Film festival season is a wonderful time to be in Toronto. Whether you call it home or are just visiting to experience some excellent cinema, the city is packed with things to do and see while killing time between screenings.
From the heart of Old Toronto, you're within easy travelling distance to iconic neighbourhoods that you've definitely seen pop up in your favourite blockbusters. And what better way is there to celebrate movie magic than to stop by these legendary locales?
One thing that might make your day tricky, however, is fumbling with pairs of glasses as you go from dark, atmospheric cinema to a beautiful sunny day outside. This is where Transitions Light Intelligent Lenses make all the difference.
These UV-protective lenses adapt to brightness automatically, ensuring your eyes are protected and comfortable, regardless of your plans. Plus, they're available in eight colours that you can match to your choice of frame, keeping things super stylish at the same time.
This festival season, add these famed filming locations to your must-see list.
Downtown
As a bustling, modern metropolis, Toronto's downtown core has shown up countless times in films. Most notable, perhaps, is Toronto City Hall, recognizable from the helicopter landing scene in Resident Evil 2: Apocalypse (2004), and in The Handmaid's Tale series more recently.
With your Transitions Lenses, there's no squinting as you gaze up at this iconic building, because they'll already be cutting the glare and keeping you seeing clearly, whatever the lighting.
West Queen West
This bright and bustling corner of Toronto is worth a visit, if not for the colourful graffiti and trendy shops, then definitely for the food. If this part of Toronto reminds you of Scott Pilgrim vs. the World (2010), you'd be right — this neighbourhood was among the external locations.
Grab a seat at The Library with a pal, order a coffee, and get to critiquing that last movie you saw. Whether you're soaking up rays by the window or nestled in a cozy back corner, your Transitions Lenses will adapt to the light perfectly to keep you comfortable.
Garden District
From Sankofa Square (formerly Yonge-Dundas Square), featured in Suicide Squad (2016) and Kick Ass (2010), to the Elgin and Winter Garden Theatres, which deliver 1920s flair in Chicago (2002), Toronto's Garden District is full of silver-screen icons.
Appropriately, the Garden District is also home to Allan Gardens Conservatory. This Victorian-style glass-domed building is a gorgeous place to take a break between touring movie hotspots.
Casa Loma
Film buffs might already recognize this majestic castle from X-Men (2000) as Xavier's School for Gifted Youngsters. It also showed up as part of the sprawling estate in Billy Madison (1995), leading some to muse that these films belong to the same cinematic universe.
Located in the neighbourhood of the same name, Casa Loma is open to visitors. If you take a tour with your Transitions Lenses on, you can enjoy a seamless lighting shift as you go from outside to indoors. No more squinting, fumbling with cases or losing your sunglasses.
Trinity Bellwoods
Best known for the beautiful park that shares its name, the Trinity Bellwoods neighbourhood is home to another famous spot — The Lakeview. This 24/7 retro diner has shown up in films going back decades, including Tom Cruise's 1988 hit Cocktail, The Boondock Saints (1999) and The Shape of Water (2017).
After tucking into The Lakeview's classic diner fare and enjoying a peaceful stroll around Trinity Bellwoods Park, you'll be fueled up and ready to go for whatever movie screening is next on your list.
Greektown
Also known as The Danforth, Greektown has shown up in some big films, including (you guessed it!) My Big Fat Wedding (2002). The Danforth Music Hall also appears in Chicago (2002), and Degrassi fans will recognize Centennial Story Arts Centre as none other than Degrassi High itself.
While you certainly can enjoy some great Greek cuisine here (Messini Authentic Gyros are a must), it's also a great spot to get Ethiopian food and more. And, no matter how many restaurants and shops you duck in and out of, your Transitions Lenses will have your back so you can stay in the moment.
Studio District
Stephen O Reilly | Dreamstime.com
Nestled between Downtown to the west and The Beaches to the east, the Studio District is a small area packed with film history. Pop by Gale's Snack Bar for a diner experience straight out of the 1960s. This pokey eatery starred in Hairspray (2007) as the joke shop owned by Wilbur Turnblad, played by Christopher Walken.
Across the water, the Hearn Generating Station's smokestack touches the sky. Its tumbledown interior appeared in Robocop (2014) and Pacific Rim (2013). As of 2025, there are plans to redevelop it into a multi-use public space, hopefully one that celebrates its contribution to cinema history.
When you step out of the movies this September, the movie magic doesn't have to stop! Toronto is full of fascinating pieces of cinema history that you can soak up in between screenings this festival season.
And whatever your plans are, you can move smoothly through them with Transitions Light Intelligent Lenses. From crystal clear in the dark of a cinema to deeply coloured in the midday sun (and every shade in between), these convenient and stylish lenses make it easier to do more of what you love without the hassle.
To try Transitions Lenses for yourself, visit their website, Facebook and Instagram pages.
