Nathan Phillips Square

Nathan Phillips Square is the principal civic plaza in front of Toronto City Hall in downtown Toronto, created as the city’s main public gathering space and opened with the new city hall complex in the mid 1960s.

The square’s key features include a reflecting pool that converts to an outdoor skating rink in winter, planted gardens and open paved areas used for festivals, concerts and demonstrations. A large illuminated city-name sign near the plaza is a frequent focal point for photos and gatherings.

The plaza was developed alongside the modernist twin curved towers of the city hall and named for Nathan Phillips, who served as Toronto’s mayor in the 1950s and early 1960s.

Nathan Phillips Square sits directly in front of Toronto City Hall at the intersection of Queen Street West and Bay Street in downtown Toronto, within easy walking distance of other central landmarks and transit.

• Events and crowds: The square hosts large civic events, concerts and protests and is busiest during weekends and civic holidays.
• Best viewing point: For a clear view of Toronto City Hall's modernist architecture, position yourself on the west side of the square facing the council chambers building.

What to See #

• Reflecting pool and skating rink: The reflecting pool becomes an outdoor skating rink in winter and is the square's principal public amenity for seasonal activities.
• Peace Garden and plaza: A planted Peace Garden and plaza areas are used for ceremonies, markets and public gatherings throughout the year.
• City sign: The large illuminated city-name sign near the plaza has become a common photographic landmark and meeting point for visitors and residents.