Explore Toronto’s Filming Locations

Toronto, Canada’s largest city, is a vibrant metropolis teeming with rich culture, diverse communities, and a strong cinematic presence. The city’s unique blend of modern skyscrapers, historic buildings, and scenic landscapes has made it a favorite filming location for many filmmakers. Whether you are an avid movie buff, a passionate reader, or a TV series enthusiast, this comprehensive travel guide will take you on a cinematic journey through Toronto’s most iconic locations featured in films, books, and TV series.

Films: 10 Famous Films Shot in Toronto

Toronto’s diverse architectural styles and multicultural neighborhoods have attracted filmmakers from around the world. Here are 10 famous films shot in Toronto that showcase the city’s cinematic appeal.

1. ‘Good Will Hunting’ (1997): This Academy Award-winning film was primarily shot at the University of Toronto, standing in for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University.
2. ‘Chicago’ (2002): Although set in 1920s Chicago, this Oscar-winning musical was largely filmed in Toronto, with the Elgin Theatre serving as a primary location.
3. ‘X-Men’ (2000): The first installment of this superhero saga used various locations in Toronto, including Casa Loma and Roy Thomson Hall.
4. ‘The Incredible Hulk’ (2008): Several action scenes from this blockbuster were shot on the University of Toronto campus and in Yonge Street.
5. ‘Scott Pilgrim vs. The World’ (2010): This cult classic used various Toronto locations, including Casa Loma, the Toronto Reference Library, and Lee’s Palace.
6. ‘Room’ (2015): This critically-acclaimed drama was shot primarily in Toronto, with the city doubling as Akron, Ohio.
7. ‘Suicide Squad’ (2016): This superhero film transformed Toronto into Midway City, with the Eaton Centre, Yonge Street, and Union Station featuring prominently.
8. ‘Shape of Water’ (2017): Guillermo del Toro’s Oscar-winning fantasy drama was filmed in and around Toronto, including the Elgin Theatre and Massey Hall.
9. ‘Kick-Ass 2’ (2013): Toronto played the role of New York City in this superhero action-comedy, with spots like the University of Toronto and the city’s Chinatown appearing in the film.
10. ‘Enemy’ (2013): This psychological thriller, starring Jake Gyllenhaal, is set and was filmed in Toronto, showcasing the city’s modern architecture.

TV Series: 5 TV Shows Set in Toronto

Toronto’s cityscape is not only a favorite among filmmakers but also TV producers. Here are 5 TV shows set in Toronto that brilliantly capture the city’s charm.

1. ‘Orphan Black’ (2013-2017): This popular sci-fi series was set and filmed in various locations across Toronto, including Scarborough and the Junction.
2. ‘Suits’ (2011-2019): While set in New York City, this legal drama was primarily filmed in Toronto, with Bay Adelaide Centre often doubling as the fictional law firm’s office.
3. ‘The Handmaid’s Tale’ (2017-present): This dystopian drama uses several Toronto locations, including City Hall and the Distillery District, to create its chilling setting.
4. ‘Kim’s Convenience’ (2016-present): This hit sitcom is set and filmed in Toronto, with the real-life Kim’s Convenience store located in Moss Park.
5. ‘Flashpoint’ (2008-2012): This police drama, set in a fictional version of Toronto’s Emergency Task Force, was shot entirely in the city.

Animated Films: 5 Animated Films Set in Toronto

The city’s charm has also transcended into the realm of animation. Here are 5 animated films set in Toronto that bring the city’s locations to life in unique ways.

1. ‘The Nut Job’ (2014): Although not directly stated, the city in this animated film strongly resembles Toronto, with the city’s famous CN Tower making an appearance.
2. ‘The Breadwinner’ (2017): This Oscar-nominated animated film was produced by Toronto’s Cartoon Saloon and Aircraft Pictures.
3. ‘The Cat Came Back’ (1988): This classic NFB animated short was created by Cordell Barker, a graduate of Toronto’s Sheridan College.
4. ‘The Big Snit’ (1985): Another NFB animated short, this film was directed by Toronto-based animator Richard Condie.
5. ‘Ed, Edd n Eddy’s Big Picture Show’ (2009): This animated TV movie was produced by a.k.a. Cartoon, a Vancouver-based studio with operations in Toronto.

Books: Famous Books Set in Toronto

Toronto’s literary scene is as vibrant as its film industry. Here are 3 classic and 3 contemporary famous books set in Toronto that offer a literary journey through the city.

Classic Books:

1. ‘In the Skin of a Lion’ by Michael Ondaatje: This historical novel vividly captures Toronto in the 1920s and 30s, centering around the construction of the city’s iconic landmarks like the Bloor Street Viaduct and the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant.
2. ‘Fifth Business’ by Robertson Davies: Set in the fictional small town Deptford, located outside of Toronto, this classic Canadian novel weaves in elements of Toronto’s cultural and academic life.
3. ‘The Torontonians’ by Phyllis Brett Young: This novel provides a snapshot of suburban Toronto in the 1950s, depicting the lives of women in the post-war era.

Contemporary Books:

1. ‘Station Eleven’ by Emily St. John Mandel: This post-apocalyptic novel is partially set in Toronto, with the city serving as the home for the protagonist before the collapse of civilization.
2. ‘Fifteen Dogs’ by André Alexis: This award-winning novel is set in Toronto’s High Park, following the lives of fifteen dogs granted human consciousness.
3. ‘The Fionavar Tapestry’ by Guy Gavriel Kay: This fantasy series begins at the University of Toronto, whisking away five students to the magical world of Fionavar.

Exploring Toronto Filming Locations – Where to Go

Toronto’s diverse cityscape offers a multitude of filming locations to explore. Here are some must-visit spots that have appeared on the silver screen:

1. University of Toronto: Featured in films like ‘Good Will Hunting’ and ‘X-Men,’ this historic campus is a popular destination for filmmakers.
2. Casa Loma: This Gothic Revival style mansion, used in ‘X-Men’ and ‘Scott Pilgrim vs. The World,’ is now a historic house museum and landmark.
3. Distillery District: This historic and entertainment precinct has been used in a number of productions including ‘Cinderella Man’ and ‘The Boys.’
4. Yonge-Dundas Square: Often dubbed as Toronto’s Times Square, this public square has been a backdrop to numerous films and TV shows.
5. CN Tower: This iconic Toronto landmark has made appearances in movies like ‘The Incredible Hulk’ and ‘Resident Evil: Afterlife.’

Where to Sleep in Toronto: Budget and Luxury Options

Toronto offers a wide range of accommodations to suit every budget. Here’s a rundown of 3 budget-friendly and 3 luxury places to stay in Toronto:

Budget:

1. Planet Traveler Hostel: Located on the edge of Kensington Market, this eco-friendly hostel offers affordable dormitory-style rooms.
2. Canadiana Backpackers Inn: Situated in downtown Toronto, this hostel offers budget-friendly private and shared rooms.
3. The Only Backpacker’s Inn: This budget accommodation located near the Donlands subway station offers dorms and private rooms.

Luxury:

1. The Ritz-Carlton: This five-star hotel located in downtown Toronto offers luxury accommodations and an on-site spa.
2. Shangri-La Hotel: This Asian-inspired luxury hotel in the heart of the city offers elegant rooms and suites, plus a renowned restaurant.
3. Four Seasons Hotel: Located in the Yorkville district, this upscale hotel offers luxurious rooms, a rooftop lounge, and a full-service spa.

Where to Eat in Toronto: Budget and Luxury Options

Toronto’s culinary scene is as diverse as its film locations. Here are 3 budget-friendly and 3 luxury dining options in Toronto:

Budget:

1. Banjara Indian Cuisine: This popular restaurant in Bloor West offers a variety of delicious Indian dishes at affordable prices.
2. Seven Lives Tacos Y Mariscos: Located in Kensington Market, this spot offers some of the best tacos in the city without breaking the bank.
3. Baldwin Village: This area is home to a variety of inexpensive eateries serving everything from Vietnamese to Caribbean food.

Luxury:

1. Alo: Recognized as one of Canada’s best restaurants, Alo offers a tasting menu with optional wine pairing.
2. Scaramouche: This upscale restaurant offers stunning views of the city’s skyline along with a menu of French-inspired cuisine.
3. Canoe: Located on the 54th floor of the TD Bank Tower, Canoe is known for its Canadian-inspired dishes and panoramic city views.

Detailed Itinerary: Day by Day

Here’s a detailed day-by-day itinerary to get the most of your trip to Toronto:

Day 1: Downtown Toronto

• Start your day at the CN Tower, featured in many films.
• Visit the nearby Ripley’s Aquarium.
• Have lunch at Rec Room, a fun restaurant with arcade games.
• In the afternoon, explore the Royal Ontario Museum, a popular filming location.
• Dine at Scaramouche for a luxurious meal with a view.

Day 2: University of Toronto and Yorkville

• Begin your day at the University of Toronto campus.
• Visit the nearby Royal Conservatory of Music.
• Have lunch in Yorkville, a chic neighborhood with many dining options.
• In the afternoon, visit Casa Loma, featured in ‘X-Men.’
• Dine in Yorkville for a luxurious dining experience.

Day 3: Scarborough to East York

• Start your day at the Scarborough Bluffs, featured in ‘Flashpoint.’
• Enjoy lunch at Bluffers Park.
• In the afternoon, visit the Todmorden Mills Heritage Site in East York.
• Dine at Canoe for a taste of Canadian-inspired dishes.

Cryptic Legends and Curiosities

Toronto’s film industry is filled with intriguing stories and hidden secrets. For instance, did you know that the Distillery District, a popular filming location, is actually the world’s largest collection of Victorian-era industrial architecture? Or that the University of Toronto has been used as a stand-in for Harvard and Yale in several films?

Hidden Gems in Toronto

Apart from the popular filming locations, Toronto also boasts several hidden gems:

1. Graffiti Alley: This vibrant alley in the Fashion District is a colorful backdrop for photos and has been featured in music videos and films.
2. Cherry Beach: Located at the city’s outer harbor, this serene beach offers a quiet escape from the bustling city.
3. Leslieville: This charming neighborhood in the east end of Toronto, with its quirky shops and cozy cafes, is a local favorite.

What to Pack for a Trip to Toronto

When packing for your trip to Toronto, consider the city’s season. Spring and fall can be chilly, so pack a medium-weight jacket, while summers are warm and call for light clothes. Winters can be harsh, so pack a heavy coat, gloves, and a hat. Regardless of the season, pack comfortable walking shoes for exploring the city’s filming locations.

Transportation Tips

Toronto boasts an extensive public transportation system, including the TTC subway and streetcar network. Taxis and ride-share services like Uber are also readily available. For a more scenic commute, consider renting a bike through Bike Share Toronto.

With its rich film history and vibrant cityscape, Toronto is a must-visit for every movie buff, TV series enthusiast, and book lover. As you explore the filming locations, walk through the sets of your favorite scenes, and immerse yourself in the city’s cinematic charm, you’ll discover that Toronto is not just a city – it’s a world of stories waiting to be discovered.