Nathan Phillips Square Square

Address: 100 Queen St W, Toronto, ON M5H 2N1, Canada (Nathan Phillips Square)

Website: https://www.toronto.ca/explore-enjoy/history-art-culture/nathan-phillips-square/

Hours: Open public space (generally accessible 24/7; event hours vary)

Admission: Free (public 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.

Nathan Phillips Square is adjacent to Toronto City Hall at Bay and Queen Streets. It is served by TTC streetcars and subway (Queen or Osgoode stations are the nearest), and is a short walk from Union Station for regional connections.

• Arrive at dawn or late evening for unobstructed skyline photos - mid-afternoon sees the most foot traffic and events.
• Skate on the square's rink in winter; skate rental is sometimes available during the season.
• Avoid peak event times (concerts, festivals) if seeking quiet; check the City of Toronto events calendar before visiting.