If you live in Toronto, you’ve likely walked by a few movie sets on your morning commute through the city. But now it’s time to step inside them.
Dubbed as “Hollywood North,” Toronto has had some major blockbusters filmed in the city from “X-Men” to “The Shape of Water.”
Home to roughly 2.5 million square feet of space to accommodate a range of large and small productions, along with the world’s largest purpose-built sound stage, Toronto was even recently named as the No. 1 big city for moviemakers to live and work in.
And whether you’re a movie buff or are hoping to play tourist in your own backyard, these are some of the most iconic filming locations in Toronto that you can visit.
‘X-Men’
Located in Midtown, Casa Loma is an authentic Gothic Revival-style mansion that was built in 1914. And it can be spotted in “X-Men.”
“This 98-room heritage landmark was once the largest private residence in Canada,” according to Destination Toronto.
“It features secret passageways and breathtaking views of the city.”
It also provided the location for Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters in the film.
Address: 1 Austin Terrace.
‘The Shape of Water’
Next time you grab a meal at The Lakeview, a 24-hour diner that’s been open since 1932, grab a slice of pie to mimic Giles in the Oscar-winning film “The Shape of Water,” directed by Guillermo del Toro.
Filming for the movie also took place at the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre, along with The Carlu, according to Destination Ontario.
Address: The Lakeview at 1132 Dundas St. W., Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre at 189 Yonge St., & The Carlu at 444 Yonge St. #7.
‘Chicago’
Although “Chicago” is set in the Illinois city, much of the film was shot in Toronto, including in the city’s Distillery District.
The prison exteriors seen in the movie depict the Old Town Toronto neighbourhood that’s home to 19th-century buildings and cobblestone lanes.
Address: 55 Mill St.
‘The Handmaid’s Tale’
Based on the novel by Margaret Atwood, “The Handmaid’s Tale” is another smash-hit that was filmed in the city.
City Hall is shown in “several key scenes” including in season three, along with Ripley’s Aquarium, St. Lawrence Market, and Beanfield Centre.
Address: Toronto City Hall at 100 Queen St. W., Ripley’s Aquarium at 288 Bremner Blvd., St. Lawrence Market at 92-95 Front St. E, & Beanfield Centre at 105 Princes’ Blvd.
‘Heated Rivalry’
To step into the world of Shane Hollander and Ilya Rozanov, make a visit to Joni Restaurant, which doubles as a Las Vegas location in the “Rookies” episode of “Heated Rivalry,” the breakout hit series from Crave.
The King West rooftop venue Lavelle can also be seen when Hollander and Rozanov are chatting before the All-Star Games in Tampa Bay.
Address: Joni Restaurant at 4 Avenue Rd., Lavelle at 627 King St. W.
‘Suits’
In Toronto’s Financial District, the 51-storey Bay Adelaide Centre provided interior and exterior filming locations for the “Suits” Pearson Specter Litt office building.
This was where “Mike Ross lies to land a junior associate position and starts secretly dating paralegal Rachel Zane,” according to Destination Toronto.
Filming also took place at the Fairmont Royal York, Ritz-Carlton, Luma Restaurant, and Crepe it Up.
Address: Bay Adelaide Centre at 333 Bay St., Fairmont Royal York at 100 Front St. W., Ritz-Carlton at 181 Wellington St. W., Luma Restaurant at 350 King St. W., & Crepe it Up at 91 Front St. E.
So, next time you find yourself at one of these Toronto spots, remember that you aren’t just in the heart of the city — you’re standing in the middle of a piece of film history.