Nathan Phillips Square
Nathan Phillips Square
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Top ways to experience Nathan Phillips Square
The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Downtown
At the heart of Toronto, Downtown is the destination for cheap eats and fast fashion. Cut through by hip and trendy Yonge Street, the vibe here is young, with a strong student influence from the Ryerson University Campus. As a result, the Downtown area is always in flux: undergoing the construction of new facilities, with fresh retail spaces and pop-up cafes. Home to Toronto's largest indoor shopping mall, a number of vintage cinemas, and a healthy nightlife centered on the area's Distillery District bar and clubs near the East End, it's both an easygoing daytime spot and a popular party place after sunset. It also features some of Toronto's best outdoor landmarks, including Yonge-Dundas Square and the Nathan Phillips Square: perfect for a concert, a skate, or a relaxing sit-down.
How to get there
- Queen • 4 min walk
- Osgoode • 5 min walk
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See what travellers are saying
- therichastillStevenage, United Kingdom3,234 contributionsTourist DestinationNathan Phillips Square is in the heart of Toronto and very busy. The old and new City Halls are here on adjacent sides and there is also the TORONTO sign which you can have your picture taken with. There is also a fountain and I was told that when the weather gets cold and it freezes over then it is a good place to go skating. I am not sure if I would try this as I am not too steady on skates ;) It is quite a big area and a good place to meet up with friends and family.Visited October 2023Travelled with familyWritten 14 November 2023
- Stewarts Vacation1,543 contributionsIconic Toronto sign!This large Square, directly in front of the New City Hall and beside the Old City Hall, is an absolute must visit! The main attraction is the iconic letters "TORONTO" which light up at night. A perfect spot for a photo! It's at the heart of the city and is used to host a variety of activities and special events. The day we visited, there was a Vegan Festival. In summer, the fountain has a cooling effect and it is a good place to sit for a while. There are washrooms available. The elevated walkways provide a great vantage point for photos. We purchased food from the food trucks along Queen Street West and sat on the seating in the shade of the elevated walkway to eat.Visited September 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 29 December 2023
- sainbashaIrvine, California3,998 contributionsLandmark centerA large square in downtown Toronto. This is a must place to visit and is like a landmark. In case you want to meet someone, can say will meet at Nathan Phillip Square. Good place for photos also and you can capture the Toronto sign around the pond.Visited May 2024Travelled with familyWritten 9 June 2024
- PerranBoranIstanbul, Türkiye397 contributionsVibrant and Exciting Dragon Festival at Nathan Phillips SquareWe had a wonderful time at the “Dragon Festival” held at Nathan Phillips Square. It was an exciting event with so many different attractions to explore, from cultural performances to colorful displays. The atmosphere was lively, and it was great to see so many people enjoying themselves. Overall, it was a vibrant celebration of culture, and we’re glad we got to experience it!Visited September 2024Travelled with familyWritten 9 September 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.0
1,120 reviews
Excellent
467
Very good
474
Average
156
Poor
21
Terrible
2
Samantha L
Lady Lake, FL54 contributions
Mar 2020
Coming from Florida, ice skating outdoors was something we wanted to do. We went to Nathan Phillips as it is scenic. You can get a picture with the TORONTO sign and see the pretty city hall building. Behind city hall, you can enter Eaton Centre. You can simply take a subway and have access to many things downtown. The ladies at the ice skating booth were friendly (and it was $10 to rent skates but the rink was free). They have lockers and a locker room that is nice and warm. I can see how it would be difficult for beginners as there is nothing to hang on to but it was a great Toronto experience.
Written 8 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
craig1086
Atlanta, GA1,872 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
One of the main squares in downtown Toronto, of course where the Toronto sign is, for tourists photographs. You have to see it at night to see it lit up. There were a couple of food trucks around. If you want photos with no photos around, you definitely have to go as early in the morning as possible. Otherwise, this square is always swarming with people. It's also sandwiched between two subway stations that are a 3-4 minute walk away. I also overheard they do ice skating in the winter. Old City Hall is adjacent, and Eaton Centre mall is about 2 blocks away, slightly east of the square.
Written 20 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oliver A
Leeds, UK322 contributions
June 2022 • Solo
We'd had a bad day let down by other attractions and wanted to experience something to cheer us up.
It definitely delivered. The view of the Toronto sign is great. We went on an evening and it wasn't crowded with people blocking the sign.
It also has a balcony for people to walk up and take photos from higher up. This was very handy and a great photo op.
The atmosphere in the square is quite chilled out. There are plenty of food vendors around the square too.
It definitely delivered. The view of the Toronto sign is great. We went on an evening and it wasn't crowded with people blocking the sign.
It also has a balcony for people to walk up and take photos from higher up. This was very handy and a great photo op.
The atmosphere in the square is quite chilled out. There are plenty of food vendors around the square too.
Written 5 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GrayHawks
West Palm Beach, FL59 contributions
Dec 2022
Beautiful gathering area. Huge skating area with eateries around. Lots of fun to just hang out. It is always interesting to me what sticks with you about trips. We were waiting in line to get skates and there was a city manager leaning against the wall smoking. Directly behind her was a sign that read, smoking strictly prohibited in the area with a big fine. I almost got a pic but she noticed my wife's and I looking and laughing and put her cigarette out and go inside.
Written 7 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Eddie T
Calgary, Canada98 contributions
Dec 2022
The square is full of life year round. I visited in winter, at which time there was a public skating rink and a night market with vendors selling traditional foods from various regions in the world. But it is used for many events all year round.
Having the iconic Toronto city hall buildings (both the old one, and the new one) in the background as well as excellent public lighting and decorations makes Nathan Phillips square an easily identifiable landmark downtown. Worth stopping by for great pictures and fun when events are on.
Having the iconic Toronto city hall buildings (both the old one, and the new one) in the background as well as excellent public lighting and decorations makes Nathan Phillips square an easily identifiable landmark downtown. Worth stopping by for great pictures and fun when events are on.
Written 16 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
ChefLori123
St. Catharines, Canada3 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
I wouldn’t go on a really cold or windy day.
The trip hazards are many. Cement at Nathan Phillip Square to walk on is dangerous in spots. Wouldn’t rent skates again. Music is really poor. Employee was high and smelled of alcohol.
Mostly fun watching skaters, than actually skating.
The trip hazards are many. Cement at Nathan Phillip Square to walk on is dangerous in spots. Wouldn’t rent skates again. Music is really poor. Employee was high and smelled of alcohol.
Mostly fun watching skaters, than actually skating.
Written 5 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Czar Emmanuel
Manila, Philippines10,222 contributions
Aug 2023 • Solo
This square is definitely the heart of downtown Toronto, where the seat of the local government is located. On the one side you'll see the imposing Court of Justice building (which used to be the old city hall) and on the other side you'll find the new city hall. In the center you'll find a fountain whose waters become frozen during winter, thus it becomes an ice skating rink. An old sign that reads "TORONTO" is a favorite spot for picture-taking, especially among tourists. It looks really nice at night when lit up. To reach the square, go to the subway Queen station and walk a few meters from there.
Written 10 August 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
therichastill
Stevenage, UK3,234 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Nathan Phillips Square is in the heart of Toronto and very busy. The old and new City Halls are here on adjacent sides and there is also the TORONTO sign which you can have your picture taken with.
There is also a fountain and I was told that when the weather gets cold and it freezes over then it is a good place to go skating. I am not sure if I would try this as I am not too steady on skates ;)
It is quite a big area and a good place to meet up with friends and family.
There is also a fountain and I was told that when the weather gets cold and it freezes over then it is a good place to go skating. I am not sure if I would try this as I am not too steady on skates ;)
It is quite a big area and a good place to meet up with friends and family.
Written 14 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Diane Vermooten
Muizenberg, South Africa95 contributions
June 2022 • Friends
The square is a beautiful celebration of diversity, contemporary architecture set against old buildings. The atmosphere was celebratory. As an African I loved the designs included in the Toronto letters. Good afternoon trip - a tourist site, but don’t miss it.
Written 19 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Stewarts Vacation
1,543 contributions
Sept 2023 • Couples
This large Square, directly in front of the New City Hall and beside the Old City Hall, is an absolute must visit! The main attraction is the iconic letters "TORONTO" which light up at night. A perfect spot for a photo! It's at the heart of the city and is used to host a variety of activities and special events. The day we visited, there was a Vegan Festival. In summer, the fountain has a cooling effect and it is a good place to sit for a while. There are washrooms available. The elevated walkways provide a great vantage point for photos. We purchased food from the food trucks along Queen Street West and sat on the seating in the shade of the elevated walkway to eat.
Written 29 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Companion14410126872
Litochoro, Greece
Yes I would like to know more about there
Written 10 August 2024
Use Queen St. station to get there.
Written 10 August 2024
Companion14410126872
Litochoro, Greece
If I have to go there what do I need to do?
Written 10 August 2024
Yes that week there is the Bollywood film festival but there are always lots of things going on around the city
Written 19 July 2019
I know summer is the busy season, but just wondering how early in the morning is best to beat crowds? Thank you in advance :)
Written 1 August 2018
Early afternoon on Tuesday 5th June it was not toocrowded.
Written 1 August 2018
I'm visiting Toronto at Easter (March 28th-31st) Will the skate rink be open at this time?
Written 21 March 2018
It becomes a fountain in the Spring. So it won't be open when you go.
Written 28 March 2018
piccologirl27
Canmore, Canada
How much do the lockers cost to put your shoes in?
Written 12 December 2017
one townie - and skating is free. This year they transformed into aChristmas Fair which runs 6 days a week- no mondays during the christmas holidays
Written 13 December 2017
There is a large parking garage directly underneath Nathan Phillips Square. Hourly and daily rates.
Written 6 July 2017
This is somewhat of a silly question, but how late does the "Toronto" sign stay lit up? I've found that it's best to get photos in front of these types of things either very early in the morning or very late at night as there are few people at those times!
Written 16 June 2017
I am not sure that they shut off if they do then it would be in the wee hours. I have been there at 12 ish and lit up. So evening shots are popular.
Written 16 June 2017
This is somewhat of a silly question, but how late does the "Toronto" sign stay lit up? I've found that it's best to get photos in front of these types of things either very early in the morning or very late at night as there are few people at those times!
Written 16 June 2017
Unfortunately the latest we have been in that area was dusk. However I believe would stay lit till late as the area is close to entertainment district and gets walk thrus
Hopefully someone that has been in the area late would read and respond.
Written 22 June 2017
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