11 best spots in Toronto to capture awesome photos

Toronto’s most iconic images include old stone buildings, modern glass towers, and Lake Ontario. Check out this list to find out exactly where to go, and even where to stand, to capture those postcard-perfect shots.

Editor’s note: These spots are all taken directly from travelstoke®, a new app from Matador that connects you with fellow travelers and locals, and helps you build trip itineraries with spots that integrate seamlessly into Google Maps and Uber. Download the app to add any of the spots below directly to your future trips.

High Park (for the cherry blossoms in spring)

 High ParkToronto, CanadaThis is Toronto’s largest public park. You can spend most of a day wandering around. For about a week in late April or early May, cherry blossoms blanket High Park. Keep an eye on their website to know the exact time. Most of the cherry trees (sakura) are near Hillside Gardens, between the restaurant and the pond. Bring a picnic. Or come early to avoid the crowds. Fall is also beautiful with the trees changing colours. A true photographer’s delight. #park #sakura #cherryblossom #fallcolours #walking #photoop #photography

Bathurst Quay

 Bathurst QuayToronto, CanadaFor a slightly unusual view of the waterfront, continue walking west of Harbourfront through the Music Garden, all the way to Bathurst Quay. You’ll find yourself right next to Ireland Park (memorial sculpture garden commemorating Irish immigration), and can also watch the planes taking off and landing at Toronto Islands’ Airport. #harbourfront #photoop #photography

Toronto Island Park

 Toronto Island ParkToronto, CanadaThis postcard view of Toronto’s skyline fronting the lake is taken from the Toronto Islands. You can stand in several spots to get a similar photo, including the Centre Island ferry boarding area (as shown here), Hanlan’s Point ferry area, Ward’s Island ferry area, and Ward’s village. If you want trees along the edges of your picture, look for a spot with a bench about halfway between Ward and Centre Island. #skyline #photoop #photography

The Distillery Historic District

 The Distillery Historic DistrictToronto, CanadaToronto is home to the largest collection of Victorian industrial architecture in North America. It’s called the Distillery District, site of the 19th century Gooderham and Worts Distillery. The 40 renovated buildings and 10 cobblestone streets offer endless photo opportunities. And because it’s completely pedestrian, you won’t have to worry about cars while you position yourself for the perfect shot. #architecture #photoop #photography

Sugar Beach Park

 Sugar Beach ParkToronto, CanadaThe pink umbrellas create a cheery contrast to the blue lake and sky on a sunny day. Turn around and photograph downtown’s towers with the beach in the foreground. Or you may catch a huge ship unloading its cargo of sugar at The Redpath Sugar Refinery that gave this artificial beach its name. #urban #beach #photoop #photography

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In front of the C’est What pub

 C’est WhatToronto, CanadaStand on the south side of Front Street, just east of Church Street (in front of the C’est What pub), to get this shot of the Gooderham Building (a.k.a. Flatiron) with the towers of Brookfield Place, Royal Bank and CN Tower in the background. From the median platform on Front Street, you’ll get the Flatiron centred between the towers. Watch out and wait for your light when crossing this tricky intersection. #architecture #photoop #photography

The south side of Front Street

 WinnersToronto, CanadaWalk on the south side of Front Street, west of Church Street, for nice views of the Financial District buildings rising up behind a line of trees. The trees may look different after the revitalization of Berczy Park and there may be some new buildings in the background. You’re in Toronto after all! This picture was taken approximately from the location of Winners, a discount clothing store. #clothingstore #architecture #photoop #photography

Brookfield Place

 Brookfield PlaceToronto, CanadaThe cool atrium at Brookfield Place, with its arched “ribbed” ceiling, makes you feel like you’re inside a giant whale who also swallowed the facade of an old bank! It showcases occasional photo exhibits and you can pause at the popular Marche Restaurant for a snack or a meal. #architecture #photoop #photography

CN Tower’s LookOut Level

 CN TowerToronto, CanadaThe ultimate bird’s eye view of Toronto is going to cost you. The basic fare for going up to the CN Tower’s LookOut Level at 346 m (1136 ft) is CAD$35. It costs CAD$12 more to go up to the SkyPod at 447 m (1465 ft). Choose a clear day for best visibility. If you arrive a little before dusk, you can enjoy both daytime and nighttime views. #aerial #views #photoop #photography

Nathan Phillips Square

 Nathan Phillips SquareToronto, CanadaThere are several places in downtown Toronto where you can see the juxtaposition of old stone architecture and modern glass towers, but Nathan Philip Square is probably the best. The Old City Hall (now the Courthouse) with the towers of the Eaton Centre in the background is a classic shot. The views to the North (New City Hall) and South (Financial District) also make great urban pictures. #architecture #photoop #photography

University of Toronto

 University of TorontoToronto, CanadaFounded in 1827, the University of Toronto includes a collection of 19th century buildings in a variety of styles including Norman, Romanesque, and Revival. The leafy campus is very pleasant to wander around and photograph if you ever tire of modern glass towers. Standing in front of the south entrance to the main building of University College (15 King’s College Circle) you have an unobstructed view of the CN Tower. #architecture #university #photoop #photography