The BEST locations to take car photos in Toronto.
Toronto has many great locations to shoot automotive photography. Over the years of being a photographer in this city, I wanted to share with you some of my favourite spots that will be sure to make for a nice photo. Some spots are easier to shoot than others, so read on below the list to see the risk level from my experiences.
While these locations are specific to Toronto - check out my article on how to find the best car photography locations to find cool spots in your city! Need inspiration for good locations? Check out my article for 18 fresh ideas for car photography locations.
Save these locations by visiting my Google Maps list which can be found at the bottom of the article!
Graffiti Alley
Water’s Edge Promenade
Princes’ Gates
Underpass Skatepark
TD Bank Tower
Chinatown
Port Lands
High Park
Liberty Village
Ontario Place Parking Lot
Please note that while your vehicle may be able to enter premises listed in this article, permits may be required before taking any photos or video. This list is only to be used as a reference. Taking photo and/or video on private property is at your own discretion.
New locations have been added to the list!!
Graffiti Alley - Queen St W. & Augusta Ave
Risk level = LOW
Graffiti alley is great for adding colour to your photos. It seems like almost every other month the walls get sprayed with new art, keeping it fresh. In the summer months this spot can get busy, but generally people are doing their thing around each other and you can get your shots easily.
Water’s Edge Promenade - Knapp Ln
Risk level = MED
Water’s Edge Promenade located on Knapp Ln is a really nice location for getting views of the lake and random passerby’s in the background. While doing this photoshoot, I was able to get a few repositions in before some security from one of the buildings asked us to pack it in. As long as your being respectful of the area, you shouldn’t have much of a problem.
Princes’ Gates - Princes’ Blvd
Risk level = LOW
Princes’ Gates - located right beside the Enercare Centre has a great backdrop for architecture. Any Torontonian can recognize this spot as it is used as the entrance for the CNE in the last few weeks of summer. I have always found this area to be very quiet with not much traffic, although there are some security that do regular patrols. If you are parked in a normal way they will generally leave you be.
Underpass Skatepark - Lower River Street
Risk level = MED
Underpass Skatepark also is covered in graffiti but also provides some great leading lines from the overpass. To date I have done two photoshoots here and have had no problems. In order to shoot in the exact position that I did, you will need to maneuver the car around some obstacles, but it’s possible. If you’re not feeling risky - just park on the street or in the parking spots right next to the skatepark!
TD Bank Tower - Wellington St
Risk level = LOW
The TD Bank Tower is perfect for showing off a luxury car. This location to me almost screams “Bruce Wayne driving up in a Murcielago” vibes. Because the spot is on a street, you will have zero issues with security or police. Fun fact = this photoshoot of the Mercedes AMG GT-R was featured on the official Mercedes Benz USA Instagram!
Chinatown - Huron St.
Risk level = LOW
I have taken my car a few times to this location but not yet had a full photoshoot. The photos above are from some local photographers who I also get inspired by with their talent. The best time of day to visit this spot would definitely be at night where you can get a lot of red tones from the street lights and surrounding architectures.
Port Lands - Huron St.
Risk level = LOW
Located in a very quiet, somewhat untapped part of the city, Port Lands has some great views of the basin - part of Lake Ontario. Here you will find a few bridges (also popular photo spots) along with quite a few older warehouse style buildings. Since it’s street parking only, you will have plenty of space and time to get the best angles of the car your shooting.
High Park - Deer Penn Rd
Risk level = LOW
High Park offers plenty of colour in the fall and summer. It can look a bit dull in the winter so I wouldn’t suggest this location at that time. On weekends in the summer the park is also closed to vehicles, so you will have to visit during the week at some point.
Liberty Village - Mowat Ave
Risk level = LOW
Liberty Village has many historic buildings that are largely occupied by businesses operating during the week. This makes this location great to visit on the weekend or later in the day when most employees are out. The streets provide many leading lines perfect for creating stunning photos.
Ontario Place Parking Lot - Remembrance Dr.
Risk level = LOW
Not the most beautiful spot, but if you’re looking for a safe place with a lot of open space, this location will do. There are some views of the city skyline in the distance, but you will definitely have to play with the angles in order to get it in the shot.
Charles Hayden Parking Garage
While not free to enter, the Charles Hayden Parking Garage offers some great views from the top level and is usually empty. I haven’t had to worry about any security here as technically you have paid for parking and aren’t doing anything mischevious.
Humber Bay Park is known for getting some fog during some summer mornings which is when I was able to capture some of these great shots.
This parking lot also features a boat ramp so you’ll also be able to get some shots there very close to the water.
These have been some of my favourite spots to shoot, but there are plenty more to discover around the city! I will be releasing another list of locations in the coming weeks, so if you’d like to be notified when that drops, consider adding yourself to the mailing list.
If you’d like to save all of these locations to your Google Maps - click the link below!