Nathan Phillips Square

Just across from Toronto’s City Hall, you’ll instantly recognize this landmark with the double arches and large reflecting pool. Always bustling, one afternoon you can shop the farmer’s market, the next evening it’s hosting an outdoor concert. There’s also no shortage of snacks, with a lineup of food trucks parked along the street. Come winter the pond turns into a skating rink for equally dazzling photo ops. —Stephanie Gray

Where to Find:
100 Queen Street West
Nearest Subway: Queen

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Brookfield Place

An office complex in the heart of the Financial District, this 2.6 million square foot building is actually the combination of two office towers, including Toronto’s oldest intact streetscape. The most stunning spot has to be the award-winning Allen Lambert Galleria that stretches six storeys high. A pedestrian thoroughfare, it’s worth stopping even for a moment to take it in. —Stephanie Gray

Where to Find:
181 Bay Street
Nearest Subway: Union

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Front Street

Predating NYC’s famous flatiron, this red-brick landmark was built in 1892 for George Gooderham, who at the time was president of the Bank of Toronto and owned the Gooderham and Worts distillery. Found in the St. Lawrence neighbourhood, the Gooderham Building makes an iconic vista when facing west. The Financial district’s skyscrapers tower behind, while the heritage shops along the street, line the frame. Depending on where you shoot (the centre median or south sidewalk are both good), you may even see the CN Tower peek out from the left. —Stephanie Gray

Where to Find:
49 Wellington Street East
Nearest Subway: King

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Art Gallery of Ontario

Both the exterior and interior of Toronto's AGO are worth snapping. In 2004 architect Frank Gehry was commissioned to revitalize and expand the building, which included creating a dramatic wood and glass facade seen from Dundas Street. On the corner is also a landmark sculpture (pictured), created by artist Henry Moore, that's a popular photo op, while inside the gallery's Gehry-designed spiral staircase and Galleria Italia are also ultra Insta-friendly. Although the exhibitions are typically photo-free zones, there's still much to shoot and see.  —Stephanie Gray

Where to Find:
317 Dundas Street West
Nearest Subway: St. Patrick

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Evergreen Brick Works

You'll have to veer a bit off the beaten path to reach the Evergreen Brick Works (formerly the Don Valley Brick Works), but on a weekend morning in the summer it's definitely worth a visit. From May 1 to November 1, starting at 8am you'll be able to shop local vendors, from baked goods to cheese, at Toronto's largest farmer's market. Beyond the market are beautiful gardens, art exhibits and even an organic cafe. A popular wedding location, don't be surprised if you catch a wedding party wandering the grounds. —Stephanie Gray

Where to Find:
550 Bayview Avenue
Nearest Subway: Broadview (+bus)

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The Beach 

Also known as the Beaches, this charming east-end neighbourhood evokes more of a small-time vibe with its boutique shops and cute cafes on Queen Street East. Head a bit further south and you'll hit the picturesque beachfront of Lake Ontario. There's a 3-kilometre boardwalk, perfect for a stroll, bike paths, beach volleyball courts and picnic areas too. From shots of the glistening lake at sunset to an ice cream cone from Ed's Real Scoop, it's definitely a photo-friendly destination. —Stephanie Gray

Where to Find:
Woodbine Avenue to Victoria Park Avenue
Nearest Subway: Main (+bus)

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Distillery District

One of Toronto’s most historic and photographed spots has to be the Distillery District in the east end. A national historic site, the old Victorian industrial buildings that could have been left to ruins, were transformed into a local fave around 10 years ago. Now it’s cobblestoned streets and brick walls are home to over 80 unique shops, restaurants, cafes and galleries. And it’s brick and mortar makes for an Instagram-worthy opportunity at every angle.  —Jennifer Weatherhead Harrington

Where to Find:
55 Mill Street
Nearest Subway: King Street, then streetcar east

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High Park

The largest city park in Toronto has to equal endless photo opportunities, right? High Park certainly delivers. Spanning 161 acres, it’s nearly as big as Central Park in NYC, has hiking trails, multiple lakes, streams, manicured gardens, a labyrinth and even a small zoo. Stop for a selfie by the Japanese garden, get a close up of the cherry blossoms lining a path, or stand tall at the top of the big hill for a view of the city skyline and Lake Ontario. —Jennifer Weatherhead Harrington

Where to Find:
1873 Bloor Street West
Nearest Subway: High Park

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Toronto Islands

If there’s one reason for you to hop on the ferry and take the short jaunt over to the island, it has to be for the unique views of Toronto’s famous skyline. See the CN Tower front and centre ahead of the booming skyscrapers and glass condos. If you’re lucky you’ll also catch a few sailboats dotting the water in your picture, too. Aside from the skyline, the islands come with beaches, rentable bikes and are a popular spot for picnics, so pack a checkered blanket, basket and a full fresh spread and get snapping. —Jennifer Weatherhead Harrington

Where to Find:
Toronto Islands
Nearest Subway: Union, then catch the ferry

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Sugar Beach

Sugar Beach gets its sweet name thanks to its location being next to the old Redpath sugar factory – and it’s also the perfect spot to catch some great Instagram snaps. Known for it’s pink umbrellas and white Muskoka chairs dotting along the sandy beach, it’s a great summertime haunt for locals and tourists who are looking to get in touch with nature without ever leaving the city (sunbath with that impressive skyline as your backdrop – now that’s worthy of a selfie!) —Jennifer Weatherhead Harrington

Where to Find:
Sugar Beach, Queens Quay East
Nearest Subway: Union, then take the 510 bus

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Kensington Market|

Step into the streets of Kensington and you’ll feel like you’re in a different world. It’s a cultural hub for the city and one of the most well-known, artsy neighbourhoods. Stroll through the stalls of the local thrift and vintage shops, pick up spices, fresh veggies, fruits or handmade goods – colours, scents, food, people all abound this area, you could easily spend a day here taking picture after picture. —Jennifer Weatherhead Harrington

Where to Find:
Kensington Avenue
Nearest Subway: Spadina, then take the streetcar southbound

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The One Eighty 

Arguably one of the best views of the downtown core has to come from the panoramic views at the top of the One Eighty in Yorkville. You’ll be on the 51^st floor of the Manulife Centre on Bloor Street to capture the tip tops of the most notable buildings in Toronto. It’s the perfect vantage point (most views of the CN Tower and the downtown core come from quite far away, while this location allows you to see the detail and get a close up look). An added bonus, the food is top notch if you can tear yourself away from the views long enough to nibble, so be sure to do a foodie shot, too. —Jennifer Weatherhead Harrington

Where to Find:
55 Bloor Street West, 51^st Floor
Nearest Subway: Bay station

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