in the whole city.

The CN Tower is really what makes the Toronto skyline what it is!

Because the CN Tower is so big and can be seen from so many different corners in the downtown core, there are really so many great spots to capture a picture with this iconic tower.

You definitely can’t visit Toronto without doing a photoshoot with the CN Tower!

7. Trinity Bellwoods Park

Address: 790 Queen St W

Trinity Bellwoods Park is a very popular park located in the Queen West area of Toronto.

In the summer you can expect to find crowds and crowds of locals relaxing in the sun, having picnics, drinking, listening to music, playing frisbee, and just hanging out.

Although Trinity Bellwoods is insanely busy on weekends (and honest, I would recommend avoiding it then completely), it can be a great spot for photos if you are able to come when it is less busy.

I highly recommend trying to pop by Trinity Bellwoods Park during the day on a weekday to take advantage of when it is less busy.

8. Casa Loma

Address: 1 Austin Terrace

A castle right here in Toronto, need I say more?

Casa Loma is a Gothic Revival style mansion and garden that was built between 1911-1914 to be a residence for financier Sir Henry Pellatt.

Now the beautiful Casa Loma is a historic house museum you can visit and explore.

The name Casa Loma actually means “House on a Hill”, which is exactly what it is!

If you consider a giant castle to be a house that is.

Both the exterior and interior of Casa Loma are absolutely incredible, and 100% worth the visit!

Please note that although you can take photos in front of the castle with a camera, you won’t be able to do so inside without a permit.

If you’ve never been to Casa Loma, I highly recommend paying the entrance fee and exploring the castle.

It’s pretty amazing!

But you can also just visit Casa Loma and take photos in front of the castle without paying an entrance fee if you would prefer.

9. R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant

Address: 2701 Queen St E, Scarborough

Another great spot on this guide to the most instagrammable places in Toronto that gives you all the European vibes is the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant.

Although not technically in Toronto (the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant is just outside of Toronto in Scarborough), this architecturally acclaimed historic building is definitely worth a visit!

You might be surprised to see a water treatment plant on this list of outdoor photoshoot locations in Toronto, but one look at it and you’ll quickly see why it has been included!

It really is such a beautiful building and makes for a great Toronto photoshoot spot.

10. Billy Bishop Airport

Address: 2 Eireann Quay

Another spot on this list that might surprise you, is Billy Bishop Airport.

It’s not often that people visit an airport just to take photos!

But Billy Bishop just happens to have one of the best views of the Toronto skyline.

In order to get to this spot you need to enter Billy Bishop, take the elevators down, and then walk through the underground hallway (that actually goes under the lake!) until you get to the other side where the terminals are.

Once you get there, exit the doors into the parking lot and walk towards the edge of the parking lot.

Here you’ll have an absolutely incredible view!

You can easily see what this is definitely one of the most instagrammable places in Toronto.

11. Woodbine Beach

Address: 1675 Lake Shore Blvd E

I love Woodbine Beach because it makes you feel like you’re getting an escape from the city, without leaving Toronto at all!

Woodbine Beach is the largest of four beaches located in The Beaches neighborhood of Toronto.

You can see where that neighborhood gets its name!

If you want all the vacation vibes without leaving Toronto, Woodbine beach is for you.

Woodbine Beach is a great Toronto spot for your summertime photos!

12. Yorkville Village

Address: 55 Avenue Rd

Yorkville is one of Toronto’s most iconic and affluential neighbourhoods.

Lined with shops, restaurants, and bars, it’s a bustling place with lots to see and do.

There are all sorts of instagrammable corners in Yorkville village.

From the iconic designer shops like Chanel, to the upscale hotels like The Hazelton, you will find all sorts of great spots to take your next instagram photo here.

13. High Park

Address: 1873 Bloor St W

High Park is a beautiful (and very large) park in Toronto.

It’s a very popular spot for locals and tourists alike, who come to relax, picnic, hike, and play in the sun.

During the springtime High Park is especially busy because of the blooming cherry blossoms.

There’s also magnolia trees and all sorts of other beautiful springtime flowers to see.

If you’re looking for a great place to take spring photos in Toronto, High Park is definitely it!

14. Allan Gardens Conservatory

Address: 19 Horticultural Ave

Allan Gardens Conservatory is an indoor botanical garden that features six greenhouses in Toronto.

Here you can expect to find all sorts of plant species in different climates.

You will really feel like you’re in a jungle!

Although you need a permit to shoot inside the Allan Gardens Conservatory (trust me, I tried to take photos here with a camera and got kicked out), you can take photos outside of the Conservatory no problem.

I love the look of the glass greenhouses which make for a perfect backdrop to your instagram photos!

15. Toronto Islands

The Toronto Islands are a chain of 15 small islands in Lake Ontario.

They are a local and tourist favourite alike, with all sorts of things to see and do on the islands.

You can take the ferry or a water taxi to the islands, and then walk or bike your way around.

There are plenty of beaches and activities to do while visiting the Toronto Islands.

But one of the best thing about the islands is they have some pretty spectacular views of the Toronto skyline.

Here you’ll be able to find all sorts of great spots for your outdoor photoshoot!

16. Cocktail Emporium

Address: 20 Kensington Ave

Cocktail Emporium is Toronto’s first and only shop dedicated to all things bar and cocktail related.

With two locations in Toronto, their Kensington location has quickly become a favourite instagrammable location in Toronto for influencers and tourists alike.

Located in the most adorable house in the middle of Kensington market, you can see why Cocktail Emporium is such a photo spot favourite!

Unfortunately however, based on a few photos I’ve seen online recently, it looks like Cocktail Emporium has now been painted white instead of pink.

But it’s still a super cute building and would still make for a great outdoor Toronto photo spot!

17. Nathan Phillips Square

Address: 100 Queen St W

Nathan Phillips Square, in front of City Hall, is a busy place year round.

All sorts of festivals and events take place here year round.

There is also a giant colorful Toronto sign that’s a very popular photo spot, especially for tourists.

My favourite time to visit Nathan Phillips Square to take photos though is in winter.

During winter the square is turned into an ice rink and it makes for such a great photoshoot spot.

I love how the rink looks surrounded by all the tall buildings of the downtown Toronto core.

And you better believe it looks magical at night!

18. The Distillery District

Address: 55 Mill St

The Distillery District of Toronto is a popular spot year round, but especially in the summer and winter seasons.

Beyond being very charming and aesthetically pleasing with all the cute buildings, art installations, and cobblestone walkways, there is lots to see and do in the Distillery District.

From restaurants and bars, to art galleries, shops, and even distilleries (surprise surprise!), the Distillery District makes for a great destination to spend the afternoon.

During the winter the Toronto Christmas Market happens at the Distillery District, and it is such a fun activity you absolutely can’t miss.

There are tons of outdoor photoshoot locations to take advantage of in every corner of the Distillery District.

19. Union Station

Address: 55 Front St. W

Union Station is Toronto’s train station and the central point for Toronto’s subway line.

But not only that, it also happens to be the country’s busiest transportation hub!

Union Station sees over 300k visitors each day.

It also has all sorts of shops, restaurants and bars, as well as tons of free events that are hosted here throughout the year.

Union Station has some great instagrammable corners, both inside and outside the station.

Lots of influencers and creators love to take photos here, and I’m sure you’ve seen the photos pop up in your instagram feed many times!

20. Fairmont Royal York Hotel

Address: 100 Front St W

Across the street from Union Station is the beautiful and iconic Fairmont Royal York hotel.

The Fairmont Hotel is easily one of the most iconic hotels in Toronto, and it has so much history!

The outside of the Fairmont Hotel (as well as the inside) is really quite stunning.

It makes for a great outdoor photography location here in Toronto.

If you are visiting Toronto and have the chance to stay with the Fairmont Royal York Hotel, I highly recommend it!

You can check the latest rates for the Fairmont Royal York Hotel here!

21. Calii Love’s Old King West Location

Address: 367 King Street W

Also featured on my guide to instagrammable pink places in Toronto is Calii Love’s old King West location.

Although this location is now closed, you can still take photos with the graffiti wall outside.

Here you will find some adorable pink murals that are perfect for your next instagram photo.

It really is too bad that Calii Love closed down this location.

They used to change the murals every so often and it was always fun to check out the new art.

22. The Old Crown Flora Building

Address: 1233 Queen St W

Although Crown Flora is now closed, the pink wall is still there and makes for a great spot for photoshoots.

Sometimes a simple background really is better, and I love how these pink bricks look in photos.

23. The Patio at Early Bird Wine & Coffee

Address: 613 Queen St W

Another pink wall that’s famous with Toronto instagrammers is the pink wall on the rooftop patio of Early Bird Wine + Coffee.

Pop into Early Bird to grab yourself an iced coffee before heading upstairs to snap some photos on their adorable patio.

By the way, Early Bird also has a fantastic brunch on the weekends which includes one of the prettiest avocado toasts in the city.

24. The Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre

Address: 189 Yonge St

The Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre is a magnificent historical site that makes for a great outdoor photo spot, especially during the Toronto International Film Festival!

The Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre is actually the last operating double-decker theatre in the entire world!

It was rescued by the Ontario Heritage Trust in 1981, and returned to its original grandeur.

If you’re in Toronto during TIFF, The Elgin & Winter Garden Theatre is a great spot to get a photo with the TIFF excitement.

I also love the cute retro ticket booth at the front of the theatre which makes for another great photo spot.

25. Novotel Toronto Centre

Address: 45 The Esplanade

The Novotel Toronto Centre is another destination in Toronto that will make you feel like you are in Europe.

Take a walk through the columned archways at the front of this Toronto hotel, and you’ll definitely get that European vibe.

This spot in particular has been a favourite of Toronto fashion bloggers.

The Novotel Toronto Centre is definitely a very well known outdoor photography location in Toronto!

26. BeaverTails Harbourfront

Address: 145 Queens Quay W

Another great spot to take photos along the Harbourfront in Toronto is the BeaverTails building!

This fun red and white building is super cute and super Canadian looking.

Stop by and grab yourself a BeaverTail for a snack (they are delicious) before heading outside to shoot some photos.

BeaverTails are a classic Canadian treat that are similar to Elephant Ears, and they are so delicious.

If you’ve never had one before you definitely have to try one!

27. Sugar Beach

Address: 11 Dockside Dr

With its pink umbrellas and soft white sand, there’s no surprise why Sugar Beach is not only a popular spot to hang out in the summer, but also a super popular instagram photo spot in Toronto.

I recommend popping by the beach early to get photos as it does get quite busy as soon as it’s hot out.

Another option I see a lot of bloggers do is taking photos at the beach when it’s spring, before the weather gets warm enough. This will guarantee you have the place to yourself!

This is definitely one of the most instagrammable places in Toronto.

28. Spadina Museum

Address: 285 Spadina Rd

Located right next door to Casa Loma is the beautiful Spadina Museum.

Spadina Museum is a historic mansion in Toronto that has now been turned into a historic house museum.

The exterior of Spadina Museum (or Spadina House as the locals call it) is so beautiful, and there’s incredible gardens to explore too.

Spadina House has so much history and is super interesting to visit, plus it makes for a great outdoor photoshoot location!

29. The Pink Door at Cafe Cancan

Cafe Cancan was an adorable pastel themed French bistro in Toronto that was truly an instagrammer’s dream.

Sadly, Cafe Cancan closed down recently.

You can however still take photos with the pink door outside.

This pink door quickly became a very popular Toronto instagram spot.

I think it’s safe to say that influencers just love pink!

BTW – you can check out my full guide on instagrammable pink places in Toronto here!

Final Thoughts

Toronto has so many great outdoor photoshoot locations and instagrammable places to explore, and this list is just the beginning!

Whether you’re visiting the city, or live here and are just looking for some new places to take photos, I hope you found this guide to some of Toronto’s many outdoor instagrammable places useful.

Which Toronto spot are you most excited to take photos at next?

BTW – if you’re visiting Toronto soon you might also want to check out these posts:

And for other Ontario destinations check out these posts:

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