Sight guide · Toronto · Canada
Visiting Nathan Phillips Square
The square in front of New City Hall — two curved towers by Viljo Revell, opened in 1965 — holds the illuminated Toronto sign and a reflecting pool that becomes a free skating rink in winter, with concerts and markets in summer.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Hutima, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Nathan Phillips Square is a landmark in Downtown, Toronto. Allow 30 minutes; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Landmark
- Area
- Downtown
- Time needed
- 30 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, after dark, kids and architecture
- Best months
- April–May and November
About Nathan Phillips Square
The square in front of New City Hall — two curved towers by Viljo Revell, opened in 1965 — holds the illuminated Toronto sign and a reflecting pool that becomes a free skating rink in winter, with concerts and markets in summer. Old City Hall's Romanesque clock tower stands across Bay Street.
Tip: Come after dark for photos of the lit sign, and bring or rent skates in winter.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 30 minutes.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not usually needed; buy on arrival.
- Where: Downtown.
Best time to visit Nathan Phillips Square
To avoid the biggest crowds, aim for the quietest of the good months:
- November: 8°C (46°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- April: 12°C (54°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, moderate crowds.
- May: 18°C (64°F) highs, about 11 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Toronto has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Our 3-day Toronto itinerary visits Nathan Phillips Square on day 1, together with CN Tower, Ripley's Aquarium of Canada and Royal Ontario Museum.
- No. 12 of the 19 sights in our Toronto things-to-do list.
- Day 1 of the 1-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 2-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 4-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 5-day plan.
- Day 1 of the 7-day plan.
- Listed in free things to do in Toronto.
If you like Nathan Phillips Square
- CN Tower — Entertainment District, 1.5–2 hours
- Royal Ontario Museum — Yorkville, 3 hours
- Distillery District — Distillery District, 1.5–2 hours
- Toronto Islands — Toronto Harbour, Half a day to a full day
Staying near Nathan Phillips Square
Where to stay in Toronto compares every area by price and who it suits.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Nathan Phillips Square?
Plan 30 minutes.
+Is Nathan Phillips Square free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Nathan Phillips Square?
April–May and November, the quietest of the good months. Come after dark for photos of the lit sign, and bring or rent skates in winter.
+Do I need to book Nathan Phillips Square in advance?
Usually not: you can decide on the day.