While it might be narcissistic, there’s something about seeing a “like” notification on your phone that just brightens the day. Those “double taps,” however, aren’t always easy to come by, and making new, fresh content that your followers will give a heart to can be a struggle. Luckily, Toronto’s a beautiful city, full of wondrous, picture-perfect spots that are sure to up your Instagram game.
If you’re chasing those likes, these brilliant backdrops are sure to impress your followers.
Here are the most Instagrammable places in Toronto:
Surrounded by 19th-century buildings and cobblestone roads, the entire area is a gorgeous photo op. There are usually great events, like the famous Christmas Market, or exhibits going on outdoors, which adds to the potential of capturing a great Insta pic.
You need to check out Calii Love on King St. West and take full advantage of the painted murals. These angel wings as well as a few other murals in the area give us total L.A. vibes with vibrant colours, inspiring quotes, and pretty imagery.
Splashed across a brick wall in the heart of Liberty Village is the Hustle mural, designed by Canadian artist Ben Johnston. If you’re hustlin’ for the ‘gram, you’ll want to hit up this spot, which is an homage to the entrepreneurial spirit of the area.
Located in front of City Hall is the now famous Toronto sign. The multi-colour letters are a must-snap for visitors and locals alike. Since popping up in the city, the sign has gone through many makeovers, but Instagrammers will be happy to know this popular sign is here to stay.
If you love to capture a good city skyline moment, there’s no doubt that you’ll score a killer capture with this background. The CN Tower is in the most perfect view, you can truly show off Toronto’s beauty. Not to mention, a trip to the island feels like a total escape from the city and a day trip won’t break the bank either.
Right in the heart of City Place is the June Callwood park (also known as "the Pink Park"). This cotton candy-hued space makes for almost otherworldly Instagrams.
Bridging together the Hudson’s Bay and Saks Fifth Avenue flagships with CF Eaton Centre, this bridge twists and beautifully transitions into a historic Victorian facade. The glass panelling allows light to shine through gorgeously, and in the evenings, lighting strips illuminate the bridge, making it Instagrammable places in Toronto at night when there’s less foot traffic.
One of our favourite Canadian shoe brands, John Fluevog, is known for its unique and design-forward footwear. While you're visiting the Queen St. West store, you definitely need to stop for a pic at the Vog Vault in the shop. I mean, where else can you look like you're hanging from the ceiling while balancing on a couch?
"This is Paradise" Wall
Tom Dean’s mural on the side of the Cameron House was created after the artist was evicted from his home and moved into the Cameron House. Now, the baby blue and yellow mural takes up half a city block on a side street of Queen West.
From the pastel pink umbrellas and the warm sand to the chunks of Canadian shield, there are lots of photo opportunities. This beachy getaway is located right in the heart of the downtown core.
Built in the mid-90s, the Humber Bay Arch Bridge is located just south of Lake Shore Boulevard West. As part of the Martin Goodman Trail, you'll find lots of pedestrians and cyclists here, but if you're lucky, you'll get the bridge (mostly) all to yourself for the perfect picture.
Just a short bus ride away from Broadview station, Evergreen Brickworks is a restored brickwork factory that has the same aesthetic appeal as a Brooklyn loft. Bonus: head down on a weekend morning and grab a snack at the farmer’s market to fuel your 'gramming.
Another block, another Instagrammable wall, this one by artist Jesse Harris. Located just east of Queen and Dovercourt, the mural represents how much the strip has changed over the years and acts as a source of inspiration to locals at CAMH.
The alleyway between Portland and Spadina is home to some of the largest and most colourful graffiti in the city. Keep an eye out for Instagram meet-ups on Bunz, as there are bi-monthly Insta excursions to this very alley.
Not all rooftops are worthy of the most Instagrammable places in Toronto status. But if you haven’t run out of Drake lyrics to use as captions, swing by the Thompson Hotel’s rooftop for a jaw-dropping view of the Toronto skyline.
In the heart of Yorkville is where you'll find this urban park, which transforms depending on the time of the year. While the scenery will change slightly throughout the seasons, what you can always count on is a good snap in the award-winning area.
Just West of the historical Bridle Path lies Edwards gardens, a floral oasis right in the North of the city. Swing by in spring to see the cherry blossoms bloom.
Another one of the most Instagrammable places in Toronto is located in the Financial District. Commerce Court is where architecture and business meet. Its North Tower features a vaulted gold-coffered ceiling in a classic Art Deco style that is rich in history.
This Japanese grocery store is a favourite in the 'hood, and while the inside is full of delicious treasures and pretty knick knacks, the outside is pretty special, too. Along the west side of the building on Claremont, you'll find a brilliant graffitied wall, perfect for your next backdrop.
Thanks to Frank Gehry’s stunning architecture and ever-rotating exhibits or contemporary art, the Art Gallery of Ontario is always a safe bet for a solid snap.
Avid Instagrammers will know the internet-famous Paul Smith wall in L.A., but did you know that we have our own in Toronto? And we've gotta say, with beautiful greenery outdoors courtesy of Crown Flowa, the pink wall is pretty cute (dare we say, even cuter than L.A.'s?). For a double-whammy of 'gram-worthy shots, head inside and check out Crown Flora's collection of plant life.
Another pink wall worth a visit in the city is the one at COPS Doughnuts. Be sure to grab some mini doughnuts while you're there and take a peek at the wall inside, too, which has "The Golden Days Are Now" written down it.
The Aga Khan is one of the newer additions to Toronto’s museum rotation. The museum is home to an astounding collection of Islamic art, all housed in a dramatic building by Moriyama and Teshima. The outside of the building is often used for the backdrop of wedding and engagement photos and once you check it out, you'll see why we chose it as one of the most Instagrammable places in Toronto.
Alright, everyone and their mom have posted a photo of Ripley’s jellyfish, but the eerie blue and purple hues of the aquarium make for so many aesthetic options.
Head to the library outside of exam season to take in the wonders of the largest law library in Canada. The Osgoode Hall Library is a hidden gem located right near Nathan Phillips Square on Queen St. It's one of the magical Instagrammable places in Toronto.
This plant has been treating Toronto's water for over seven decades, but it does other good, too...as a backdrop for your next picture. Those "double taps" are worth the trek to the architecturally acclaimed historic building on the east end of the city. Do it for the 'gram!
