The University of Toronto St. George is home to some of the most beautiful buildings in all of Canada. It is such a photogenic university! There is always somebody with a camera snapping photos of King’s College Circle, or limousines full of wedding parties and photographers that drive around campus for places to smile and pose for their memories. Basically, every student at the University of Toronto knows how beautiful the campus can be, whether it’s in the middle of the coldest months of winter, the glorious days of autumn, the verge of spring, or the radiant days of summer. While the architecture and landscape on the exterior offer great photo opportunities, so do a lot of the interior spaces. Here are some iconic locations on the St. George campus that you should explore.
1) The Memorial Screen of the Soldier’s Tower.
First, this is located right outside of Hart House. Established in 1923, this exterior memorial wall includes carvings of the names and ranks of students, staff, faculty, and alumni who served in the Great War. You may have seen it yourself already, especially since it’s an attractive spot for tourists and for wedding photography. In the spring, there is a small garden right behind the wall.
2) The Memorial Arch of the Soldier’s Tower.
Beneath the iconic clock tower, right outside of Hart House. Located a few steps away from the Memorial Screen, you can walk under the archway to see the writing on the walls, which remembers the men and women lost in the Second World War. Please just remember to be respectful when treading these areas, and be tasteful when it comes to taking group photographs.
3) The interior space at Knox College.
The moment you walk into the Knox College building, you’ll be overwhelmed by the majestic venue. You will find so many great angles to take photos of the staircases, arches, and windows.
4) The gardens of Knox College.
In addition, with an encasement of space known as loggia, you can walk outside, view the garden, and still have shelter over your head. On sunny days, the light will perfectly shine through the pillars and moldings. So step outside from the loggia to also find the encased pathway with more greens and flowers.
5) The University College Courtyard.
Tucked at the back of the building and accessible through two main pathways, this courtyard is a hotspot for students who are filming because of the pillars and arches on two separate sides of the courtyard. Additionally, it’s a popular spot to read a book under the nearby trees or gather with your friends.
6) The Trinity College Inner Quadrangle.
For a landscape curated in symmetrical designs in seasons of bloom, this quiet quadrangle is a great spot for photography.
7) The John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design.
The building demands attention with its preserved historic façade, and jumps out at you with unexpected flared edges that were added in recent years. Take photos of the main face of the building (on the side that faces lakeshore), and as you walk around, experience the unfolding effects of historic and modern. Furthermore, you can cross the street to take a good shot. Also, the interior space includes visually appealing areas too, such as the graduate studio.
8) Convocation Hall.
Both the exterior columns and the interior itself. This is one of the most popular buildings on campus to pose with your diploma or degree on graduation day. Basically, it’s in the middle of campus at King’s College Circle. So step inside and climb the stairs to experience the rotund ceremonial lecture hall yourself.
9) The Leslie Dan Pharmacy Building.
It’s one of those iconic locations for LinkedIn photographs if you need a backdrop. Also, there are giant pods that you can view from the exterior, looking in, and these are illuminated at night. In addition, the pods are lounging areas, which you’ll see once you head upstairs.
10) University College.
If you head to the green patch of grass in the center of King’s College Circle, you’ll find that popular spot to take photos from a central angle of campus. Looking north, you’ll be able to snap photos of University College. Turn your camera south to capture the CN Tower along with Convocation Hall to your right. Capture the aesthetic of these iconic locations!
11) The Chapel at Trinity College.
This quiet area is beautifully cascaded with natural light through its rustic windows. It is perfect for photography with a reflective tone.
12) Hart House, every corner of it.
Hart House has many interesting niches that provide photo opportunities, including the Great Hall. The Great Hall has a glorious stained glass window and chandeliers that enhance the gothic experience. Alternatively, you could enter Hart House and head up the stairs to look out one of their many windows, with views of Hart House Circle. You’ll have to explore!
13) Robarts Library.
Also known to resemble a giant turkey from a certain perspective, Robarts really stands out on campus in the way that it does not really fit in. Some might say it’s an eyesore compared to the rest of campus. Snap a shot of the brutalist building for your memories of studying at the old library.
14) The Donnelly Centre’s Bamboo Forest.
Have a seat at a bench and grab a photo or two of yourself. It might make an Instagram-worthy photo if you do it right.
15) The Faculty of Law, and the pathway behind the Faculty of Law.
The building itself recently underwent a gorgeous renovation, but the natural trail behind the Faculty of Law (and the Faculty of Music) is known as the Philosopher’s Walk. It’s a sweet spot to take photos during the summer.
Have fun on your photography endeavours with these iconic locations! Interested in more? Check out the 10 Moments U of T Made it to the Big Screen.
