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Ontario College of Art & Design University (OCAD U) is a dreamland for creatives! Brick walls meet bold installations, every corridor pulses with inspiration. Whether you’re a graffiti lover, photography addict, or design geek, this place speaks to your soul. Don’t miss the rooftop view—soak in Toronto’s skyline while your imagination takes flight.
This Victorian-style hotel in downtown Toronto is just a 5-minute walk to the Royal Ontario Museum! Unwind with spa treatments and a Turkish bath, or relax in the indoor pool and sauna. Food lovers will adore the Courtyard Cafe for brunch or 24-hour room service. Business travelers appreciate the 24-hour business center and meeting rooms. Rooms feature minibars and luxury toiletries for a truly comfortable stay. Perfect blend of historic charm and modern amenities!
This hotel is a prime spot in downtown Toronto, just 3 minutes’ walk to CF Toronto Eaton Centre and 6 minutes to Ryerson University—perfect for shopping and academia! Enjoy top-notch amenities like an indoor pool, 24-hour fitness center, and hot tub for relaxation. Traveling with kids? The game room and kids’ meals have you covered. Business travelers will love the meeting rooms and executive lounge. Unwind at the bar or treat yourself to a spa massage. Rooms are cozy with smart TVs and luxury toiletries, making you feel right at home!
Everything you need to know about OCAD University
Recommended stays include The Drake Hotel, just a 5-minute walk from OCAD U, blending historic architecture with modern design and featuring an on-site art gallery and café. Another excellent option is Kimpton Great Northern Hotel, offering upscale amenities and easy access to Toronto’s arts district and shopping areas.
Unique Experiences: Join campus tours or visit nearby galleries like the Art Gallery of Ontario to explore contemporary art exhibitions, immersing yourself in Toronto’s vibrant creative scene.
OCAD U is within a 10-minute walk to Yonge Street transit hub, where you can catch the TTC Subway Line 1 (Yonge-University Line) for a 15-minute ride into Downtown Toronto. Additionally, GO Transit buses and Bike Share Toronto offer flexible travel options across the city.
Transport Advantage: Located in a central transit corridor, the university provides seamless access to downtown attractions, shopping, and employment hubs—perfect for exploring Toronto efficiently.
Nearby highlights include the Art Gallery of Ontario (AGO), housing Indigenous Canadian works and international contemporary exhibitions. The StreetARTOR street art district and The 519 Church Street Community Centre host vibrant public installations and community workshops.
Top Recommendations: Attend open house events hosted by OCAD U to witness student projects firsthand, or visit St. Lawrence Market on weekends to experience the fusion of art, food, and local culture.
While the area is student-centric, Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown East offers family rooms and child-friendly amenities, just a 15-minute walk from OCAD U, with easy access to attractions like the Toronto Zoo and Rogers Centre. The hotel features an indoor pool and game room to keep kids entertained.
Family-Friendly Tips: Plan a day trip including a visit to the school’s art exhibitions followed by a stop at the Ontario Science Centre, combining education and fun for a memorable family experience.
Spadina Avenue's historic buildings and Queen Street West's street art are prime photo locations. The campus features an outdoor sculpture garden and glass-domed classrooms, offering striking light and composition opportunities. Nearby, Harbourfront Centre by Lake Ontario provides stunning skyline reflections at dusk, ideal for dreamy night shots.
Best Times to Shoot: Early morning or golden hour when crowds are low and lighting is soft, perfect for capturing the blend of urban life and artistic expression.
The area is packed with independent eateries and cafés. Visit St. Lawrence Market for fresh local produce, artisan breads, and cheeses. Try Mama’s Pizza or The Keg Steakhouse for classic Canadian fare.
Culinary Highlights: Join an “Art & Eats” themed walking tour, sampling hidden gem restaurants along the arts district while learning about the intersection of food and design in Toronto’s creative culture.
See what other travelers say about OCAD University
I visited my niece who's studying at a university in Toronto, and staying at Windsor Arms Hotel was an excellent choice. The location is fantastic—just a short walk or a quick subway ride from campus, making it super convenient for visits. The neighborhood is vibrant with plenty of restaurants, cafes, and grocery stores nearby, so everything you need is within reach. The room was clean, spacious, and very comfortable, with a cozy bed that made for a great night’s sleep. I was impressed by the soundproofing—no noise from the hallway or outside, which is always a plus. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout my stay, making check-in and check-out smooth and stress-free. Breakfast was a highlight—offering a wide variety of hot and cold options, fresh fruits, pastries, and more. It felt like a homey touch without having to leave the hotel. Overall, this place strikes a perfect balance between comfort, convenience, and value. I’d definitely recommend it for students’ family members or anyone visiting Toronto on a short trip.
Staying at this hotel was easily the highlight of my trip to Toronto. Located right in the heart of downtown, it’s just steps away from major attractions and shopping spots—perfect for exploring on foot. What truly stood out was the front desk staff: a young Chinese gentleman who went above and beyond. I arrived late, but he warmly welcomed me, proactively arranged a quiet, high-floor room, and even offered bottled water—so thoughtful and welcoming. Unfortunately, I spent most of my weekend out exploring, so I didn’t get to fully enjoy the hotel amenities. Still, I’m already planning my return visit. This place offers an unbeatable combination of location, service, and comfort—highly recommend for anyone visiting Toronto.
The Drake Hotel truly lives up to its reputation—our room was exactly as described: clean, uniquely styled, and incredibly comfortable. We stayed in the older wing without an elevator, but honestly, that didn’t bother us at all. The on-site restaurant offered a fantastic menu with delicious dishes and excellent coffee—perfect for a morning pick-me-up or a cozy dinner. The Sky Yard was a highlight; we stopped by after dining downtown for a relaxing evening drink under the stars. Loved the curated art collection throughout the property—it added so much character. From the vibe to the details, everything felt intentional and authentic. I’d absolutely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone looking for a stylish, memorable stay in Toronto.
Staying at RivetStays - The Jarvis was an absolute highlight of my trip to Toronto! The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from the University of Toronto and right by Lake Ontario, making it super convenient for both academics and exploring. Everything I needed was within reach: great dining options, grocery stores, and public transit. The apartment itself is brand new with modern, stylish decor and spotless cleanliness throughout. Maintenance is clearly a top priority—everything works perfectly. I loved the self-check-in process; no waiting around, just grab the key and settle in. Having access to a washer and dryer was a game-changer, especially for longer stays. I even whipped up breakfast in the kitchen and enjoyed it while gazing out at the city skyline at night—truly unforgettable. This place offers such a perfect blend of comfort, convenience, and charm. Highly recommended for students, travelers, or anyone looking for a premium urban stay.
We stayed at The Union Hotel for two nights and were thoroughly impressed. The hotel is clean, well-designed, and offers a cozy atmosphere in the common areas—perfect for relaxing with friends or working remotely from any corner of the space. Every staff member we interacted with was warm, friendly, and genuinely helpful. We booked a room with breakfast included, and it delivered: a decent main dish paired with a drink, both tasty and satisfying. The public parking is conveniently close, though the exit is on the opposite side of the road, so be mindful when leaving. The only minor issue was some street noise early in the mornings—around 6:30 AM—likely from delivery trucks loading nearby. It was a bit disruptive for our sleep, especially since we like to wake up naturally. Still, this small drawback didn’t take away from our overall positive experience. The location, comfort, and service made it a great stay, and we’d definitely recommend it to others looking for a modern, welcoming place to stay in Toronto.
The hotel is perfectly located, and our room had a stunning lake view—absolutely breathtaking. The interior design is modern and elegant, with excellent attention to detail throughout the property. Staff were friendly and helpful, making the stay very comfortable. I’d highly recommend booking the lakeside restaurant in advance—otherwise, it can be tough to get a table when you arrive. Everything about this place is top-notch, from the location to the service. A truly memorable experience—I’ll definitely be back.
We absolutely loved our stay here! The location is unbeatable—just a short walk to the entertainment district, with plenty of restaurants, shops, and nightlife right outside the door. The room was spacious, clean, and well-designed, with a full kitchenette that made cooking meals super convenient, especially for longer stays. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and the soundproofing meant we slept peacefully without any noise from neighboring rooms. The staff were friendly and efficient throughout our visit. It’s rare to find such a great balance of comfort, convenience, and value. We’ll definitely be coming back next time we’re in Toronto.
The Annex Hotel offers an unbeatable location—just a short walk from the subway, making it super easy to explore downtown Toronto. The room was cozy and spotlessly clean, with windows that open for fresh air, which I really appreciated. The host was warm and welcoming, always ready to help with recommendations or tips. It’s clear they care about guest comfort and experience. If you're looking for a quiet yet central stay in Toronto, this is a top choice. Highly recommend for travelers who value convenience and a home-like feel.
Everything was super straightforward and excellent from start to finish. I’d highly recommend this place for any city trip to Toronto. The room came with thoughtful little touches like snacks and drinks—such a nice surprise! We all really appreciated the attention to detail. The location is fantastic, just a short walk or quick transit ride to downtown attractions. It’s cozy, clean, and feels like home. Definitely a top choice for my next visit to Toronto—I’ll be back and will definitely tell friends about it.
This property exceeded my expectations—spacious, spotless, and even larger than I imagined. Its central location is unbeatable; everything you need is within walking distance, from restaurants to shops and attractions. The convenience of being in the heart of downtown made exploring so effortless. The only minor downside was some early morning noise from the alley starting around 6 a.m., which made it slightly harder to sleep. That said, it didn’t take away from the overall fantastic experience. I’d absolutely stay here again—highly recommend for anyone visiting Toronto.
The apartment offers an incredible view of the CN Tower and the entire city skyline—truly breathtaking. Located just a 2-minute walk from Union Street Station, it's also within easy reach of the Blue Jays stadium and the iconic CN Tower. The location is perfect for both sightseeing and exploring downtown. I’d definitely stay here again and highly recommend it to anyone visiting Toronto.
An ideal overnight stop in Toronto. We found the hotel easily enough after initially walking the wrong way from the station—classic tourist move. The room was spotless, cozy, and had that modern vibe I love. Plus, the building’s location is fantastic—right in the heart of dining options, so we never had to go far for a good meal. One minor quirk (if you can even call it that): the frosted glass bathroom door looks sleek and contemporary, but at 5 a.m. during jet lag, flipping on the light felt like summoning the sun itself—my husband woke up instantly, startled by what he thought was dawn breaking through the room. Hilarious, really! We ended up using our phone flashlights instead, which worked perfectly. Overall, this stay was excellent—great comfort, smart design, and a convenient location. Would absolutely recommend and come back again.
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