The number of activities available to those who want to see the city have dwindled due to COVID-19 restrictions in Toronto. For seeing cool sights that feel familiar, this list provides safe alternatives to exploring the city. Toronto has much to offer, and if you look close enough you might recognize some filming spots that you may have once passed.
Scott Pilgrim vs. The World (2010)
The Scott Pilgrim graphic novel series took the world by storm and was adapted into the action-packed film we all know and love soon after. Scott Pilgrim vs. The World has a special place in Torontonians’ hearts for being both filmed and set in the Six. Once viewers get past Chris Evans’s incredible eyebrows in this film, they can spot Casa Loma in the background (where they also incidentally film another movie on this list). Other locations in Scott Pilgrim vs. The World include: St. Michael’s College School, the Artscape Wychwood Barns, and Lee’s Palace.
Good Will Hunting (1997)
This tear-jerker was filmed here at UofT! Students living in Whitney Hall at University College can boast that Minnie Driver, Will’s girlfriend, stayed in their residence. Next, the McLennan Physical Laboratories are used for an MIT lecture hall, and the Upfront Bar & Grill on Front Street is the set where Will humiliates the stuck-up Harvard student.
Suits (2011–2019)
Walk down the same streets that the Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle, once graced. If you have been in the Financial District, congratulations—you have seen the set of Suits! The Pearson Specter Litt office can be found at 333 Bay Street. And whenever Michael and Rachel take a stroll in Central Park, they are really in Toronto’s Berczy Park.
X-Men (2000)
The Distillery District is transformed into a WWII nightmare in the first film of the X-Men series, Casa Loma becomes Professor Xavier’s School for Gifted Youngsters, and you may also spot Professor Xavier and Magneto at Roy Thomson Hall.
Mean Girls (2004)
You may know every iconic line from Tina Fey’s Mean Girls, but did you know that it was shot in Toronto? The high school where Regina George littered the halls with pages from the Burn Book is Etobicoke Collegiate Institute. In the climax of the film, Cady, despite being grounded, sneaks out to the Mathletes competition, which was held in none other than UofT’s very own Convocation Hall. Yes, Lindsay Lohan proclaims “The limit does not exist!” on UofT turf.
Kim’s Convenience (2016–2021)
At the corner of Queen and Seaton sits the real-life Kim’s Convenience store. The original shop, known as “Mimi Variety,” was transformed into the titular store for the purpose of the show. Although the shop resembles the one seen on TV, Kim’s Convenience was shot on a replica set at Studio City Toronto. If you stop by 252 Queen Street East, make sure to be respectful and maybe even buy a thing or two.
This visual was shared via the CUP Wire, maintained by the Canadian University Press.
