Toronto is home to many unique and beautiful locations. Here, you can find yourself in the heart of a bustling metropolis, surrounded by untamed nature, or even admiring the architecture of past centuries. This diversity has made the city a popular destination for filmmakers. Hundreds of directors have come here to capture stunning scenes and leave audiences pleasantly surprised. Perhaps this is why Toronto is often called the “second Hollywood.”
In the 20th century, the city became the backdrop for numerous films that gained popularity in America and beyond. Where exactly were these iconic locations, and which movies were filmed there? Find out more on toronto-trend.
Casa Loma
The luxurious Neo-Gothic mansion is one of Toronto’s main landmarks, located in the heart of the city. Built in 1914 at the request of Canadian millionaire Henry Pellatt, who dreamed of living in a castle since childhood, this beautiful and fascinating site exudes the atmosphere of a bygone era. Casa Loma features 98 rooms, numerous corridors, and even underground tunnels, offering visitors hours of exploration. Surrounding the castle is a garden with walking paths and a fountain, adding to its charm.
This fairy-tale castle has been the filming location for movies such as X-Men, Chicago, Scott Pilgrim vs. the World, and Beauty and the Beast. To create an appropriate ambiance for these films, the rooms were designed with 18th-century interiors, featuring vintage chandeliers, paintings, silver and gold tableware, and elegant carpets. Actors performed heroic feats, staged epic battles, flew helicopters over the castle, and navigated its underground tunnels. Casa Loma has served as the backdrop for numerous stories of adventure, fantastical transformations, and extraordinary events. During filming, the interiors and characters’ appearances were often altered, and special effects were utilized to enhance the storytelling.
University of Toronto
Another popular filming location in downtown Toronto is the Royal College, later renamed the University of Toronto. With a history dating back to 1827, this higher education institution spans an impressive 10 blocks. The campus is home to numerous historic buildings, a vast library, multiple laboratories, cafés, conference halls, and other facilities. In 1919, a student recreation centre was added, featuring a gymnasium, swimming pool, shooting range, art gallery, music rooms, and much more. In 1850, the institution officially adopted the name University of Toronto.
A few years later, the campus became a filming location for movies. The first was Urban Legend, a mystery thriller shot in the spring of 1988. The film’s main characters were students entangled in a series of criminal events. They began to uncover the cause-and-effect relationships behind the university’s mysteries, solving secrets known only to a few. The movie starred American actors Jared Leto, Rebecca Legend, Tara Reid, Robert Englund, and others.
The Gothic-style campus of the University of Toronto also became the backdrop for films from other genres, including political dramas, musicals, and more. Movies such as Man of the Year, Capote, and Chicago were filmed here.
Cabbagetown
This is one of Toronto’s most unique and prestigious neighborhoods, making it a popular location for film shoots. Cabbagetown is renowned for its Victorian architecture, rich culture, and historical significance. The name “Cabbagetown” originates from the Irish immigrants who settled there in the 1840s. They were so impoverished that they grew cabbages and other vegetables around their homes. Even decades later, Cabbagetown retained much of its original appearance.
The Victorian-era houses in this district inspired filmmakers Joel Zwick and Peter Chelsom to shoot two romantic comedies, My Big Fat Greek Wedding and Serendipity. Both films tell love-at-first-sight stories that forever change the lives of their protagonists. Several scenes were deliberately filmed near the historic homes of Toronto.
Both Canadian films achieved significant success: My Big Fat Greek Wedding was nominated for an Academy Award in the category of Best Original Screenplay, while Serendipity was recognized as the “Best Comedy for Family Viewing.” The latter film also premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival, further cementing the neighborhood’s reputation as a cinematic gem.
Toronto City Hall
City Hall replaced the Old City Hall, which housed municipal offices and courts. The construction of the new building took four years and was designed by architects Viljo Revell and Hannskarl Bandel. Their project resulted in a rectangular building with two curved towers of differing heights and observation decks.
Thanks to its unique parameters and design, Toronto City Hall has become a city landmark and a sought-after location for filming movies such as Resident Evil: Apocalypse, Star Trek: The Next Generation, and The Sentinel. Some of these films were shot around Toronto City Hall over several weeks.
During the filming, Canadian and Hollywood actors portrayed roles ranging from fantastical heroes to secret agents. They trained with choreographers, performed rooftop jumps, and executed extreme aerial stunts. Scenes were also filmed inside the City Hall building, where custom interiors were created, and necessary props were arranged to accommodate various sequences.
Toronto Reference Library
Opened in 1977, the Toronto Reference Library is a five-story modernist building renowned for its extensive collection of books, manuscripts, and multimedia resources. It also houses event spaces and study areas, making it a versatile filming location.
The library’s sleek design and towering bookshelves served as the backdrop for the action-comedy Red, based on the 1995 Homage Comics series. The film received a Golden Globe nomination for Best Musical or Comedy and impressed audiences with its unique blend of humor and action sequences.
Lower Bay Station
Lower Bay Station, one of Toronto’s earliest subway stations, was operational for only six months in 1966 before being closed to the public. It is now accessible only through unmarked fire doors and has become a sought-after filming location due to its underground, urban aesthetic.
The station was prominently featured in Total Recall, inspired by a Philip K. Dick short story, and Suicide Squad, based on DC Comics characters. Elaborate sets, lighting equipment, and visual effects transformed the station into futuristic and action-packed scenes.
From historic castles to modernist libraries and atmospheric subway stations, Toronto offers a wealth of stunning backdrops for filmmakers. These iconic locations have brought to life countless unforgettable stories, showcasing the city’s versatility and charm.
Have you spotted any of these Toronto landmarks in your favorite films? Let us know in the comments!
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