Top 10+ Free Instagrammable Locations in Toronto

1. Grafitti Alley

How can the words “Instagram” and “Toronto” be in the same sentence without mentioning Graffiti Alley? The famed alleys of Queen Street West attract heaps of tourists everyday for the bold and colourful street art that brightens up an otherwise innocuous path.

As these alleyways are simply the back-ends of other businesses and restaurants on the street, they’re completely free to visit and roam around at your leisure. Do be warned that they have become quite popular in recent years, and there are usually many tourists (and Torontonians alike) dressed in their Sunday best hoping to get a Crisp Snap™. I suggest attempting to visit during off-peak hours, as you will be able to view the art undisturbed (and perhaps even catch a great picture yourself).

The art is constantly changing as new artists and taggers spread their mark on each and every available surface, so this is definitely an attraction you can visit more than once.. There are even walking tours and “Insta-friendly” tours of the famed alleyways in which your guide will take strategic photos for you.

Location:
Queen Street West (Spadina Avenue to Portland Street)
Official “beginning” is at 1 Rush lane

2. Toronto Sign (Nathan PhillipS Square)

I Amsterdam. Edinburgh. Guadalajara. Budapest.

All of these cities have large and in charge signs displaying their pride.

Toronto is not exempt from this list, as it too has a large sign bearing its name in a sleek Sans Serif font in Nathan Phillips Square.

These letters change their overall colour every few months, and they make a great backdrop no matter the season - I especially like going in the winter as the skating rink adds a je-ne-sais-quoi to any snap you take!

Location:
Nathan Phillips Square, 100 Queen Street West

3. Stackt Market

Those familiar with Shoreditch Boxpark in London will find a familiar sight in the new Stackt Market attraction that just opened up in downtown TO.

The market has a great brewery as well as many nice eateries and shops. On top of this, it makes a fantastic background for photos. If you get the right angle, you can even sneak the CN Tower into one of your snaps!

Spend a day eating a shopping, followed by a quick photo shoot to maximize your enjoyment of this new Toronto locale.

Location:
28 Bathurst Street

4. Toronto Railway Museum

Right across from the CN Tower and Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada lies the Toronto Railway Museum. This museum is considered an indoor-outdoor museum, that has preserved and now showcases Toronto railroad history.

Although the indoor part of the museum is not free (it’s $5.00CAD to enter), you do not need to spend even a cent to view the outdoor section. Old locomotives pepper the lawn in front of the museum.

The CN tower directly looms directly across the street from the museum, and it adds a nice touch to any photos you may wish to take.

N.B. As the CN tower is so big, it’s much easier to take full photos of it from the Toronto Railway Museum.

Location:
255 Bremner Boulevard

5. AGO

Where better to take a great artistic photo than inside an art museum?

The AGO (Art Gallery of Ontario) has a good mix of international and Canadian artists featured, as well as modern and classical art. While you usually need to pay, there is free admission Wednesday nights from 6:00 -9:00 p.m. and for anyone 25 years of age or younger.

In my opinion, the standout part of the museum for taking photos is the café area designed by Frank Gehry. It’s an architectural marvel that’s spacious and full of light.

I’m just going to let the photos do the rest of the talking.

Location:
317 Dundas Street West

6. Sherwood Park

Toronto has its fair share of gardens and parks, but I am quite partial to Sherwood Park. This dog-friendly (there is an off-leash area) wooden park is naturally beautiful regardless of the season in which you go.

The crisp autumnal leaves, the crystalline winter landscape, the fresh blooms of spring, and the bright summer days. Fantastic photos (and an equally fantastic hike) can be had, making this particular park a top pick for this list!

Location:
Sherwood Avenue & Mount Pleasant Road

7. Distillery District

Toronto’s historic Distillery District is picturesque from any angle. The industrial area adds a touch of distressed cool to any photo.

There are also a number of sculptures and art throughout that can add intrigue and whimsy to your next Instagram post. Don’t be afraid to check out it’s official website to catch any cool (and photographable) events going on.

Location:
Distillery District

8. High Park

Although High Park mostly attracts visitors during the cherry blossom season, this park is a great free place to visit to take stunning snapshots year-round.

The vegetation of the area is beautiful, and there are plenty of ponds and lakes to add some variety to your photos.

Location:
1873 Bloor Street West

9. Edwards Gardens (Toronto Botanical Garden)

Another fantastic garden to visit is Edwards Gardens.

These botanical gardens are always free to visit. The fact that they feature in so many Torontonian wedding photos should be indication enough that they are worthy for your feed! Multiple types of vegetation, flora, lakes, and bridges make this a tranquil and pleasant place to stroll around (and to take photos of said stroll).

Dogs are always welcome, but do be aware it can get very crowded on particular sunny days!

10. Knox College - University of Toronto

One would be forgiven if they mistook Knox College - part of the University of Toronto - for a quaint medieval village in England. It’s no wonder; the facade of the building was made in the style of old British buildings.

People are free to come and go as they please to grab photos amongst the beautiful architecture. However, do be mindful as to not disturb the students as it is a university. If you respect the space, have fun wandering around and pretending you’re at Hogwarts!

Location:
59 St George Street