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Toronto Sign

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Landmark
—°14
Toronto Sign (Canada)

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The Toronto Sign is a spirited, three-dimensional landmark located in Nathan Phillips Square, directly in front of Toronto City Hall. Originally installed in 2015 for the Pan American Games, the sign was intended to be a temporary installation but became so popular that the city decided to make it permanent. In 2020, the original temporary structure was replaced with a more durable, weather-resistant version designed to withstand Toronto's climate. The letters stand three meters tall and feature programmable LED lighting that changes colors to mark holidays, special causes, and significant global events. An indigenous Medicine Wheel was added to the installation in 2018 to acknowledge the ancestral lands of the First Nations. As one of the most photographed locations in Canada, it serves as a powerful symbol of civic pride and multiculturalism. Whether reflected in the square's pool during summer or surrounded by skaters in winter, the sign remains a centerpiece of Toronto's public life.

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jul–Sep.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Avg °C-3-31611182222181251
Rain mm544953717371755966746663

📋 Practical info

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Visiting
The Toronto Sign is an outdoor landmark situated in Nathan Phillips Square directly in front of City Hall, freely accessible 24/7. Visitors can walk right up to the giant illuminated letters, take selfies, and enjoy the interactive light shows without any entry fee or reservation.
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Typical hours
The sign is typically visible around the clock, with illumination most animated during evening hours. A visit at dusk is especially popular, as the lighting becomes most dramatic against the darkening sky.
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Photography
Photography is allowed at any time without restrictions, as the site is a public square. For best results, use a wide-angle lens to capture the entire sign or try long exposures at night for dramatic effects.
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Time needed
A quick visit takes about 15-20 minutes to see the sign and snap a few photos. If you want to soak in the atmosphere and wait for the light show, allow 30-45 minutes.
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Combine with
Combine the visit with the adjacent Toronto City Hall and the historic Old City Hall building. The CF Toronto Eaton Centre and Yonge-Dundas Square are also just a short walk away.
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Getting there
Nathan Phillips Square is easily reached by subway (Queen or Osgoode stations) or by bus. From Union Station, it's about a 15-minute walk through downtown Toronto.
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Insider tip
Visit the sign early in the evening when the lights just turn on and crowds are thinner. Avoid weekends and public holidays to skip long waits for the first-rate photo spot.

Geography

Coordinates
43.65250, -79.38350

Facts

  • Originally installed in July 2015 for the Pan Am Games.
  • Each letter in the sign stands 3 meters tall.
  • The entire installation spans approximately 22 meters.
  • A new permanent version was unveiled in September 2020.
  • Features an indigenous Medicine Wheel as part of the display.
  • One of the top 10 most Instagrammed locations in Toronto.

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Ripley's Aquarium of CanadaRipley's Aquarium of Canada<1 km · SWExplore →
Gooderham BuildingGooderham Building1 km · NExplore →
Toronto Financial DistrictToronto Financial District2 km · SWExplore →
Prince Edward ViaductPrince Edward Viaduct3 km · NExplore →
Casa Loma (History)Casa Loma (History)3 km · SExplore →
Ontario Science CentreOntario Science Centre6 km · NExplore →
Richmond HillRichmond Hill8 km · SEExplore →
NewmarketNewmarket12 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 Toronto Sign (14)

Bau-Xi Gallery🏛 museum

Bau-Xi Gallery is a contemporary art gallery in the Sign district.

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Toronto bicycle tour & events📍 landmark

Toronto bicycle tour & events is a bicycle tour operator based in Sign.

Campbell House Museum🏛 museum

Georgian-style house museum from 1822, downtown Toronto.

Chinatown Community Marker🏺 historical

The Chinatown Community Marker is a historical marker commemorating the Chinatown community in Sign.

Bad Dog Theatre Co.🎭 culture

Bad Dog Theatre Co. is a comedy theatre company in Sign.

Kensington Market Community Marker🏺 historical

The Kensington Market Community Marker is a historical marker for Kensington Market in Sign.

Nathan Phillips Square📍 landmark

Nathan Phillips Square is the city's main square in front of Toronto City Hall.

Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts🎭 culture

Four Seasons Centre for the Performing Arts is the home of the Canadian Opera Company.

♿

St. George the Martyr Anglican Church⛪ religious

An Anglican church in Sign.

Grange Park🌳 park

Grange Park is the oldest park in Toronto, adjacent to the Art Gallery of Ontario.

Toronto Chinese Baptist Church⛪ religious

Founded around 1886, this Chinese Baptist church serves the community in the Sign area of Toronto.

First Baptist Church⛪ religious

Historic Baptist church with a white wooden facade on Gerrard Street.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Toronto sign located?
It is located at Nathan Phillips Square, in front of City Hall.
Does the sign change colors?
Yes, the LED lighting changes colors for various occasions and holidays.
When was it installed?
It was originally installed for the 2015 Pan Am Games.
Is it a good spot for photos?
Yes, it is one of the most popular photo spots in all of Toronto.
Are there special versions of the sign?
Occasionally, special symbols like a maple leaf are added to the sign.
Toronto Sign: where is it located?
Toronto Sign is located in Canada.
Toronto Sign: what is there to see?
Highlights include Design Exchange, Bau-Xi Gallery, Toronto bicycle tour & events.
Toronto Sign: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is Jul, Sep.
Toronto Sign: why is it worth visiting?
The Toronto Sign is a spirited, three-dimensional landmark located in Nathan Phillips Square, directly in front of Toronto City Hall.
View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →
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History & landmarks

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