About Toronto
There is so much to love in Toronto, and although that may be their tourism slogan, it’s really true. Toronto is in Ontario and located on the Golden Horseshoe, a geographic area with large segments of the Canadian population that wraps around Lake Ontario’s western end. Toronto itself is home to 2.8 million people, making it the largest city in Canada.
The land was inhabited by indigenous people for 10,000 years before becoming the early version of the city it is today. It remains an immigrant destination with diverse groups of people throughout the city. The business economy is robust, with the Toronto Stock Exchange, technology firms, and many others located here. It’s also a popular location for music, film, and television production. Several major league sports teams round out the entertainment sector.
The CN Tower is iconic along the Toronto skyline, and those that visit the top are rewarded with stunning 360-degree views of the city and surrounding area. The Scarborough Bluffs, Humbler Bay Arch Bridge, 3D Toronto sign, and Casa Loma are other easily recognizable architectural and natural features throughout the city.
Attractions in Toronto
Making a list of attractions in Toronto is akin to being asked which child is your favorite. You really don’t want to choose between them. The city welcomes over 43 million tourists each year and while many visit some of the same attractions, there are still enough options to choose from. However, a few of them are more iconic than others, and we suggest you try and fit them in.
- Art Gallery of Ontario
The Art Gallery of Ontario is located downtown and features a large selection of exhibits in its 480,000 square-feet location. Its size and scope are one of the largest in North America and in space-wise is second only to the Royal Ontario Museum in Toronto. The campus includes several buildings, including the Grange, which was built in 1817, and the main building. There are featured exhibits, learning opportunities, events, and collections to browse.
- Ripley’s Aquarium of Toronto
Ripley’s Aquarium of Toronto is one of three owned and operated by the company. This one is in downtown Toronto, not too far from the famous CN Tower. It boasts 135,000 square feet and 1.5 million gallons of water to house all marine life. Both sea and freshwater marine life reside here, with over 20,000 specimens from 450 species. The other two Ripley Aquariums are in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, so it’s worth the visit while you’re in Toronto.
- High Park
High Park is the preeminent park of the Toronto system, and much of it remains in a natural state for visitors to enjoy. The 400-acre park opened in 1876 and is north of Humber Bay, west of the downtown area. The park features a rare oak savannah ecology and also has sports facilities, gardens, playgrounds, and more. John George Howard gifted the park to the city.
Production Locations in Toronto
We already know that the city is popular with music, film, production, and television companies. There are many reasons they all chose Toronto, and the unintended consequence is that you have plenty of production locations in Toronto to choose from for your project.
- Studio Space
A lot of production projects in Toronto are looking for studio space and there is something to meet the needs of everyone, as well as support industries that can fill in any equipment gaps the space doesn’t offer. Multi-use studio space is often the first choice because it can be used for filming, a photoshoot location, or something else. Some studios come with props, lighting, and other amenities too.
- Loft
Production projects often work out of loft spaces because they replicate a home, a place where much of our daily life can occur. Toronto loft spaces showcase the architecture of the city. Some have brick walls with natural lighting that is ideal for photoshoots and filming. Many of the lofts are already fully furnished but renting additional furniture or swapping items out is an option at most locations. Some come unfurnished so you can complete the design yourself.
- Restaurants and Cafés
Restaurants and cafés are the other locations, besides home and work, where much of our lives seem to happen. Businesses in Toronto understand this and offer their spaces for production use. A quaint café has many uses for a production project while a minimalist restaurant offers the other end of the spectrum.
Event and Meeting Venues in Toronto
Toronto is a destination. It’s the kind of place that you go to for a vacation, a destination wedding event, for a party venue, or it’s used as a conference site. That means the event and meeting venues in Toronto are second to none.
- Art Gallery
Toronto is known for its cultural contributions and an art gallery is often the perfect space for an event. Some art galleries are space only – meaning you can bring in all your own materials and create a unique event. Or you could opt for a fine art gallery with all the art still on site.
- Dining Room
Dining rooms are a classic choice for event and meeting venues. Coffee shops with their indoor space and outdoor patios are a favorite choice because it offers your guests options. Or a vintage brewery might lend itself to Toronto’s Distillery District reputation and fame.
- Gardens and Outdoor Locations
Gardens and outdoor locations show guests a different side to the city and offer a truly engaging experience. A backyard and patio with an outdoor fireplace and pool can add a cozy feeling that invites conversations. You can also think outside the box with these locations, a rooftop deck might be just the change in location that will keep your guests talking for months to come.