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Top 10 Outdoor Photography Locations in Toronto

5 April 2023
Location  ·  Photography  ·  Wedding

If you’re on the hunt for the best outdoor locations in Toronto for your upcoming photoshoot… you’re in the right place, baby!

Whether you’re researching for a wedding, engagement, or family photoshoot, choosing a location is soooo incredibly important. A location will contribute to the mood of your photos, and is and should be a reflection of you and your vibe! In Toronto, we are so lucky to have access to so many areas that offer a variety of different styles.

We have beautiful beaches (I use that term lightly but it’s still sand & water ok), a gorgeous downtown area (with many neighbourhoods!), and lots of stunning architecture. So many eclectic and cool spots to choose from! 

I typically will encourage my clients to choose a location that’s meaningful to them – maybe it’s your favourite neighbourhood in the city, where you and your partner met, a park you like to walk your dog in every day, and so on and so forth! If you’re feeling stuck and maybe none of those locations are sparking an interest for you, then this is a great list for you to refer to! Given that so many of my clients are based in Toronto, I’ve photographed all over the city, and this has helped narrow down, for me, my absolute favourite locations!

As a wedding and family photographer based in Toronto, outdoor photography locations are only really utilized probably… 5 months of the year (you know, a little thing called WINTER). But don’t get it twisted, it might only be 5 months, but we use the HELL out of these 5 months. They may be the busiest 5 months of the year in a professional photographer’s life, but who’s complaining? CERTAINLY NOT ME.

WE HAVE AN ARRAY OF AMAZING OUTDOOR PHOTOGRAPHY OPTIONS HERE IN TORONTO. KEEP SCROLLING TO CHECK OUT MY PERSONAL TOP 10 FAVOURITES (… IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER)!

Evergreen Brickworks

You’ll love this spot if: You’re into nature, but you’re kind of edgy. You love a more industrial feel and are down for an adventure! Photographing here means walking a lot, so come prepared!
Indoor option: No, but we can use the covered Pavilion in case of rain.
Permit required: No
Best time to shoot: Close to sunset to avoid harsh shadows… and in the FALL season!

Polson Pier

You’ll love this spot if… having the Toronto skyline in your photographs is a must-have! Polson Pier is a fairly quiet area, so we are away from the hustle and bustle of the downtown core, but we get a GORGEOUS view of the city here.
Indoor option: No
Permit required: No
Best time to shoot: Sunset! Look at that LIGHT. If we’re lucky enough the water will also give us some wind, and let me tell you… wind + golden hour = a lethal photography combination.

Queen West

You’ll love this spot if… you really want the essence of Toronto captured. The hustle and bustle, the store-fronts, the true city vibe. Be mindful of people (maybe) being in your photos, but I’ll always do my best to either avoid OR make it look cool!
Indoor option: Yes! Lots of bars & restaurants we can hop into for a few photos. We will likely have to inquire in advance if this is possible.
Permit required: No
Best time to shoot: Sunset

Aga Khan Museum

You’ll love this spot if… you love clean, architectural lines, lots of texture, and pops of green! The Aga Khan has a gorgeous lavender field during the summer months, and two beautiful buildings as backdrops. Note that the permit does not give us access to the Ismaeli Centre OR the inside of the museum (unless you’re getting married there).
Indoor option: Yes
Permit required: Yes ($$)
Best time to shoot: Sunset

Knox College

You’ll love this spot if… you gravitate toward romantic, timeless images. Knox College features strong and prominent architecture – a very Hogwarts vibe for you Harry Potter fans.
Indoor option: Yes
Permit required: Yes ($$$)
Best time to shoot: Morning to mid-afternoon to get some good interior light.

Riverdale 

You’ll love this spot if… you love the downtown Toronto vibe, but you want your photos to be a little quieter. Riverdale is a gorgeous quaint neighbourhood with a ton of personality, lovely bars and coffee shops we can jump into, and it’s home to the beautiful Broadview Hotel!
Indoor option: No
Permit required: No
Best time to shoot: Sunset

Scarborough Bluffs

You’ll love this spot if… you’re more carefree, don’t mind having sand in your feet, and don’t mind getting a little wet! This is a great spot for beach lovers, and also offers gorgeous hikes and views your Toronto photographer (me) can take advantage of.
Indoor option: No
Permit required: No
Best time to shoot: Sunrise

Osgoode Hall / City Hall 

You’ll love this spot if… you love historical architecture and gravitate towards romantic photos. A gorgeous mix of nature & iconic Toronto buildings! Also steps away from Queen and University, where we can get some great photos at the intersection.
Indoor option: No (unless you’re getting married there)
Permit required: No
Best time to shoot: Afternoon

St Lawrence Market / Esplanade


You’ll love this spot if… you want some classic Toronto photos: the buildings, the vibe, the people, the cars. This is a busy area, but a great spot with lots of great little pockets. We’re also very close to Cherry Beach… TWO IN ONE BABY!
Indoor option: No
Permit required: No
Best time to shoot: Sunset / dawn

Woodbine Beach 

You’ll love this spot if… you want that beach vibe, baby! Beautiful boardwalk, and a great sandy beach. Tends to get busy on warmer days but is large enough for us to find quiet areas. Come prepared with some picnic food (pizza on the beach always), and a swimsuit!
Indoor option: No
Permit required: No
Best time to shoot: Sunrise or sunset

No matter what you choose, you Can’t Lose With These Stunning Outdoor Photography Locations!

What did you think of these 10 outdoor photography locations in Toronto? These are only 10 of – MANY – amazing spots in the city. Not to mention this doesn’t even cover the GTA! So many wonderful spots in the neighbouring cities. Refer to this list if you’re on the hunt for a great downtown Toronto photography location! 

Are you looking for a photographer to capture your just-engaged bliss, family love, or beautiful portraits? Let’s chat about what you have in mind! Can’t wait to talk to you. 

With love,
Yasmin 


TipsWedding

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I've been sitting on SO many freaking CUTE shoots I've been sitting on SO many freaking CUTE shoots from last year, and I'm so excited to finally start sharing some... starting with this cute ass family 😩. We had the loveliest picnic in the park, we were blessed with some sexy weather (manifesting sunshine at the moment), AND Ellie and I became BFFs4life. Can I ask for anything more?!⁠
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HIIIIII ❤️ I’m still alive ❤️ I miss you HIIIIII ❤️ I’m still alive ❤️ I miss you ❤️ I’m just covered in spit up ❤️ and poo explosions ❤️ but we are good over here and I MISS YOUUUU (again). 

Here are some sweetie portraits of two sweeties back in December ❤️ Love. 

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No better way to celebrate Lucy & Marc's 1st weddi No better way to celebrate Lucy & Marc's 1st wedding anniversary with a M'FING WEDDING MAGAZINE FEATURE!! Thanks to Queen Lucy for going out on a whim & submitting their wedding photos to @sunwingweddings! The photo contest winners get a magazine feature ANDDDDDD a 7-night vacay. Sooo... moral of this story is, ummmmmm, hire me for your destination weddings and you'll win things ok byeeeeeee!!! xoxox⁠
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Faisal & Nisan giving PERFECTION frolicking throug Faisal & Nisan giving PERFECTION frolicking through the snow as if it wasn’t casually freezing ❄️🔥⁠. I love these two, their crew, their families, their vibe, all of it 😩 - thank you so much for having me 💗
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SO VERY EXCITED to announce that Emily & Madison’s gooooorgeous wedding from last year was featured on @togetherjournal !! Could not think of one more deserving 🥹. SO much love and detail went into every aspect of this wedding, thanks to Emily’s a) TALENT (check out her designs at @studio.adieu ) and b) insane eye for detail. So so honored, as always, to have been a part of this day, alongside a badass group of vendors ⚡️🪩

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Another year with CHEYCHEY & MIKE 🫶🏼. This w Another year with CHEYCHEY & MIKE 🫶🏼. This was one of these shoots where I walked away thinking... oh shit, did we get any good photos? But once again, I realized that the family shoots that are cray-cray chaotic are the ones that end up being my absolute favourite. There were fairies used as collateral and some serious debating between Fina and I (she gave me a run for my money for real). I LOVE how our shoots keep evolving as Chey & Mike's babies grow, and I already can't wait for next year's 🥹.⁠
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