Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto - a person walking across a bridge over a river
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Nathan Phillips Square Toronto

4.6
·40k reviews·Toronto, Canada

Toronto's vibrant heart, featuring the iconic 'TORONTO' sign and a famous winter ice rink. A hub for events and city life.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Winter mornings

Fresh ice, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
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Nathan Phillips Square, Toronto - a person walking across a bridge over a river

Nathan Phillips Square Toronto

Best Time

Winter mornings

Fresh ice, fewer crowds

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Toronto's vibrant heart, featuring the iconic 'TORONTO' sign and a famous winter ice rink. A hub for events and city life.

4.6
(40k reviews)

"The heart of Toronto, buzzing with energy and iconic photo ops year-round!"

Vertical photo
TIP

⛸️ Book Ice Skating Slots

Reserve your ice skating time online in advance to avoid disappointment, especially on weekends.

💰 Skate Rental Costs

Skate rentals are available on-site. Expect to pay around $5-$10 for adults and less for children.

Third hero image

Quick Facts

Hours

Rating

4.6 · 41,143 reviews

Type

Plaza

♿ Wheelchair accessible🅿️ Accessible parking

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Iconic Toronto Sign

The Iconic Toronto Sign

North end of the square

Snap a photo with the vibrant 'TORONTO' sign, a popular backdrop for selfies and group shots.

Winter Ice Skating Rink

Winter Ice Skating Rink

Center of the square

Glide across the city's most famous outdoor ice rink, surrounded by stunning architecture. Skate rentals available!

City Hall Architecture

City Hall Architecture

Surrounding the square

Admire the unique modernist design of Toronto's New City Hall and Old City Hall buildings.

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Planning Your Visit

Beat the Crowds for Ice Skating

Nathan Phillips Square's iconic ice rink is a winter must-do, but it gets packed! Book your skate time online in advance, especially for weekend slots, to guarantee your spot. Arrive early for fresh ice and fewer people. Reddit

Year-Round Events & Activities

Beyond winter skating, this vibrant public space hosts numerous events, festivals, and markets throughout the year. Check the city's event calendar before your visit to catch live music, cultural celebrations, or seasonal markets. TikTok

Best Times

When
Winter mornings
Why
Fresh ice, fewer crowds
Crowd
Low
When
Weekday evenings
Why
Magical city lights
Crowd
Medium
When
During events
Why
Lively atmosphere
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Toronto’s Best Places to Explore This Summer ☀️ 📍 Allan Gardens 📍 Scarborough Bluffs 📍 Casa Loma 📍 Tommy Thompson Park 📍 Ward’s Island 📍 Aga Khan Museum 📍 Polson Pier 📍 Elgin & Winter Garden Theatres ...
@erhunabbasli
42.8K likes • 821.3K views

⛸️ Book Ice Skating Slots

Reserve your ice skating time online in advance to avoid disappointment, especially on weekends. Reddit

💰 Skate Rental Costs

Skate rentals are available on-site. Expect to pay around $5-$10 for adults and less for children. Reddit

Highly requested path tutorial! From #unionstation to #eatoncentre BIG DISCLAIMER: HUDSONS BAY CLOSES AT 7PM so this method only works during this their store hours! #ttc #toronto #torontotiktok #toro...
@lil.nyxx
38.8K likes • 543.5K views
Taste Of India 📍Nathan Phillips Square (100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2N1) 🗓️ August 2nd and 3rd, 2025 Free entry (Filmed last year) . . #TasteOfIndiaFestival #TasteOfIndia2025 #TorontoEvents #IndianFood #DesiFood #Foodie #IndianStreetFood #TorontoFoodFestival #NathanPhillipsSquare #TastyFood #Yummy #FoodLovers #InstaFood #Foodstagram #Delicious
todotoronto
28K likes • 825.9K views

🧣 Dress Warmly

Toronto winters can be chilly! Layer up with warm clothing, gloves, and a hat for comfortable skating. :snowflake:

📸 Iconic Photo Op

Don't miss the chance to take a photo with the 'TORONTO' sign! It's a classic souvenir. TikTok

Who is ready for Toronto Council Fire’s 7th annual Indigenous Legacy Gathering? 📍It will be taking place this Sep 27-30, 2024 at Nathan Phillips Square. Stay tuned for more details on our social media pages! 🌿Spirit Garden Opening: September 30, 2024 #ILG #spiritgarden
tocouncilfire
594 likes • 28.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

⛸️ Book Ice Skating Slots

Reserve your ice skating time online in advance to avoid disappointment, especially on weekends. Reddit

💰 Skate Rental Costs

Skate rentals are available on-site. Expect to pay around $5-$10 for adults and less for children. Reddit

🧣 Dress Warmly

Toronto winters can be chilly! Layer up with warm clothing, gloves, and a hat for comfortable skating. :snowflake:

📸 Iconic Photo Op

Don't miss the chance to take a photo with the 'TORONTO' sign! It's a classic souvenir. TikTok

📅 Check Event Schedule

The square hosts many events year-round. Check the city's calendar to see what's happening during your visit. TikTok

What Travellers Say

4.6
(40k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Nathan Phillips Square is a beloved public space, especially praised for its iconic 'TORONTO' sign and the magical winter ice skating rink. Visitors appreciate the free access and the vibrant atmosphere during events. However, the square can get extremely crowded, particularly during peak times and events, which can detract from the experience for some.

"As you walk along Queen Street, you'll notice two big curvy looking towers, a Toronto sign and what looks like a coin fountain thing. ⛲

This vibrant, atmospheric, not so hidden gem will bring you an amazing time at any time whatsoever. 😁 Juicy delicious hot dog and burger shops lined up near for when you're hungry or thirsty. 🌭💧 Skate rentals at that corner building for when your brave enough to get on the ice at winter. ⛸️

All the time during the year, they feature amazing festivals such as an Arabic Festival that I went to and enjoyed. 👳🏻‍♀️ The food will draw you to it and the music is amazing. It's decorated during Christmas season, where we learn the true meaning of Christmas? Is our city being less mean to each other than normally. 🌟🌲 And even when there's nothing going on, you can still talk to the very friendly people that hang out there and check out the cool canoe art at the North facing left perspective side. 🛶

Come here to Nathan Phillips Square, and enjoy your stay. You may as well considering everything else in Toronto is very expensive. 🌟😁

Feel free to reach out for any help regarding Toronto, the GTA and even Simcoe county.

😁😁😁"

Elliot Schembri

"Visited this place many times!! They have events there on every season!! In summer it’s beautiful but in winter it’s even better!! People skate a lot there!! I love to enjoy time there! But since after a a lot going on in Toronto! Hope y’all feel me!! People playing chess 💕"

Nirooshan Namasivayam

"This is a large public square and civic space in front and around Toronto City Hall. It was designed by Viljo Revell and Richard Strong and opened to the public in 1965. The square is dedicated to former city mayor Nathan Philips (1892-1976).

This is where you find the iconic TORONTO sign and reflection pool as well as a collection of monuments to civic leaders and ideals of freedom, equality and justice. The square is a scene for arts & culture and the location of events, celebrations, markets and festivals throughout the year. You can view the present City Hall as well as the Romanesque Old City Hall here at Nathan Philips Square as well."

Brad

What People Like

Iconic 'TORONTO' sign
Winter ice skating
Free admission

What People Dislike

Extreme crowds
Can be noisy

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Nathan Phillips Square is easily accessible by public transit. Take the TTC subway to Queen Station or Osgoode Station. From Union Station, it's a short walk north or you can take a quick streetcar ride. TikTok

Yes, there are several paid parking garages nearby, including underground parking at City Hall. However, public transit is often more convenient and cost-effective. 🚗

Absolutely! It's about a 15-20 minute walk north from Union Station. You'll pass through the downtown core, making it a pleasant stroll. TikTok

The most direct subway stations are Queen Station (Line 1 Yonge-University) and Osgoode Station (Line 1 Yonge-University). Both are just a short walk from the square. 🚇

Yes, the square is generally accessible with ramps and paved pathways, making it easy to navigate for wheelchair users. ♿

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

No, general admission to Nathan Phillips Square is free. You can wander around, enjoy the public art, and take photos without a ticket. 🎟️

Admission to the ice rink is free! However, there is a fee for skate rentals, typically around $5-$10 for adults and less for children. Helmets are also available for rent. Reddit

Yes, skate rentals are available on-site during the winter ice skating season. It's recommended to check their operating hours and book in advance if possible. Reddit+1

Ice skating hours vary seasonally. During winter, the rink is typically open daily, but it's best to check the official City of Toronto website for the most up-to-date schedule, as it often closes by mid-March. Reddit

It is highly recommended to book your ice skating sessions online in advance, especially for weekends and holidays, as spots can fill up quickly. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The 'TORONTO' sign is a must-capture! Also, frame shots with the unique architecture of City Hall, the Peace Garden, and the reflection pool (when not frozen). TikTok

Yes, the western exposure can offer beautiful sunset views, especially when the sky is painted with vibrant colors behind the city skyline. :cityscape:

Drone usage is generally restricted in public spaces like Nathan Phillips Square due to safety and privacy regulations. Always check local bylaws before flying. :noentrysign:

Golden hour (shortly after sunrise or before sunset) offers beautiful lighting. For the 'TORONTO' sign, daytime provides clear visibility, while evenings offer a magical glow with city lights. :camerawithflash:

Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Be mindful of others and avoid obstructing public access. 📷

🎫 ⛸️ Ice Skating Experience

It's a large, open-air rink in the heart of downtown Toronto, offering a classic winter experience. It can get very crowded, especially on weekends. Reddit

Beginners can manage, but be prepared for crowds. Stick to the middle of the rink where there's more space to find your balance. The ice is resurfaced hourly. Reddit

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own skates. If you don't have skates, rentals are available on-site. :ice_skate:

Dress in warm layers, including gloves, a hat, and comfortable clothing that allows for movement. Waterproof pants are a good idea if you anticipate falling. :cold_face:

The ice skating season typically runs from December to mid-March, weather permitting. It's always best to check the official City of Toronto website for exact dates. Reddit

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