Renowned for its love of arts and entertainment culture, the vibrant city of Toronto has also served as a top choice for movie shoots. Although Toronto itself is rarely used as a movie setting, its historical districts and skylines have sufficed in depicting locations like Detroit, Chicago, and NY. Several areas in the city have also been used to portray fictitious sites and timelines.
While taking a stroll across major cities in Europe, it won’t be difficult to identify landmark areas and buildings featured on the big screen. The iconic locations in Toronto however give a different feel altogether.
You may come across certain locations without realizing they’ve been a part of some notable movies. In this text, we have discussed four of these. Chances are, you have seen them without even knowing about it.
Yonge-Dundas Square
Usually referred to as Dundas Square, this flashy intersection of Dundas Street East and Yonge Street gives off a similar appearance to Times Square or Piccadilly Circus in London. It is frequently used in hosting large events, art exhibits, and musical concerts. Moreover, it has hosted film festivals such as the Canadian Film Fest. The site houses a fountain nicknamed “urban beach” that works as a cooling-off spot after you might have wandered around nearby shops.
The square and its surrounding environs were a part of Suicide Squad (2016), where it represented a wartorn Midway City. Likewise, in Kick-Ass (2010), although the film’s setting was in New York, parts of Yonge-Dundas Square were also shown.
Niagara Falls
Niagara Falls remains one of the most popular tourist attraction sites in the world. It consists of three falls on the border between Canada and the United States. While Horseshoe falls mainly border Canada, the Bridal Veil and American falls are closer to the U.S. The waterfalls record over a million visits each year.
Within the city is also Casino Niagara, a well-loved place for casino enthusiasts in the country. The casino boasts over 3000 slot machines and up to 130 table games. While it is not exactly within Toronto, it’s really close by and thus makes our list. It has featured as a location for some local filmmakers looking to add gambling clips to their projects.
It is also used for hosting shows, though has witnessed a reduced turnout in recent years. Fewer visitations to Casino Niagara are linked to the inception of online casinos in Canada. These operators are able to attract users with generous perks and benefits, coupled with well-stocked game libraries. You can explore a number of Canada’s best online casinos from comparison sites. These platforms provide vital information on reliable casino licenses and how to claim a generous welcome bonus.
Toronto City Hall
Toronto City Hall was opened in 1965 and has maintained its classic look over the years. The square at the front of the building serves as a well-known meeting point within the city. It also has a 3-meter tall 3D Toronto sign and fountain sides that beautify the scenery.
The appearance of this building has been subjected to a variety of controversial views. On its appearance in Star Trek: The Next Generation (1989), it was applauded as having a futuristic look. It has also been called archaic and ugly by a few who cheered its obliteration in Resident Evil: Apocalypse (2004).
Elgin and Winter Garden Theaters
When Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres opened in 1913, the theaters initially displayed silent films and vaudeville shows. Although the theaters shared the same structure, they hosted separate audiences, with Elgin being open to the big spenders. Since they were renovated in the 1980s, the venues hosted concerts, operas, and even the Toronto International Film Festival.
The splendor of the Elgin theater setting has not only been a perfect place to view films but also to shoot them. In the musical movie, Chicago (2002), it was used as the theater depicted in the film. Similarly, in The Shape of Water (2017), this location was used to represent the Orpheum Theater.
Final Thoughts
These areas listed above are just a few among the several places movies have been shot in Toronto. As more movies are created, the list continues to increase, so you can always check out more online.
