Toronto, sometimes known with an ironic sneer as the Center of the Universe by Canadians, is one of the cultural capitals of this vast country. It's a city of vibrant neighborhoods, from family-friendly Uptown to vibrant North York, but there's no denying that downtown Toronto is where the real action happens.
Downtown Toronto is divided into a number of neighborhoods, including the Entertainment District, the Distillery Historic District, Harbourfront, and lively Kensington Market. This diversity means that whatever kind of video you want to shoot in downtown Toronto, you can find the perfect background.
Enjoy the city skyline and the shores of Lake Ontario while you shoot a music video, social media reel, or full-scale movie. With Giggster, it's easy to find the perfect venue for any shoot, whether you're looking for a historic building in Toronto's Distillery District or a sleek modern penthouse with views of the Toronto skyline, including the iconic CN Tower. While it has its own charm, Toronto is regularly used as a stand-in for various American cities including New York by major movie productions, so you can rely on finding the perfect location for your video shoot somewhere in the downtown core.
Giggster opens up a whole world of short-term rentals that make ideal locations for any kind of video you want to shoot. Use our app to find a place that fits your needs and enjoy some of the most affordable location rentals in the city.
Looking to shoot a music video with space for dancers and lots of natural light? Choose a warehouse or other industrial space that lets you create your own atmosphere, with plenty of space to spread out.
For total creative control, consider a dedicated video and photography studio rental with excellent lighting and soundproofing so you can bring your vision to life.
For something with a more historic theme, choose a heritage home with historical architecture on one of the cobblestone streets near Toronto City Hall, Queen Street, and St. Lawrence Market.
If you're looking for a modern urban thriller theme, you can rent a downtown office with views of the city skyline, CN Tower, and Lake Ontario that is ideal for a legal or business office scene.
Exceptional Variety & Quality: Downtown Toronto will spoil you with the choice of venues it has, with 1121 locations available for video shoots in the city. This diversity means you can find the perfect backdrop to film just about anything, from a rooftop bar near Toronto's East End to a historic home in Kensington Market to a laid-back outdoor location close to Hanlan's Point Beach or a retreat on the Toronto Islands.
Hassle-Free Booking: The Giggster app makes it simple to search according to your criteria, so you can look for an easily accessible location close to Union Station or track down more unique venues and hidden gems around the city. It's easy to find the right location for your next shoot, and with rental starting at just $17/hour, you can easily stay on budget.
24-Hour Free Cancellation Policy: Don't worry if your plans change. You can cancel your booking in the first 24 hours of making it and receiving your booking confirmation, provided there is a minimum of 48 hours before your shoot starts.
Platform Protections: Giggster offers you peace of mind, with optional protection against damage, liability, and cancellations. You don't want to cause any damage to a neighborhood favorite like Downtown Fully Equipped Creative Studio, so take advantage of our coverage to take a load off your mind.
Toronto has so many amazing locations for your next shoot that it's tempting to start booking right away. But before you dive in, consider the pros and cons of shooting here.
Advantages
Toronto's diversity means that you can find the perfect atmosphere for whatever scene you're shooting. Numerous films have used Toronto to stand-in for the cities like New York, but outdoor locations like Riverdale Park, Allan Gardens, and the Scarborough Bluffs can also make it look like you are far away from the city, making a stark contrast with the skyscrapers of downtown and the Victorian era houses of Old Toronto.
Toronto's film industry is well-established, with many of the country's top studios based here. That makes it easy to find performers and other creatives, making the city a melting pot of culture. Plus, Toronto's popularity as a place to shoot films and movies means the permitting department of City Hall understands the needs of filmmakers.
Toronto is well-connected both to the rest of the country and the US, with a major international airport serving the city and one of Canada's best public transport networks making it easy to move around public spaces. Take advantage of the train tracks and tramlines to get around Toronto and explore its diversity of locations for your next video.
Disadvantages
If you plan to shoot in a popular location like Yonge-Dundas Square, you're going to need a permit. And while Toronto's film permit system is relatively easy to navigate, it can be expensive and time-consuming to get the permissions you need.
As the biggest city in Canada, Toronto is also one of the most expensive. Giggster can help you save money on the perfect place to film, but there's not much we can do about the cost of equipment rentals, food, and everything else.
Downtown Toronto is busy night and day. Traffic and parking can be real issues, and various events throughout the year shut down entire sections of the city, so make sure you have a plan for accessibility.
Giggster's 1121 locations for video shoots in downtown Toronto make it easy to find exactly what you're looking for, whether you're shooting a music video, TV show, or a movie. With so many places to choose from, it's a good idea to think carefully about the kind of atmosphere you want to create, and let that guide you to the best type of venue.
Urban Lofts and Penthouses – Modern Luxury With a Stunning View. Whether you want to showcase the unique charm of Toronto itself or you want a stand-in for another high-rise city like New York or Chicago, you can find a spot to give you great views of the city.
Private Homes – Intimacy and Historic Charm. If you're shooting a domestic scene or want a private place for a fantastic music video, downtown Toronto has plenty of homes to offer you. From high-rise apartments to historic mansions, you can find the perfect setting on Giggster.
Sound Stages and Studios – Total Creative Freedom. Toronto's thriving media industry means the city has tons of soundstages and studios where you can create a whole new world.
Restaurants and Coffee Shops – Realism and Authenticity. Remember the Central Perk Café from the TV show Friends, or the diner from Seinfeld? The right location can become a character in your video shoot all by itself, and you can find plenty of businesses that will be happy to let you use their space in downtown Toronto, just a short walk away from everything that makes the city great.
Outdoor Spaces – Embrace Nature in the City. Whether you want to capture the vibrant streets of Liberty Village, the buzz of Bathurst Street, or the neon signs of downtown, you can find some great outdoor locations that will elevate your footage.
Whether you're making a TV commercial, a music video, movie, or an art project, planning is key to getting your project off the ground. Don't forget these important factors.
Research Permits – Renting a privately-owned location from Giggster usually means you don't need to worry about permits, but if you plan to do any filming outdoors, you'll need to navigate Toronto's film permitting system. Leave yourself plenty of time to get any permits you may need.
Plan Equipment and Crew Logistics – Toronto's urban environment can be difficult to navigate even for locals. If yours is a big production, you're going to need to think about parking and transportation logistics well ahead of time.
Time Your Shooting – Different times of day provide different lighting, creating a different atmosphere. Plan your shooting schedule to take advantage of natural light wherever possible.
Schedule For Maximum Efficiency – Plan out all the scenes you need to shoot at a single location to save time traveling from one location to another and back again.
Toronto has a lot going for it when it comes to shooting locations, but one thing it isn't is cheap. Giggster can help you save money on your venue rental, but here are some more tips to bring your shoot in under budget.
How big a crew do you need?
You'll need help to make something memorable, but expertise doesn't come cheap. The smaller you can keep your crew, the easier it is to stick to a small budget.
Consider off-peak times.
If you can be flexible in your shooting schedule, you can pick up bargains on venues by using them in the middle of the week or outside of holiday periods.
Rent equipment instead of buying it.
Toronto's popularity with filmmakers means that there are plenty of businesses that will bring you all the equipment you need. You may even be able to pick up bargains and equipment rentals if you shoot during off-peak times.
Offering everything from downtown lofts to historic homes to beachfront parks, downtown Toronto can provide the perfect backdrop for any video shoot. The Giggster app makes it simple to sort through the city's many available venues so you can find one that exactly matches your creative vision.
