Landmark · Downtown
University of Toronto
Rogério SchölerSome booking links are affiliate links. If you book through them, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We never let this influence which places we recommend.
The University of Toronto's historic St. George campus is one of the most beautiful university grounds in North America, a green, leafy oasis of grand collegiate-Gothic buildings, quadrangles, and tree-lined paths right in the heart of downtown Toronto. Founded in 1827, Canada's leading university boasts a campus that feels like a step into Oxford or Cambridge, with highlights including the magnificent University College (a Romanesque Revival masterpiece around a peaceful quad), the soaring Soldiers' Tower, the atmospheric Hart House, and Convocation Hall. Its handsome old buildings, ivy-clad walls, and historic libraries have made it a frequent filming location standing in for prestigious institutions.
It's free to wander, and a lovely, calm contrast to the surrounding city bustle, perfect for a stroll among the architecture and gardens, especially in autumn colour. The campus also hosts museums and galleries nearby. Allow an hour or so to explore the historic core, peek into the quads, and admire the architecture.
Don't miss
- Grand collegiate-Gothic architecture and quads
- University College and its peaceful courtyard
- Hart House, Soldiers' Tower, and Convocation Hall
- Leafy, historic grounds in downtown Toronto
- A frequent film location for prestigious institutions
Tickets & tours
Ways to visit University of Toronto
You don't need a tour to visit — entry is free. A tour is worth it if you want transport, a guide, or to combine University of Toronto with nearby sights in one day. That's what these do well.
Cheapest way inOld Town Toronto Highlights 3 Hour Walking Tour | Gratuity-Based4.8★ · 365 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$5 per personSee dates →
Best full dayNiagara Falls Day Tour from Toronto4.8★ · 2,978 travelers~10 hoursFree cancellationFrom$57 per personSee dates →
Top ratedShow me the City! A Small Group Walking Tour of Toronto4.9★ · 672 travelers~3 hoursFree cancellationFrom$40 per personSee dates →Good for
How travelers rate it
Know before you go
- It's free to wander the leafy historic campus.
- Don't miss University College's quad and Hart House.
- Autumn colour makes the grounds especially beautiful.
- It's central, combine with the nearby Royal Ontario Museum.
A bit of history
Founded in 1827 as King's College, the University of Toronto grew into Canada's most prominent university and a major research institution (the site of discoveries including insulin). Its St. George campus developed a distinguished collection of historic collegiate-Gothic and Romanesque Revival buildings.
Common questions
Can I visit the University of Toronto?
Yes, the historic St. George campus is free to wander, a leafy oasis of grand collegiate-Gothic buildings and quadrangles in downtown Toronto.
What are the highlights?
University College and its peaceful quad, Hart House, the Soldiers' Tower, and Convocation Hall, among the handsome historic buildings.
Why does it look so historic?
Founded in 1827, it developed a distinguished collection of collegiate-Gothic and Romanesque Revival architecture, often used as a film stand-in for prestigious institutions.
What's nearby?
The Royal Ontario Museum and Queen's Park are right by the campus in downtown Toronto.
More attractions in Toronto
