Top Indoor & Outdoor Locations for Lifestyle Photoshoots in Toronto
Planning a lifestyle photoshoot is kind of like planning the perfect date – you want somewhere beautiful, interesting, and maybe a little quirky so the photos feel like you. As a Toronto‑based photographer, I’m always hunting for fresh backdrops, and when I’m not shooting I’m scrolling through Facebook groups, digging into Reddit threads and reading other photographers’ guides to find the city’s hidden gems. The result is this guide to some of the best indoor and outdoor locations for lifestyle photoshoots in Toronto. The list mixes iconic spots and lesser‑known treasures – and we’ve recently added a few brand‑new spaces that opened in 2025 – so you can find the vibe that suits your story.
Outdoor Locations
Distillery District – Victorian charm and cobblestones
If you like a mix of history and hipster, the Distillery District is a dream. This pedestrian‑only neighbourhood is lined with restored Victorian industrial buildings, cobblestone streets and art galleries. Photographers love it because the architecture adds texture and depth to images. My tip? Plan your shoot on a weekday morning when the brick lanes are quiet. Then grab a coffee at one of the cafés – you’ll deserve it after dodging other photographers and Instagrammers!
Style: romantic, historic, boho
Best time: weekdays or early mornings to avoid crowds
Permits: generally not required for small lifestyle sessions; check with security for commercial shoots
Polson Pier – skyline backdrop and sunrise magic
Photo was teken from rivetstays.com
Polson Pier (also called the “skyline lookout”) is probably the best place to capture Toronto’s skyline. This waterfront spot juts into the harbour and faces west towards the downtown core. According to local photographers, it delivers a different mood in every season and is especially gorgeous at sunrise when warm light wraps the buildings. Because it’s a popular engagement location, sunrise sessions help you avoid crowds. Bring a jacket – the lake breeze can be brisk even in summer.
Style: urban chic, dramatic skyline
Best time: sunrise for golden‑hour light; dusk for city lights
Permits: free; parking at the pier may require payment
High Park – a natural escape in the city
The Sunken Garden. Photo: Peter Weis
High Park is Toronto’s backyard. In spring the park explodes with cherry blossoms, in summer it’s lush and green, and in autumn the trails turn golden. Photographers value its natural backdrops, trails and ponds and the fact that you can find quiet corners even during peak season. The park is huge, so plan a meeting point and wear sensible shoes – those cobblestone pathways may look cute but they’re murder on heels.
Style: casual, family friendly, romantic
Best time: spring for blossoms, fall for colour; weekdays avoid crowds
Permits: none needed for small sessions; parking is limited
Scarborough Bluffs – dramatic cliffs and lake views
For sweeping vistas and a side of adventure, head east to the Scarborough Bluffs. These white clay cliffs rise above Lake Ontario and look like they belong in a fantasy film. Photographers recommend going at sunrise when the light hits the cliffs and the lake is calm. The park has several lookouts; Bluffer’s Park at the bottom gives you water‑level views while Cathedral Bluffs Park above offers dramatic panoramas. Note that some trails are steep and unstable – don’t wear stilettos!
Style: epic, adventurous, outdoorsy
Best time: sunrise; weekday mornings
Permits: free; some areas are fenced off due to erosion
Humber Bay Park – bridges and skyline reflections
Taken from https://www.toronto.ca/
Humber Bay Park West in Etobicoke offers natural backdrops with a city skyline bonus. A white pedestrian bridge spans Mimico Creek and frames the downtown skyline perfectly. Photographers love the way the CN Tower reflects in the calm water at sunrise or sunset. Paths wind through meadows and wildflowers, providing variety for lifestyle or engagement sessions. Because this spot is dog‑friendly, you can bring your furry companion for extra cuteness.
Style: scenic, relaxed, waterfront
Best time: early morning or late afternoon; sunrise for soft light
Permits: none required; parking can fill up quickly on weekends
Toronto Music Garden – nature meets Bach
Designed with input from cellist Yo‑Yo Ma, the Toronto Music Garden interprets a Bach cello suite through landscapes. The garden features lush plantings, winding paths and views of Lake Ontario. In summer and fall the flower beds and tall grasses create a dreamy backdrop; in winter the ornamental grasses give the park a sculptural feel. Note: concerts are held here, so check the schedule to avoid competing with a string quartet during your shoot.
Style: artistic, whimsical
Best time: summer and fall for lush greenery
Permits: free; plan around public events
Biidaasige Park – new parkland on the Don River
Toronto’s waterfront got a massive upgrade in July 2025 when Biidaasige Park opened on Ookwemin Minising near Cherry Street. The name means “sunlight shining toward us” in Anishinaabemowin, honouring its role in restoring the Don River mouth and celebrating reconciliation. Spanning more than 50 acres, the park features picnic areas, playful animal sculptures inspired by Indigenous clans (dodems), Toronto’s first ziplines, a Badlands Scramble water‑play feature, kilometres of cycling and walking trails, boardwalks with river access for fishing and birdwatching, boat slips, a wetland called the Don Greenway and two off‑leash dog areas. It’s a perfect spot for lifestyle sessions that feel both urban and wild – think couples strolling along the new boardwalk or families playing on the ziplines.
Style: adventurous, urban‑nature blend, family friendly
Best time: sunrise or late afternoon for soft light; weekdays until the park becomes better known
Permits: the park is public and currently free to visit; check the City’s website for future event closures
Osgoode Hall – elegant gardens and law‑school history
By: Teresa Donnelly
Across from Nathan Phillips Square sits Osgoode Hall, a 19th‑century complex that houses the Law Society of Ontario. This downtown gem offers manicured gardens, archways and romantic cobblestone paths that feel miles away from the skyscrapers. Shoot here early in the morning or around sunset to catch soft light on the ivy‑covered walls. There’s no permit required for casual sessions, but be respectful – the grounds are used by law students and court officials during the week.
Style: refined, historic, intimate
Best time: early morning or evening when the grounds are quiet
Permits: none for small sessions; avoid blocking pathways or entrances
Old City Hall – heritage courtyard reopened to the public
Toronto’s Old City Hall is back in the spotlight thanks to the City’s 2025 summer program. Built in 1899 in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, the historic building features a soaring clock tower and gargoyles. For years it housed provincial courts, but after the courts moved out in spring 2025 the City opened the courtyard for public events. From July 11 through August the courtyard hosts free programming on Fridays between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m., including open‑air lunches, museum exhibitions and heritage talks. Visitors are invited to wander the courtyard, enjoy the gargoyles and soak up the vintage stonework. It’s not a traditional photo venue yet, but it offers a rare chance to capture civic history in a relaxed setting.
Style: civic heritage, vintage urban
Best time: Fridays during summer programming (10 a.m. – 3 p.m.)
Permits: no permit needed for casual photography during public open days; respect any event guidelines and avoid blocking walkways
Indoor Locations
Allan Gardens Conservatory – tropical vibes year‑round
From Toronto.ca
If the weather refuses to cooperate, head to Allan Gardens Conservatory. This heritage greenhouse complex features a domed Palm House and five greenhouses with orchids, cacti and seasonal displays. It’s open year‑round from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and admission is free. The humidity works wonders for hair, and the diffused light filtering through glass makes everyone look good. Because some sections may be under renovation, check the City of Toronto’s website before you go.
Style: lush, tropical, intimate
Best time: weekday afternoons when crowds thin
Permits: none for casual sessions; tripods may be restricted
Casa Loma – a fairytale castle in midtown
Looking for a dramatic backdrop straight out of a period film? Casa Loma is Toronto’s very own castle. Built in the early 1900s, it boasts Gothic Revival architecture, manicured gardens and a glass conservatory. The terraces provide spectacular downtown views that shine at sunset. Because it’s a popular wedding venue, photography permits are required and aren’t cheap, so this choice is best for major milestones or editorial shoots.
Style: regal, classic, storybook
Best time: golden hour to take advantage of terrace views
Permits: photography permit required; fees are substantial, especially on weekends
Knox College – Gothic grandeur on campus
Nestled inside the University of Toronto, Knox College offers soaring Gothic arches, cloistered hallways and stained‑glass windows. The gothic architecture provides a timeless, scholarly backdrop. Because it’s a working college, you’ll need a permit for professional shoots and should plan around student traffic. Lighting can be dim, so pack fast lenses or embrace moody, high‑ISO shots. After the session, take a stroll through Queen’s Park for some outdoor greenery.
Style: formal, academic, dramatic
Best time: weekends or evenings when campus is quiet
Permits: permit required; contact the U of T photography office
Mint Room Studios – versatile indoor sets
For maximum control over lighting and weather, rent a studio. Mint Room Studios offers bright, airy rooms with huge windows, a moody library and lounge, and styled sets that change seasonally. The spaces are designed for natural light photography, but studio strobes can be rented. It’s a great option for boudoir, maternity or family sessions when privacy and comfort are paramount. Be sure to book well in advance – weekends often sell out.
Style: clean, modern, versatile
Best time: any time; choose according to your schedule
Permits: studio rental fee includes usage; extra cost for props or extended time
Icon Studio Space – five rooms in the Junction
If you want an indoor location that feels like a blank canvas, check out Icon Studio Space in the Junction. The premier studio offers about 7,500 sq ft of space divided into five distinct rooms – the White Room, Art Room, Elle Room, Soho Room and Iconic Room – each tailored to different creative needs, from intimate family portraits to large commercial shootsiconstudiospace.com. The facility is equipped with professional lighting, backdrops, props and a makeup area, and you can rent the rooms separately or book the entire space. Icon isn’t just a rental studio; it also hosts workshops and collaborative projects, fostering a community of creativesiconstudiospace.com. As one of Toronto’s newest studios, it’s quickly become a favourite among photographers who need reliable weather‑proof interiors.
Style: clean, modern, customizable
Best time: anytime – you control the lighting
Permits: hourly rental fees cover photography; contact the studio for larger productions or events
The Well – futuristic urban playground
Opened in 2024–25, The Well is a mixed‑use development near Spadina and Front that has quickly become a favourite playground for urban photographers. Photographers marvel at its intriguing mix of organic curves, Art‑Deco touches and contemporary straight lines, which offer endless composition options. Because the architecture plays with light and shadow throughout the day, golden hour and blue hour are especially magical. Hand‑held personal or influencer photography is allowed anywhere in the complex, but tripods, lighting and other equipment require a permit. Permits for wedding, engagement and professional family sessions cost $300 + HST for a two‑hour session and give access to specific areas such as the 8 Spadina Lobby, Wellington Steps and Market, the ice rink and the bridges. Commercial shoots require a separate permit process.
Style: futuristic, architectural, urban chic
Best time: golden hour or blue hour to emphasize curves and shadows
Permits: hand‑held personal photos are free; professional sessions require a permit (approx. $300 for 2 hours)
Final Thoughts – Choose the location that tells your story
Toronto offers an incredible variety of backdrops for lifestyle photography – from historic cobblestone lanes to futuristic skylines, from tropical greenhouses to rugged cliffs. When choosing a location, think about the story you want to tell. Are you aiming for urban chic, a romantic fairytale, or a laid‑back stroll through nature? Consider the season and time of day, check permit requirements (some venues, like Casa Loma and Knox College, require fees) and always have a back‑up plan for weather.
I hope this guide inspires you to explore the city and create images that feel authentic to you. If you’re ready to book a lifestyle session in any of these spots (or want help discovering an even more off‑beat location), get in touch. Let’s capture your story with candid, vibrant images that will make your friends say, “Wow – where was that?!”
