X-Men, Chicago, Incredible Hulk, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, Rules of Engagement, Goodwill Hunting, Hairspray, and Confessions of a Teenage Drama Queen are just a few of the films that have been shot in Toronto in the last decade.
James spending a sunny afternoon at the Distillery District
The Distillery District
A film company favourite and a funky place to hang out on a weekend. In the 1990s it was the hottest film location in Canada. Against the Ropes, X-Men, Chicago and others have used it for a set. Gooderham and Worts once produced Canadian whiskey here. Today, walk the cobblest0ne streets, stop for a pint at the Mill Street Brewery or head to one of the distillery ‘s restaurants , cafés or artist studios.
Looking east towards St. Lawrence Market
St. Lawrence Market
A Toronto meeting place for over 200 years. Fever Pitch and Rules of Engagement filmed here. Hundreds of Torontonians shop here every week for their fresh seafood, meats and veggies. Peameal bacon (back bacon) sandwiches are a Saturday breakfast tradition. A good walking tour starts in the market and then swings through Toronto’s oldest neighborhood. The Sunday Antique Market here is also a weekend find. I haggled for a better price on a primitive Rankin Inlet soapstone walrus head here just last week.
Fairmont Royal York Hotel, Toronto
Staying at the Fairmont Royal York Hotel?
You’re in good company. This historic property has been the scene of many films including Cinderella Man, Serendipity and the television movie, RFK. G20 Summit leaders stayed here in 2010 and the Royal Suite has been HRH Queen Elizabeth’s home away from home.
Yonge Street, Toronto
Yonge Street
I’ve never been a huge fan of Toronto’s main street but its gritty feel is obviously a film company’s dream. Cinderella Man, The Incredible Hulk and Confessions of Teenage Drama Queen filmed here. Dundas Square, a take-off on NYC’s Time Square is a big improvement, especially for people-watching.
Bride at the University of Toronto
University of Toronto
A favourite walking route of mine is through the university’s downtown campus bordering College to the south, Bloor West, University and Avenue Road and Bay Street with Queen’s Park in between. The University’s Philosopher’s Walk is a good bet too. It links Harbord Street to Bloor West. Expect big trees and lots of green set against a backdrop of university buildings, some dating back to the 1850s. Mean Girls, Capote and Chicago among others were filmed on its grounds.
Ontario makes less than half the production money of the film industry in British Columbia . . . Hollywood North? That would be Vancouver, then Toronto as a distant second . . .