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 Anchorstay was an absolute delight. The location is unbeatable—just a short walk from the subway, making it super easy to explore downtown Toronto and all the nearby attractions. The apartment itself was spotless, cozy, and well-maintained, with a comfortable bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. I especially appreciated the sense of safety and privacy—the kind of place you feel relaxed in, even when traveling solo. The only minor suggestion? Adding a bidet would be a nice upgrade. But honestly, that’s just a tiny detail in what was otherwise a fantastic experience. Clean, quiet, thoughtfully designed, and incredibly convenient. I’d definitely book again and recommend this gem to anyone visiting Toronto.

This property is absolutely fantastic—well-furnished, thoughtfully equipped, and so much more than just a place to sleep. They even had a spare toothbrush and toothpaste ready, which was such a thoughtful touch. The kitchen cabinets were stocked with essentials, making our stay incredibly smooth and enjoyable. Right around the corner is a grocery store with delicious hot meals you can grab and eat on the go—perfect for a quick bite after exploring. It's within walking distance of the subway, major landmarks, trendy restaurants, and peaceful parks. We loved the convenience and vibrant neighborhood vibe. We’d definitely come back again—truly one of the best stays we’ve had in Toronto.

Absolutely loved my stay here! The location is unbeatable—just a short walk to Yonge Street and minutes away from the subway, making it super easy to explore downtown Toronto. The condo-style unit was spacious, clean, and well-equipped with everything I needed, including a full kitchen—perfect for cooking meals without leaving the building. The bed was incredibly comfortable, and the soundproofing kept things quiet, so I slept like a baby. The staff were friendly and helpful throughout my visit, and check-in/check-out was smooth and hassle-free. For the price, this place offers amazing value—ideal for families or groups looking for comfort and convenience. Definitely coming 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.

This place is an absolute gem for solo travelers on the move. From the moment you arrive, everything is thoughtfully organized—clear instructions for your room, a dedicated key, and a seamless check-in experience. The property itself is a modern 12-room mansion with three fully functional floors, each equipped with kitchens and full bathrooms, plus detailed guidelines on which areas are available per floor. It’s not just a hotel—it feels like a real home. I loved meeting fellow guests; there were so many friendly smiles and genuine conversations. The community vibe is warm and welcoming. I’d absolutely stay here again. If you’re looking for comfort, convenience, and a sense of belonging in downtown Toronto, this is it.

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.

My stay at Fairmont Royal York Hotel was absolutely outstanding! From the moment I walked in, the service was impeccable—friendly, efficient, and genuinely attentive. The location couldn’t be better, just steps away from major attractions and downtown Toronto’s vibrant energy. The room was spacious, beautifully decorated, and incredibly comfortable, with a plush bed that made for a restful night’s sleep. I especially appreciated the thoughtful touches throughout the hotel, like the complimentary welcome drink and the well-curated minibar. Breakfast was a highlight—fresh, diverse, and delicious. Whether you're here for business or leisure, this hotel delivers on every level. I’d highly recommend it to anyone visiting Toronto. A true gem in the city!

Staying here was perfect for catching a Toronto Raptors game—right in the heart of downtown and just a short walk from the arena. The room itself was comfortable with a good bed, clean bathroom, and modern enough amenities. That said, some of the public areas do feel a bit dated, with older furnishings and decor. Parking is pricey at $60 CAD plus tax, but it’s valid until 2 AM the next day, which is helpful if you’re planning to stay late or leave later. Overall, it’s a solid choice if you’re visiting for sports or sightseeing, especially with the unbeatable location and great value for the convenience.
Explore more amazing destinations