DEHUROEN

Plizio Visual Lab

Prince Edward Viaduct

Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Landmark
—°18
Prince Edward Viaduct (Canada)

Weather…

The Prince Edward Viaduct, commonly known as the Bloor Viaduct, is a large truss arch bridge in Toronto that spans the Don River Valley. Constructed between 1913 and 1918 according to the designs of architect Edmund Burke, it connects Bloor Street East with Danforth Avenue. A visionary aspect of its construction was the inclusion of a lower deck for future subway use, which remained empty until the Bloor-Danforth line opened in 1966. The viaduct consists of three main sections: the Don section, the Rosedale Valley section, and the Sherbourne section. In 2003, the bridge gained further fame with the installation of the "Luminous Veil," an award-winning stainless steel suicide barrier that is beautifully illuminated at night. This structure is a key transit artery for the city, carrying thousands of vehicles, cyclists, and subway trains daily. It stands as a testament to Toronto's early 20th-century urban planning and engineering foresight, offering iconic views of the city's skyline.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-3-31611182222181251
Rain mm544953717371755966746663

📋 Practical info

🚪
Visiting
The Prince Edward Viaduct is a public bridge in Toronto that can be walked across at any time. It connects Bloor Street over the Don Valley and gives a pedestrian and bike path.
🕒
Typical hours
The bridge is open 24/7 and can be visited at any time. It is especially popular at sunrise or sunset for the beautiful light.
📷
Photography
Photography is allowed from the bridge; the view over the Don Valley and the city is fantastic. Watch out for traffic on the pedestrian path.
⏱️
Time needed
A walk across the bridge takes about 10 to 15 minutes. Allow extra time to enjoy the view and take photos.
➕
Combine with
Combine the visit with Kensington Market and the Spadina Museum. These destinations are nearby and offer cultural experiences in Toronto.
🧭
Getting there
The viaduct is located on Bloor Street East in Toronto. It is accessible by subway (Castle Frank or Sherbourne station) or bus.
💡
Insider tip
Visit the bridge in late afternoon for the best light. The suicide prevention barrier is an important feature; take note of the warning signs.

Geography

Coordinates
43.67600, -79.35800

Facts

  • Construction began in 1913 and was completed in 1918 at a cost of $2.5 million.
  • The total length of the viaduct is 494 meters (1,620 feet) across the valley.
  • The subway deck was integrated into the design in 1918, long before the subway existed.
  • The "Luminous Veil" consists of over 9,000 individual stainless steel rods.
  • Nighttime lighting on the bridge changes colors based on the ambient temperature.
  • The bridge is a significant setting in Michael Ondaatje's novel "In the Skin of a Lion."

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Distillery District, TorontoDistillery District, Toronto<1 km · WExplore →
Toronto City HallToronto City Hall3 km · SExplore →
Ontario Science CentreOntario Science Centre3 km · NExplore →
Toronto Financial DistrictToronto Financial District5 km · SExplore →
Casa Loma (History)Casa Loma (History)6 km · SExplore →
Richmond HillRichmond Hill10 km · SEExplore →
MarkhamMarkham11 km · NExplore →
NewmarketNewmarket14 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):

© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService

Sights in the town Prince Edward Viaduct (18)

Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto⛪ religious

Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto is a place of worship in prince-edward-viaduct-toronto-landmarks-v2, known for its LGBTQ+ inclusive ministry.

Rosedale United Church⛪ religious

Rosedale United Church is a place of worship in prince-edward-viaduct-toronto-landmarks-v2, a historic church in the Rosedale neighborhood.

♿

The Danforth Music Hall🎭 culture

The Danforth Music Hall is a theatre in prince-edward-viaduct-toronto-landmarks-v2, a historic music venue on Danforth Avenue.

Church of the Holy Name⛪ religious

Church of the Holy Name is a place of worship in prince-edward-viaduct-toronto-landmarks-v2, a Catholic church known for its architecture.

Prince Edward Viaduct📍 landmark

Prince Edward Viaduct is a bridge in prince-edward-viaduct-toronto-landmarks-v2, a major viaduct spanning the Don Valley.

Governor's Bridge📍 landmark

Governor's Bridge is a bridge in prince-edward-viaduct-toronto-landmarks-v2, a small bridge over the Don River.

Todmorden Mills📍 landmark

Todmorden Mills is an attraction in prince-edward-viaduct-toronto-landmarks-v2, a historic industrial site with preserved buildings.

Rosedale Park🌳 park

Rosedale Park is a park in prince-edward-viaduct-toronto-landmarks-v2, known for its baseball diamond and recreational facilities.

Withrow Park🌳 park

Withrow Park is a park in prince-edward-viaduct-toronto-landmarks-v2, a popular park with a playground and farmers market.

Kempton Howard Park🌳 park

Kempton Howard Park is a park in prince-edward-viaduct-toronto-landmarks-v2, named after a community activist.

Riverdale Farm🎡 recreation

Riverdale Farm is a zoo in prince-edward-viaduct-toronto-landmarks-v2, a historic farm with domestic animals and gardens.

Kew Beach🎡 recreation

Kew Beach is a sandy beach on Lake Ontario with a boardwalk and lifeguard station near the viaduct.

Dianna Witte Gallery🏛 museum

An art gallery near the Edward Viaduct over the Don Valley.

Old Don Jail🏛 museum

A former jail turned museum, situated beneath the Edward Viaduct.

🕒 Permanently Closed

Holcim Gallery🏛 museum

A contemporary art gallery in a former industrial building near the Edward Viaduct.

Millennium Sun Clock🏺 historical

A large outdoor sun clock marking the millennium, near the Edward Viaduct.

Crow's Theater🎭 culture

A performance theater near the Edward Viaduct, hosting live shows.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

What does the viaduct connect?
It connects Bloor Street East with Danforth Avenue.
What is the 'Luminous Veil'?
An illuminated steel cable safety barrier on the sides of the bridge.
Does the subway cross the bridge?
Yes, subway Line 2 runs on a deck below the roadway.
What valley does the viaduct cross?
It spans the Don River Valley in Toronto.
When was it built?
The viaduct was completed and opened in 1918.
Prince Edward Viaduct: where is it located?
Prince Edward Viaduct is located in Canada.
Prince Edward Viaduct: what is there to see?
Highlights include Metropolitan Community Church of Toronto, Rosedale United Church, The Danforth Music Hall.
Prince Edward Viaduct: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Prince Edward Viaduct: why is it worth visiting?
The Prince Edward Viaduct, commonly known as the Bloor Viaduct, is a large truss arch bridge in Toronto that spans the Don River Valley.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
North America
Explore with Plizio Discover more places in North America
More places in Canada →

Nearby cities

Mississauga — Prince Edward Viaduct (Canada)
Mississauga
A large suburban city in the Greater Toronto Area on Lake Ontario.
Brampton — Prince Edward Viaduct (Canada)
Brampton
A diverse city in the Greater Toronto Area, known as the 'Flower City of Canada'.
Hamilton — Prince Edward Viaduct (Canada)
Hamilton
A port city on the western tip of Lake Ontario, known for its industrial heritage.
London — Prince Edward Viaduct (Canada)
London
A city in southwestern Ontario, known for its university and its nickname 'The Forest City'.
Markham — Prince Edward Viaduct (Canada)
Markham
A high-tech city in the Greater Toronto Area with a large Asian population.
Vaughan — Prince Edward Viaduct (Canada)
Vaughan
A fast-growing city north of Toronto, home to Canada's Wonderland amusement park.
Kitchener — Prince Edward Viaduct (Canada)
Kitchener
A city with a strong German heritage, part of the Tri-Cities region.
Windsor — Prince Edward Viaduct (Canada)
Windsor
Canada's southernmost city, located directly across from Detroit, USA.
Oakville — Prince Edward Viaduct (Canada)
Oakville
An affluent suburban town west of Toronto on Lake Ontario.
Richmond Hill — Prince Edward Viaduct (Canada)
Richmond Hill
An affluent town north of Toronto with many parks.
Burlington — Prince Edward Viaduct (Canada)
Burlington
A city between Hamilton and Toronto, often ranked as one of Canada's best places to live.
Oshawa — Prince Edward Viaduct (Canada)
Oshawa
A city east of Toronto, historically known for its automotive industry.
Greater Sudbury — Prince Edward Viaduct (Canada)
Greater Sudbury
A city in Northern Ontario famous for its nickel mining industry.
Barrie — Prince Edward Viaduct (Canada)
Barrie
A city on Kempenfelt Bay of Lake Simcoe, north of Toronto.
Guelph — Prince Edward Viaduct (Canada)
Guelph
Known for its high quality of life and the University of Guelph.

History & landmarks

Stratford — Prince Edward Viaduct (Canada)
Stratford
Stratford is renowned for its annual classical theatre festival and well-preserved Victorian architecture along the Avon River.
Toronto City Hall — Prince Edward Viaduct (Canada)
Toronto City Hall
A distinctive modernist building located at Nathan Phillips Square.