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Nathan Phillips Square

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#27Things to do in Toronto OntarioTravelers' Choice 2025

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About

Nathan Phillips Square is Toronto City Hall’s public forecourt at Queen Street West and Bay Street in Toronto, Ontario.

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Nathan Phillips Square

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Why go

  • Canada’s largest city square, covering 4.85 hectares.

Opening hours

Today00:00 – 23:59Show all
Monday00:00 – 23:59
Tuesday00:00 – 23:59
Wednesday00:00 – 23:59
Thursday00:00 – 23:59
Friday00:00 – 23:59
Saturday00:00 – 23:59
Sunday00:00 – 23:59

Don't miss

  • Freedom ArchesThe three arches honor people who fought for freedom. A piece of the Berlin Wall sits at the central arch’s southern base.Across the reflecting pool1989
  • Peace GardenThe garden commemorates the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki and promotes world peace. It covers 600 square metres and includes Henry Moore’s The Archer.Middle west side of the square, beyond the elevated walkway1969
  • Spirit Garden monumentThe monument names 18 residential schools in Ontario.Spirit Garden
  • SundialDesigned by G.R. Johnson.The square1969

Photo spots

  • Toronto SignA large illuminated 3-D sign installed for the Games and later made permanent.Beside the reflecting pool2015 On the map
  • Spirit Garden turtle sculptureCreated by Anishinaabe artist Solomon King.Spirit Garden On the map

Interesting facts3

1/3
  1. The Peace Garden’s pavilion is a stone cube with openings on each face and one incomplete corner.

    Nathan Phillips Square - Wikipedia
  2. An eternal flame in the garden’s water appears to support the pavilion, symbolizing hope and renewal.

    Nathan Phillips Square - Wikipedia
  3. Nathan Phillips Square has appeared in films including Resident Evil: Apocalypse and The Sentinel.

    Nathan Phillips Square - Wikipedia

Shorts

History

Before construction, this site was part of The Ward, an immigrant reception district during the first half of the 20th century.

  1. 1964The rink opened on 29 November, before the square’s other features were completed.
  2. 1965Nathan Phillips Square opened. It was named for Nathan Phillips, Toronto’s mayor from 1955 to 1962.
  3. 1969The Peace Garden opened, and Nathan Phillips presented its sundial to Toronto residents.
  4. October 1984Queen Elizabeth II formally dedicated the Peace Garden monument.
  5. 2010The first revitalization phase opened as the Podium Green Roof Garden.
Show all
  1. 2015The Toronto Sign was installed for the Games and later made permanent. The square also hosted Panamania and the Parapan American Games closing ceremony.
  2. 2017The square hosted wheelchair tennis during the Invictus Games.
  3. 2019Two million people gathered for the Raptors victory parade, which ended at the square.

How to get there

  • TrainQueen Station on subway line 1 is one block east of the square.
  • ParkingA public underground garage lies beneath the square.

Sources: Nathan Phillips Square - Wikipedia · Nathan Phillips Square - Wikipedia (part 2) · Toronto/Yonge-Dundas - Wikivoyage (see) · Parks & Community Centre Locations – City of To… · Nathan Phillips Square - Wikipedia · checked 28 Sep 2026

Where
100 Queen St W, Toronto Ontario

Plan from here: A day out →

Questions and answers

When is Nathan Phillips Square open?

Nathan Phillips Square is open 24 hours every day.

Where can I get food or rent skates at Nathan Phillips Square?

The pavilion west of the reflecting pool serves food and rents skates in winter.

Is there a farmers’ market at Nathan Phillips Square?

Yes. A weekly farmers’ market takes place at the square.

What events take place at Nathan Phillips Square?

The square hosts concerts, art exhibitions, rallies and ceremonies, including Cavalcade of Lights.

What sport was played at Nathan Phillips Square during the 2017 Invictus Games?

Wheelchair tennis was held at the square.

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