Locations
Best Location for photoshoot in Ontario
Top Locations in Ontario for Engagement, Wedding, and Family Photography
When it comes to capturing life’s milestones—engagements, weddings, and family moments—Ontario offers a diverse range of photography locations. Whether you’re looking for rustic backdrops, urban energy, or serene nature, these photography locations in Ontario provide more than just a beautiful setting. Here are a few locations across the province that offer a variety of options to suit different photography needs and moods.
1. University of Guelph “Arboretum”
- Location: 200 Arboretum Road
- Description: The Arboretum offers 400 acres of gardens, forests, and scenic trails, providing a variety of natural backdrops.
- Permit Fee: Yes, permits are required for professional photography. Contact the Arboretum office for details on pricing.
2. Riverside Park
- Location: 709 Woolwich Street
- Description: This park features beautiful gardens, a historic carousel, bridges, and the Speed River, making it ideal for diverse photoshoot settings.
- Permit Fee: Generally, no permit is needed, but it’s recommended to check with the City of Guelph for larger setups.
3. Royal City Park
- Location: 139 Gordon Street
- Description: Located along the Speed River, this park offers scenic views, historic buildings, and lush greenery.
- Permit Fee: No permit is typically required, but contacting the city for confirmation is advisable, especially for large or commercial shoots.
4. Downtown Guelph
- Location: Various locations along Wyndham Street, Carden Street, and Macdonell Street
- Description: With its historic buildings, murals, and urban vibe, downtown Guelph provides a unique backdrop for urban-themed photoshoots.
- Permit Fee: Permits may be required for commercial shoots, especially if using public spaces extensively. Check with the City of Guelph for specifics.
5. Guelph Lake Conservation Area
- Location: 7743 Conservation Road
- Description: This area offers lakeside views, forests, and open fields, perfect for nature-focused photography.
- Permit Fee: Yes, permits are required for professional photography. Contact the Grand River Conservation Authority (GRCA) for details and fees.
6. York Road Park
- Location: 85 York Road
- Description: A lesser-known spot with picturesque trails and proximity to the Eramosa River, offering a peaceful, natural setting.
- Permit Fee: No permit is generally needed, but it’s wise to check with the city for confirmation.
7. Goldie Mill Ruins
- Location: 75 Cardigan Street
- Description: The historic ruins provide a unique backdrop with stone walls and an industrial feel.
- Permit Fee: Permits are required for professional photography. Contact the City of Guelph for details on costs and availability.
Toronto
Top Photography Locations in Toronto and the GTA for Engagement, Wedding, and Family Sessions
1. Distillery District
Location: 55 Mill Street, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4
Best for: Urban couples with a love for history, and families who enjoy a city vibe.
Photography Permit: Required for professional shoots.
The Distillery District is one of the most popular spots for engagement and wedding photos. The red-brick buildings, cobblestone streets, and historical charm provide a warm, intimate setting. It’s perfect for capturing timeless, romantic shots while offering a touch of modern urban energy.
2. Scarborough Bluffs
Location: 1 Brimley Road South, Toronto, ON M1M 1T9
Best for: Couples looking for scenic lakeside views and families who love the outdoors.
Photography Permit: Not required for casual shoots, but recommended for professional sessions.
The Scarborough Bluffs is a stunning location that feels like a hidden oasis within the city. With its dramatic cliffs, soft sandy beaches, and expansive views of Lake Ontario, this is ideal for both engagement and wedding photos, as well as relaxed family sessions with an outdoor feel.
3. Allan Gardens Conservatory
Location: 19 Horticultural Avenue, Toronto, ON M5A 2P2
Best for: Couples who want a lush, indoor garden vibe and intimate family shoots.
Photography Permit: Required for professional shoots.
Allan Gardens offers a tropical indoor garden setting with a variety of plants and flowers year-round. It’s an excellent option for couples seeking something unique for their engagement photos or small, intimate wedding shoots. The warm, green space also creates a cozy atmosphere for family sessions.
4. High Park
Location: 1873 Bloor Street West, Toronto, ON M6R 2Z3
Best for: Nature-loving couples and active families.
Photography Permit: Not required for casual shoots, but recommended for professional sessions.
High Park is Toronto’s largest park, offering beautiful natural landscapes throughout the year. Whether it’s spring cherry blossoms, summer greenery, or autumn foliage, High Park provides a variety of backdrops. Engagement and family photos here feel fresh, relaxed, and vibrant, with opportunities for candid moments.
5. Edwards Gardens and Toronto Botanical Garden
Location: 755 Lawrence Avenue East, Toronto, ON M3C 1P2
Best for: Couples who appreciate natural beauty and families who enjoy gardens.
Photography Permit: Required for professional shoots.
Edwards Gardens and the adjacent Toronto Botanical Garden offer beautiful paths, waterfalls, and meticulously maintained floral displays. Whether you’re shooting wedding portraits or capturing family moments, this peaceful location gives photos a sense of serenity and elegance.
6. Toronto Islands
Location: Accessible via ferry from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, Toronto, ON M5J 2E9
Best for: Couples and families seeking a mix of city and nature views.
Photography Permit: Not required for casual shoots, but recommended for professional sessions.
Just a short ferry ride from downtown, the Toronto Islands offer a blend of nature and skyline views. Perfect for couples who want a romantic beach setting with the iconic Toronto skyline as a backdrop. Family sessions here offer plenty of opportunities for playful, candid shots with open fields, beaches, and gardens.
7. Evergreen Brick Works
Location: 550 Bayview Avenue, Toronto, ON M4W 3X8
Best for: Couples and families looking for a mix of urban and nature.
Photography Permit: Required for professional shoots.
Evergreen Brick Works offers a mix of rustic industrial charm and lush nature. Engagement and wedding photos here have a unique character, thanks to the combination of old brick buildings and surrounding greenery. It’s also great for family sessions, providing both natural and urban textures in one location.
8. Humber Bay Park
Location: 100 Humber Bay Park Road West, Toronto, ON M8V 3X7
Best for: Couples and families wanting waterfront views and nature trails.
Photography Permit: Not required for casual shoots, but recommended for professional sessions.
Humber Bay Park is perfect for waterfront photography with a view of the city skyline. The park features tranquil walking paths, ponds, and small beaches, making it ideal for engagement and wedding portraits, as well as family shoots in a peaceful natural setting.
9. Aga Khan Museum & Park
Location: 77 Wynford Drive, Toronto, ON M3C 1K1
Best for: Modern, elegant couples and families looking for an architectural backdrop.
Photography Permit: Required for professional shoots.
The Aga Khan Museum and its surrounding gardens provide a sleek, modern backdrop with beautiful water features and stunning architecture. Engagement and wedding photos here take on a contemporary, artistic feel. It’s also a great spot for family photos, offering a mix of green space and minimalist design.
10. Kew Gardens and Beaches
Location: 2075 Queen Street East, Toronto, ON M4E 2N9
Best for: Laid-back, beach-loving couples and families.
Photography Permit: Not required for casual shoots, but recommended for professional sessions.
Kew Gardens, along with the Beaches neighborhood, offers a relaxed, beach-town vibe within Toronto. Engagement and wedding photos here can have a romantic, easygoing feel, while family shoots capture a fun, playful atmosphere. The proximity to the water and boardwalk adds a touch of coastal charm.
Mississauga
Mississauga has a variety of stunning photography locations . Here’s a list of top spots along with details on permits and fees:
1. Kariya Park
- Location: 3620 Kariya Drive
- Description: A serene Japanese-style garden featuring a pond, cherry blossoms, and picturesque bridges, ideal for tranquil and elegant photoshoots.
- Permit Fee: Yes, permits are required for professional photography. Contact the City of Mississauga for details.
2. Port Credit
- Location: Lakeshore Road West & Mississauga Road
- Description: A scenic waterfront area with a lighthouse, marina, and vibrant streetscapes, perfect for a variety of settings.
- Permit Fee: Permits are required for commercial shoots, especially in public areas. Contact the City of Mississauga for specifics.
3. Adamson Estate
- Location: 850 Enola Avenue
- Description: A historic estate with beautiful gardens, an orchard, and views of Lake Ontario, offering a mix of nature and heritage.
- Permit Fee: Yes, permits are required for professional photography. Fees can be obtained through the City of Mississauga.
4. Riverwood Conservancy
- Location: 4300 Riverwood Park Lane
- Description: A 150-acre park with trails, gardens, and woodlands, providing a lush, natural environment for photos.
- Permit Fee: Permits are required for commercial photography. Contact the City of Mississauga for pricing and availability.
5. Erindale Park
- Location: 1695 Dundas Street West
- Description: The largest park in Mississauga, featuring the Credit River, trails, and scenic lookouts, ideal for nature-themed shoots.
- Permit Fee: No permit is generally required for small-scale personal photoshoots, but check with the city for larger setups.
6. Lakefront Promenade Park
- Location: 800 Lakefront Promenade
- Description: A waterfront park with marinas, sandy beaches, and picnic areas, offering diverse lakeside backdrops.
- Permit Fee: Permits are required for professional photography, especially if using public spaces extensively. Contact the city for details.
7. Benares Historic House
- Location: 1507 Clarkson Road North
- Description: A historic home surrounded by gardens and parkland, perfect for vintage or heritage-themed photoshoots.
- Permit Fee: Yes, permits are required. Contact the Museums of Mississauga for more information on fees and booking.
8. Mississauga Celebration Square
- Location: 300 City Centre Drive
- Description: A modern urban plaza with fountains, gardens, and contemporary architecture, ideal for dynamic, city-themed shoots.
- Permit Fee: Permits are required for commercial shoots. Contact the City of Mississauga for specific details.
9. Rattray Marsh Conservation Area
- Location: 1180 Lakeshore Road West
- Description: A protected wetland with boardwalks, trails, and marsh views, offering a unique natural setting for photography.
- Permit Fee: Permits are required for professional photography. Contact Credit Valley Conservation for more information.
10. Streetsville Memorial Park
- Location: 355 Church Street
- Description: A charming park with historic buildings, a river, and open spaces, great for both natural and historical-themed shoots.
- Permit Fee: Typically, no permit is required for personal photoshoots, but it’s best to confirm with the city for larger or commercial shoots.