Etobicoke is home base for me, and after photographing here through every season I've come to know its locations better than anywhere else in the GTA. It's one of the most underrated parts of Toronto for photography — the Lake Ontario shoreline runs right through it, the parks are wide and uncrowded, and the light off the water in the evening is genuinely beautiful.
Whether you're planning a couples session, engagement photos, a maternity shoot, or portraits, here are the Etobicoke locations I recommend most — with notes on what each one is best for and when to shoot.
1. Humber Bay Arch Bridge
The signature Etobicoke location. The curved pedestrian bridge frames the downtown skyline beautifully, and at golden hour the whole scene glows. Best for: couples, engagement, save-the-date photos. Go in the 40 minutes before sunset for the warmest light, and arrive on a weekday morning if you want it quiet.
2. Humber Bay Park East & West
Just beside the bridge, these two connected parks give you open lakefront, winding paths, wildflower meadows in summer, and calm water views. Best for: couples, maternity, family. The pathways are flat and easy — ideal for maternity sessions where comfortable walking matters.
3. Mimico Waterfront Trail
A quieter stretch of shoreline running through Mimico, with rocky outcrops, benches, and uninterrupted lake views. It's calmer than Humber Bay and rarely crowded. Best for: engagement, relaxed couples sessions, anyone who wants the lake without an audience.
4. The Kingsway
For a completely different mood, the Kingsway's tree-lined streets and English-cottage architecture bring tree-canopy warmth and elegance. Best for: portraits, maternity, autumn sessions when the leaves turn. A lovely second location to pair with a waterfront start.
5. Colonel Samuel Smith Park
A peninsula park at the south end of Etobicoke with a marina, naturalized shoreline, and woodland trails. It feels secluded and natural despite being in the city. Best for: couples, portraits, anyone wanting a wilder, untouched backdrop. Beautiful in every season.
6. Marie Curtis Park
At the western edge of Etobicoke where the Etobicoke Creek meets the lake, this park offers a sandy beach, open lawns, and gentle natural light. Best for: family, maternity, relaxed couples sessions. The beach area is lovely for softer, barefoot-in-the-sand frames.
7. James Gardens
A hidden gem in north Etobicoke — formal gardens, stone bridges, a flowing creek, and manicured greenery. It's one of the most romantic settings in the area. Best for: maternity, portraits, engagement. Spectacular in late spring and autumn.
Planning your Etobicoke session
A few practical notes: most of these locations have free parking, which is rare in Toronto. The hour before sunset gives the best light at all the waterfront spots. For popular locations like Humber Bay, an early start avoids crowds. And because Etobicoke is my home base, I know which corners stay quiet and how to time a session around the light — there's no travel fee for sessions anywhere in the area.
