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.




















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

Staying at the Courtyard Toronto Downtown was an absolute delight. The location couldn’t be better—right in the heart of the city with a subway station just steps away. There are countless restaurants and cafes around, offering everything from local favorites to international cuisine. It’s only a 10-15 minute walk to Eaton Centre, IKEA, and the University of Toronto—perfect for exploring or commuting. The room was spacious, the bed comfortable, and the breakfast spread was generous and delicious. The only minor downside was occasional sirens from emergency vehicles late at night, but it didn’t ruin the experience. Overall, this hotel delivers excellent value, convenience, and comfort—highly recommend for anyone visiting downtown 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.

Staying at the Holiday Inn Express Toronto Downtown was a highlight of my trip to Canada. The location is incredibly convenient—most attractions are within walking distance, making it easy to explore the city without relying on transportation. What truly stood out was the housekeeping service; it was the best I’ve experienced during my entire Canadian journey. Not only were the rooms spotless, but staff proactively cleaned every day, which made the stay feel extra comfortable and personalized. It’s rare to find such attention to detail, especially in a budget-friendly hotel. I’d definitely recommend this place to anyone visiting Toronto—it offers excellent value and comfort.

Staying at Holiday Inn Toronto Downtown Centre was an absolute highlight of my trip. The location couldn’t be better—just a short walk from Union Station and the subway, making it super easy to get around the city. I was able to reach Eaton Centre and Chinatown within minutes, and right next to the hotel is a large supermarket with tons of food options—perfect for grabbing snacks or last-minute essentials. The room was immaculate every time I returned; housekeeping was prompt and thorough, even cleaning while I was downstairs having breakfast. Free breakfast was a real treat—especially since buying it separately would cost $25 per person. It included all the basics, and the fruit selection was generous and fresh, which is rare in Toronto where produce prices are sky-high. Two of the staff members spoke Cantonese, which made communication much easier and added a personal touch. Safety-wise, there were some people experiencing homelessness nearby, so I’d recommend avoiding late-night walks and taking a taxi instead. Overall, this place offers incredible value for money. With its unbeatable location, clean rooms, friendly service, and quality breakfast, I’ll definitely be coming back if I ever visit Toronto again.

Staying at the Toronto Don Valley Hotel and Suites was a great experience. The location is fantastic—just minutes from downtown by public transit, yet surrounded by a peaceful, green environment. The hotel itself feels modern and well-maintained, with spacious rooms and comfortable beds that made for a restful night’s sleep. Whether you're here for a short business trip or just exploring the city, this place offers the perfect balance of convenience and calm. I’d definitely recommend it to travelers looking for a quiet yet central base in Toronto.

Staying at the Hampton Inn & Suites by Hilton Toronto Downtown was an absolutely excellent experience. The surrounding area is quiet and very safe, making it a peaceful retreat right in the heart of the city. The front desk staff were incredibly friendly and helpful—special mention to Carol, who went above and beyond with her warm and efficient service. Breakfast was a highlight: fresh, well-prepared, and especially perfect for coffee lovers—the brew was rich, aromatic, and exactly what you’d want to start your day right. The freshly squeezed orange juice tasted authentic and refreshing. The hotel’s location is ideal for exploring downtown Toronto, with easy access to public transit and major attractions. Comfortable rooms, great amenities, and top-notch hospitality make this a standout choice. I’ll definitely be returning.

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.

Staying at Hyatt Regency Toronto was a fantastic experience from start to finish. The location is unbeatable—just a short walk or quick transit ride into downtown, making it super easy to explore restaurants, shops, and attractions. I was especially impressed by the beautiful fall views from my room, which added a peaceful, scenic touch to my stay. The staff were friendly and efficient, the rooms were clean and well-appointed, and everything felt thoughtfully designed. It’s not just a hotel—it’s a comfortable home away from home. I’d absolutely return here on my next trip to Toronto.

Absolutely recommend this hotel! Located right in the heart of Yorkville, it's incredibly convenient for exploring downtown Toronto—just a short walk to shops, restaurants, and attractions. The room was stylish and well-thought-out, with attention to small details that make a big difference, like the quality of linens and thoughtful touches throughout. The pool is compact but clean and inviting, especially in the evening when the lights come on—it creates such a relaxing vibe. The fitness center is modest in size but fully equipped and well-maintained, perfect for a quick workout. Staff at the front desk were friendly and efficient, and the valet service was seamless. With the location, amenities, and pricing, this place offers incredible value. I’ll definitely be staying here again on my next trip to Toronto.

The Avalon Suites Yorkville is an absolute gem! The room matched the photos exactly, and being right in the heart of downtown Toronto makes it incredibly convenient for shopping at high-end boutiques nearby. I loved how easy it was to get around—just a short walk or quick subway ride away. With its great value, comfort, and prime location, this place exceeded my expectations. I’d definitely stay here again and recommend it to anyone visiting Toronto.
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