Is the Toronto Sign Worth Visiting? All You Need to Know
The Toronto Sign is an iconic landmark that has become a must-see for visitors to the city. Located in the heart of downtown Toronto at Nathan Phillips Square, it’s not just a sign—it’s a symbol of Toronto’s vibrant energy and diversity.
For those interested in visiting, here is your complete Toronto Sign guide explaining everything you need to know to help you plan your visit.
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What Makes the Toronto Sign Special?
Originally built as a temporary structure for the 2015 Pan American Games, the Toronto Sign quickly became one of the city’s most popular attractions. It’s now one of the top three most visited spots in Toronto.
The sign is often illuminated in different colours to commemorate events, causes, or cultural celebrations. Each of its three-meter-tall letters provides a unique canvas for artistic wraps, promoting city events and priorities.
In the summer, a fountain in front of the sign adds to its appeal, while in winter, the same area transforms into a one of Toronto’s best outdoor skating rinks.
The Toronto sign is free to see and visit and is open every day, 24 hours a day.
Skating at Nathan Phillip’s Square
Nathan Phillip’s Square is one of the most popular places to ice skate in Toronto. The large outdoor rink is lit up with holiday lights, there is music playing, and the iconic sign is in the background.
Skate rental is available at the rink and there is a snack bar and washrooms. Skating here is one of the best things to do in Toronto at Christmas, but it can get very crowded during the holidays.
Where is the Toronto Sign Located?
You’ll find the Toronto Sign in Nathan Phillips Square, right in front of Toronto City Hall. It’s in downtown Toronto and close to other major attractions like the Eaton Centre, CN Tower, Queen Street West and Graffiti Alley.
It is close to both the subway and the streetcar. It is also one of the stop’s on the Toronto’s sightseeing Hop on Hop Off Bus.
☞ Related Post: My Honest Review to Toronto’s Hop on Hop off Sightseeing Bus
How Long Do You Need at the Toronto Sign?
If you’re not planning to skate or attend an event at Nathan Phillips Square, you’ll likely only need about 30 minutes at most to snap some fun and memorable photos.
It’s a quick and convenient stop for great photo opportunities during your visit to Toronto.
Best Photo Spots at the Toronto Sign
The Toronto Sign downtown is one of the most Instagram-worthy spots in the city. At night, the illuminated letters create a stunning visual, especially when they reflect off the fountain or skating rink.
You can sit on the letters, stand beside them, or pose with City Hall as the backdrop. For a unique perspective, try visiting at night when the lights are on.
One of my favourite times to visit is during the winter. Enjoying the holiday lights and skating on the outdoor rink make it one of Toronto’s best winter activities.
For another unique view, there are stairs beside the skate rental facility that lead to an elevated view of the Toronto Sign. The stairs are not always open, but if they are, it’s a unique birds eye view of the area.
When to Visit the Toronto Sign
A visit to the Toronto sign is an easy stop on any Toronto Itinerary. It’s open and accessible 356 days a year and 24 hours a day. You can stop by any time.
Visiting in summer, you will see the large fountain in front of the sign. In winter, the fountain turns into a skating rink and the holiday lights are lit for the season.
Toronto Sign at Night
Many photos of Toronto feature the iconic Toronto sign lit up a night. The illuminated letters look incredible after dark, making for some impressive photos.
Personally, I like find photographing the sign during blue hour (20-30 minutes right after sunset) to be the ideal time to take a photo of the Toronto sign at night.
What Else is Close to the Toronto Sign?
The Toronto Sign’s central location makes it a perfect starting point to explore downtown. Just a short walk away, the Eaton Centre offers a fantastic shopping experience.
Head west to Queen Street for trendy boutiques, unique finds, and plenty of cafes to refuel. For art lovers, Graffiti Alley is nearby, showcasing vibrant street art that’s ideal for photos.
Iconic landmarks like the CN Tower, Art Gallery of Ontario, Rogers Centre, and the Hockey Hall of Fame are also within easy reach, making it easy to add more attractions to your visit to Toronto.
☞ Related Post: 3 Days in Toronto: The Perfect Toronto Itinerary
Parking Near the Toronto Sign Downtown
For those driving into the city, parking is straightforward. A Green P parking lot is located directly underneath Nathan Phillips Square, offering convenient access to the Toronto Sign and nearby attractions.
Is the Toronto Sign Worth Visiting?
The Toronto Sign is absolutely worth adding to your list of things to do in Toronto if you want to capture some memorable photos of your visit to the city.
I particularly enjoy visiting the Toronto Sign in December. The skating rink is open, and the holiday lights are visible, making it a fun holiday activity in Toronto.
Its downtown location, seasonal activities, and photogenic appeal make it a memorable point of interest in Toronto. A stop at the Toronto Sign offers a uniquely Toronto experience for anyone visiting the city.
Before You Go: More Toronto Posts
If you are visiting Toronto, there are many activities and excellent things to do in the city. I always recommend new visitors to the city visit the CN Tower at least once! And here is my guide to visiting the Toronto Islands for those who want to visit this beautiful park.
Finally, if you are visiting Toronto in the Spring, be sure to take some time to visit the Cherry Blossom trees throughout the city. And for those visiting in the fall, this list of the best places to photograph the fall colours is certainly worth a read!
