Visiting Toronto as a cinephile or an avid television viewer, it’s easy to come across locations that you’ve seen on the big and small screen. Toronto is often dressed and transformed into different cities and new worlds, creating environments for these stories to be told spanning many different genres.
Here are the top neighbourhoods to visit that you have seen on-screen.
St. Clair West, Casa Loma
Scott Pilgrim vs The World (2010)
Based on the graphic novel series of the same name from Brian Lee O’Malley, Scott Pilgrim VS The World is set in Toronto, so the locations you see in this film are recognizable Toronto landmarks. While some are no-more (R.I.P Honest Ed’s and Sonic Boom’s original location in The Annex), the film becomes something of a time capsule of the “hipster” Toronto of the early aughts.
Image: Scott Pilgrim VS The World dir. Edgar Wright (2010)
One location you can still visit is Casa Loma, where Scott (played by Michael Cera) challenged movie star “evil ex” Lucas Lee (Chris Evans) to a challenge in order to win the affections of Ramona Flowers (Mary Elizabeth Winstead).
Image: Scott Pilgrim VS The World dir. Edgar Wright (2010)
Lucas Lee is defeated by the Baldwin Steps at Casa Loma, but you can best the steps for a fantastic view of the city at the end of your Delicious Discoveries tour experience.
X-Men (2000)
The film that kicked-off the modern superhero film phenomenon (and paved the way for the juggernaut of the Marvel Cinematic Universe) was 2000’s X-Men. Most of X-Men was filmed in key Toronto locations, such as the Distillery District and Roy Thomson Hall. Keen viewers will recognize much of Charles Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters in the rooms of Casa Loma. From the Oak Room playing double duty as the office of Charles Xavier (Sir Patrick Stewart), to the conservatory transforming into the classroom where Storm (Halle Berry) teaches the mutant youth, Casa Loma provided an important backdrop in this major blockbuster.
Image: X-Men dir. Bryan Singer (2000)
In addition to these internal shots, the stables are featured in a scene between Xavier and the cantankerous Wolverine (Hugh Jackman).
Image: X-Men dir. Bryan Singer (2000)
Casa Loma can also be seen in many other films, such as:
Ready or Not (2019)
Image: Ready or Not dir. Matt Bettinelli-Olpin and Tyler Gillett
Crimson Peak (2015)
Image: Crimson Peak dir. Guillermo del Toro
The Vow (2010)
Image: The Vow dir. Michael Sucsy
Chicago (2002)
Image: Chicago dir. Rob Marshall
Riverside and Leslieville
The F Word (2013)
An indie darling, The F Word (later re-titled What If) is a charming rom-com starring Zoe Kazan, Daniel Radcliffe, Adam Driver and Mackenzie Davis. What makes this one stand out from your standard rom-com is the way in which it is also a love letter to Toronto itself.
Image: The F Word dir. Michael Dowse (2013) – Wallace (Daniel Radcliffe) and Chantry (Zoe Kazan) walk alongside Riverside Park.
Set in Toronto, and largely in the East End (save for a couple of scenes at The Royal Cinema in Little Italy), The F Word happily shows off all that Toronto has to offer. While on Delicious Discoveries’ Riverside and Leslieville Food and Walking Tour Experience, you’ll pass by The Purple Purl, a local shop for knitting enthusiasts that is prominently featured in the film.
Image: The F Word dir. Michael Dowse (2013)
Various other Toronto staples are featured, such as the Jimmie Simpson Community Centre, George Street Diner, and Cherry Beach.
Cinderella Man (2005) and In the Mouth of Madness (1994)
Entirely different kinds of films, but both feature the Queen/Saulter Library, a stop on the Riverside and Leslieville Food and Walking Tour. The columned façade of this historical building was designed by E.J. Lennox, who designed Old City Hall and Casa Loma.
Image: Cinderella Man dir. Ron Howard (2005)
Image: In the Mouth of Madness dir. John Carpenter (1994)
The Distillery District
The Distillery District is perhaps Toronto’s most-featured area in film and TV. It is an iconic part of the city, but is transformed time and again to provide the perfect backdrop for many major films.
In Chicago (2002), Toronto’s Fermenting Cellar Building doubles as the prison block of the Cook County Jail.
The Distillery District’s heritage architecture and cobblestone roads are a feature for Cinderella Man (2005).
Image: Cinderella Man dir. Ron Howard (2005)
Comedy buffs will recognize the Callahan Auto Part factory in Tommy Boy (1995), another film shot largely in and around Toronto.
Image: Tommy Boy dir. Peter Segal (1995)
Toronto’s film and television industry is thriving. If you’re watching a film set in a big city like New York or Chicago, chances are it’s actually the Toronto streets you’re seeing on screen.
On your tour of St. Clair West & Casa Loma, or Riverside and Leslieville, see if you can spot how many other films have featured these neighbourhood landmarks!