Nathan Phillips Square

More than just the forecourt of City Hall, Nathan Phillips Square—named in honour of a former mayor of Toronto—is THE central plaza of the city. Inaugurated in 1965 on the grounds of a former 20th century immigrant neighbourhood, known as The Ward, this place is one of the main venues for festivals and various seasonal events. The most famous events include the New Year’s Eve celebrations and the annual Cavalcade of Lights festival, which lights the city’s Christmas tree. The fountain’s reflecting pool is much appreciated during the warm summer days, and transforms into a large public ice rink in the colder months. Skating right in the heart of downtown Toronto—how could anyone say no to putting on their skates and joining the fun? There’s also a Peace Garden, designed as a memorial to the victims of the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The square proudly displays the city’s name in bold letters, which lights up in vibrant colors when it gets dark. The nighttime is thus the perfect opportunity to capture your visit to this Canadian city.