Top Locations in Toronto for Stunning Family Photos
Family photos are more than just pictures—they’re snapshots of your life, moments frozen in time that capture the love, laughter, and little milestones that make your family unique. Toronto and the GTA have so many incredible parks and scenic spots, making them perfect for a relaxed and fun family mini-session.
Whether you’re after golden fall leaves, spring cherry blossoms, or just a timeless shot of your family being, well, your family, the GTA has got you covered. As a photographer, I’ve had the pleasure of exploring many locations in Toronto for stunning family photos, always hunting for places that offer natural beauty and that perfect light, so you can walk away with photos that truly reflect your family’s joy.
Why Choose Outdoor Parks for Family Photos?
Natural light is every photographer’s best friend. It’s warm, flattering, and perfect for capturing those authentic, unscripted moments. The beauty of nature with its ever-changing seasons—vibrant autumn hues, snowy wonderlands, or lush summer greenery—provides a beautiful, effortless backdrop.
Let’s not forget about the kids! The outdoors gives them room to roam, explore, and just be themselves. Those candid, playful moments often end up being the best photos of the day.
Toronto and Central GTA
High Park
Why You’ll Love It: From cherry blossoms in spring to the stunning colours of autumn, High Park is perfect all year round.
Permit: No permits needed for casual photography.
Best Times: Spring for the blooms, late October for fall colours.
Parking: Free on weekends at Keele TTC station, some free street residential parking (but it fills up fast on weekends, so plan ahead!), and paid parking options available.
Guild Park & Gardens
Why You’ll Love It: Think ancient columns, manicured gardens, and a vibe that’s straight out of Europe. Perfect for those elegant “everyone’s looking” shots.
Permit: $144 + HST (totally worth it for the unique backdrop).
Best Spots: The amphitheatre, the ruins, and those gorgeous floral archways.
Trinity Bellwoods Park
Why You’ll Love It: A bustling park with a relaxed, fun vibe and plenty of green space for family play.
Permit: None required.
Best Time: Late afternoon for that golden light.
Edward Gardens
Why You’ll Love It: Beautifully manicured gardens and winding paths, great for those timeless family shots.
Permit: $50-$100/hr
Best Spots: The rose garden and the pathways.
Scarborough Bluffs
Why You’ll Love It: Dramatic cliffs, sparkling water views, and sandy beaches make for unforgettable photos.
Permit: No permits needed.
Tip: Get there early to enjoy the serene views before the crowds arrive.
Riverdale Park East
Why You’ll Love It: Offers stunning skyline views and wide-open fields, great for natural family portraits.
Permit: None required for casual photography.
Toronto Islands
Why You’ll Love It: Offers stunning skyline views and wide-open fields, great for natural family portraits.
Permit: None required for casual photography.
Evergreen Brick Works
Why You’ll Love It: Rich in history and charm, Evergreen Brickworks combines rustic exposed beams, graffiti-filled brick walls, and nature-filled gardens. This is ones of the locations in Toronto for stunning family photos as it offers diverse backdrops, perfect for every style of family portrait.
Location: 550 Bayview Ave., Toronto
Permit: $350 (HST included)
Parking: Free parking available on-site.
Pro Tip: The industrial feel of Brickworks pairs well with its natural beauty, offering variety for any style of shoot.
Rouge National Urban Park
Description: A perfect mix of red brick architecture and a beautiful park to explore.
Location: 550 Bayview Ave., Toronto
Permit: No permit required for casual photography.
Parking: Free parking available on-site.
Tip: Great for urban and nature-themed photoshoots.
Grange Park
Description: A serene urban park with mature trees, open lawns, and a central fountain.
Location: Queen St. W. and McCaul St., Toronto
Permit: No permit required for casual photography.
Parking: Street parking available; can be limited.
Tip: Ideal for relaxed family portraits in a tranquil setting.
Sugar Beach
Why You’ll Love It: Sugar Beach offers a vibrant, fun atmosphere with golden sand, cute candy-pink umbrellas, and Muskoka chairs, all set against the waterfront. It’s the perfect spot for a relaxed family portrait in a colorful, laid-back setting.
Location: Queens Quay E. at Lower Jarvis St., Toronto
Permit: None required.
Parking: Paid parking available nearby.
Pro Tip: This beachy spot is ideal for summer portraits with a cheerful, colorful backdrop.
Osgoode Hall
Why You’ll Love It: If you’re seeking a more traditional and sophisticated setting, Osgoode Hall offers Victorian architecture, beautifully landscaped gardens, and classic stone columns. It’s an elegant location for timeless family portraits.
Location: Queen St. W. and University Ave., Toronto
Permit: No permit required, but check for events or filming.
Parking: Street parking available.
Pro Tip: Visit when there are no events for a quieter and more private photo shoot experience.
Polson Pier
Why You’ll Love It: Polson Pier offers breathtaking views of the Toronto cityscape across the sparkling waters of the Harbour. This location shines at sunset, with the glowing sky and city lights providing an unforgettable backdrop for family portraits.
Location: 1 Polson St., Toronto
Permit: None required for casual photography.
Parking: Free parking available.
Pro Tip: Sunset is the best time to capture that glowing, orange-hued sky and city skyline.
Colbourne Lodge
Why You’ll Love It: Tucked away in the southern part of High Park, Colborne Lodge is a historical museum inside an 1836 home. It’s a charming location, perfect for family portraits, especially with the surrounding flower and vegetable gardens.
Location: High Park, Toronto
Permit: No permits required for casual photography.
Parking: Free parking available nearby.
Pro Tip: The beautiful gardens are perfect for capturing children exploring the space
Cherry Beach
Why You’ll Love It: A lakeside beach park offering sandy beaches, wooded areas, and a boardwalk.
Location: At the south end of Cherry St.
Permit: None required
Parking: Free parking available.
Pro Tip: Weekdays are best to avoid the weekend crowds. Sunset photos are particularly magical here.
Riverdale Farm
Why You’ll Love It: A charming and rustic farm located in Toronto’s downtown Cabbagetown, featuring cows, pigs, sheep, goats, and chickens. The farm offers a variety of beautiful backdrops like flower gardens, brick walls, and rustic fences.
Location: Cabbagetown, Toronto
Permit: No permits required for casual photography.
Parking: Free parking available.
Pro Tip: Great for capturing children interacting with animals or exploring the farm’s natural beauty.
Harbourfront Toronto
Why You’ll Love It: Toronto’s newest waterfront park.
Location: South side of Queen’s Quay Blvd. West
Permit: No permit required for outdoors; please call to inquire about indoor permits.
Pro Tip: The area offers urban waterfront charm, perfect for romantic couple photos.
Glendon College
Why You’ll Love It: Beautiful rose gardens, treed pathways, an old manor, and stone walkways.
Location: Bayview Ave. & Lawrence Ave.
Permit: Required
Pro Tip: This location is perfect for couples seeking a more traditional, romantic backdrop.
Alexander Muir Gardens
Why You’ll Love It: Situated next to a ravine, with beautiful sunken gardens, treed walkways, benches, stone wall, and grand stairs.
Location: Yonge St. & Lawrence Ave.
Permit: $164 for 2.5 hours
Pro Tip: The grand stairs and stone wall are perfect for formal family portraits.
West GTA
Kariya Park (Mississauga)
Why You’ll Love It: A peaceful Japanese-inspired garden with koi ponds, cherry blossoms, and wooden bridges.
Permit: Required for professional shoots (about $100).
Best Spots: The koi pond and wooden bridges.
Erindale Park (Mississauga)
Why You’ll Love It: Beautiful forest trails and peaceful views of the Credit River make this park a family favourite.
Permit: None required.
Best Time: Summer for lush greenery and calm waters.
Lakeside Park
Why You’ll Love It: Situated along the shore of Lake Ontario, Lakeside Park features historic buildings, manicured gardens, and waterfront views, offering a picturesque setting for family portraits.
Permit: No permit required for photography.
Pro Tip: The park’s historic buildings and gardens provide unique and charming backdrops for family photos.
Colonel Samuel Smith Park
Why You’ll Love It: This expansive waterfront park offers scenic trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds, providing a variety of backdrops for family photoshoots.
Permit: No permit required for photography.
Pro Tip: The park’s trails and waterfront areas offer diverse settings for capturing natural family moments.
Lions Valley Park (Oakville)
Why You’ll Love It: Tranquil streams, wooden bridges, and open fields—it’s the perfect escape for family photos.
Permit: None required.
Best Time: Late afternoon when the light hits just right.
York Region
Milne Dam Conservation Park (Markham)
Why You’ll Love It: This expansive park offers scenic trails, picnic areas, and playgrounds, providing a variety of backdrops for family photoshoots.
Permit: No permit required for photography.
Pro Tip: The park’s trails and waterfront areas offer diverse settings for capturing natural family moments.
Lake Wilcox Park (Richmond Hill)
Why You’ll Love It: A lovely mix of open fields, boardwalks, and waterfront views. Perfect for both casual and elegant family portraits.
Permit: None required.
Best Time: Sunset shots along the boardwalk.
Richmond Green Sports Centre and Park
Why You’ll Love It: With its wide-open fields, manicured gardens, and gazebos, this location offers many possibilities for family photos.
Permit: None required.
Mill Pond Park (Richmond Hill)
Why You’ll Love It: A tranquil pond surrounded by charming paths and a gazebo.
Permit: No permits needed for casual photography.
Tip: Visit in fall for incredible colours.
Unionville Village
Why You’ll Love It: A quaint street with structures dating back to 1794. Renowned for its art galleries, restaurants, and shops, it offers a historic European backdrop.
Location: 905-477-7000 x4744
Permit: $103.50 for 2 hours
Pro Tip: Ideal for engagement sessions or family portraits with a charming village feel.
North GTA
Kortright Centre for Conservation (Vaughan)
Why You’ll Love It: Gorgeous trails, open meadows, and lush forests—perfect for every season.
Permit: Yes, required (pricing varies).
Best Time: Early summer or fall for vibrant colours.
Boyd Conservation Park (Vaughan)
Why You’ll Love It: Humber River views, forest trails, and picnic areas offer a mix of scenic and cozy settings.
Permit: Yes, required (approx. $150).
Tip: Perfect for capturing adventurous family vibes.
Beyond Toronto: Hidden Gems for Stunning Family Photos
Ajax Waterfront Park
Why You’ll Love It: Gorgeous water views, trails, and open spaces. Perfect for a laid-back family session.
Permit: None required.
Best Time: Summer evenings for beautiful sunset shots.
Eaton Hall
Why You’ll Love It: A stunning venue with picturesque gardens and historic architecture.
Location: 905-833-4500 x231
Permit: $750.00 + 20% admin + 13% HST
Pro Tip: This venue is perfect for formal, upscale weddings or portrait sessions.
Avalon Lavender Farm (Mono)
Why You’ll Love It: Endless rows of lavender fields for dreamy summer photos. The wooden swing is a hit with little ones!
Permit: $58
Best Times: July-August for peak lavender blooms.
Kelso Conservation Area (Milton)
Why You’ll Love It: Forested trails, peaceful lake views, and a boardwalk for added charm.
Permit: Required (approx. $150).
Museums and Cultural Venues
Aga Khan Museum (Toronto)
Why You’ll Love It: Minimalist architecture with white stone and reflecting pools. Perfect for sleek, modern family portraits.
Permit: $150/hour.
Pro Tip: Golden hour lighting creates a truly magical effect.
Japanese Canadian Cultural Centre (Toronto)
Why You’ll Love It: Traditional Japanese architecture with serene gardens and quiet pathways.
Permit: Required, inquire directly for pricing.
Indoor Studio Locations in Toronto for Stunning Family Photos
Icon Studio Space
Region: Toronto
Address: 142 St Helens Ave, Toronto, ON M6H 0B9
Parking: Free street parking available.
Mint Room Studios
Region: Toronto
Address: 300 Campbell Ave Unit# 300, Toronto, ON M6P 3V6
Parking: Free parking available on-site
Linen & Love Studios
Region: Markham
Address: 155 McIntosh Dr Unit 10, Markham, ON L3R 5H6
Parking: Free parking available with easy access to highways 407 and 404
Tips for a Smooth Session
Timing Is Everything: The golden hour (that magical time just before sunset) makes all the difference in creating soft, flattering light.
Comfort Counts: Dress comfortably and go for coordinating outfits, but not matching. You want everyone to feel like themselves!
Embrace the Moment: Don’t stress if the weather’s not perfect—rain or shine, it’s often the candid moments that turn out best. Let your family’s personality shine through!
Wrapping Up
With so many amazing parks and scenic locations in Toronto for stunning family photos, you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to picking the perfect spot for your next family mini-session. Whether you want a relaxed, rustic vibe or something a little more sleek and modern, there’s a location for every family style.
Got a favourite park that isn’t on this list? Let me know—I’m always scouting for hidden gems!
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If you’re on the lookout for a photographer and feel a connection with my work, I’d love to chat with you!
