Hollywood of the North: Your Guide to Filming in Toronto

February 26, 2025

Good Will Hunting, Total Recall, Hairspray, and Suicide Squad—what do these blockbuster hits have in common? They were all filmed right here in Toronto.

Touted as “Hollywood North,” Toronto has become a hot spot for TV and film production. Its diverse architecture, vibrant neighbourhoods, and world-class film facilities make it a versatile backdrop for stories of all kinds.

If you’re considering Toronto for your next project, you’re in good company. But while finding the perfect location is exciting, managing accommodations for your crew can be challenging. DelSuites can simplify that process.

As Toronto’s trusted film industry housing source, we provide safe, comfortable, fully-furnished apartments tailored to production needs. Offering prime locations near filming hotspots and amenities that feel like home, DelSuites ensures you can focus on what matters most—creating great content.

Here’s everything you need to know when filming in Toronto.

Why You Should Consider Filming in Toronto

Toronto is a filmmaker’s dream, with many filming locations to choose from. The city’s diverse architecture allows it to seamlessly double as New York, Chicago, or even European locales. Disguising Toronto as other cities happens a lot more than you think—that’s movie magic in action!

Ontario’s film tax credits add to its appeal, offering substantial savings to production budgets. Toronto also boasts world-class production facilities such as Pinewood Toronto Studios and Revival Film Studios, which cater to both small and large-scale productions.

For those who just love cinema in general, the film community in Toronto is thriving year-round. The city hosts numerous film festivals, including the world-renowned Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). These events attract filmmakers and film lovers alike, fostering a supportive and vibrant industry.

Toronto is the place to be for anyone considering a location that combines versatility, resources, and a passionate film culture.

Common Challenges for Film Production Crews

Producing a film in any new location comes with its own set of challenges. While Toronto offers incredible opportunities, it’s important to be prepared for the challenges that often come with filming in an unfamiliar environment.

Here are some things to keep in mind:

Finding Suitable Accommodations: Coordinating housing for cast and crew, especially for extended shoots, can be a logistical headache. Many hotels lack the privacy, flexibility, and amenities needed for a home-away-from-home experience.
Managing Transportation and Traffic: Particularly during peak hours, the traffic can delay schedules and add stress. Getting cast and crew to multiple locations on time requires careful planning.
Navigating Local Regulations: Film permits, union rules, and city-specific guidelines can be overwhelming for those unfamiliar with the area. Missteps can cause delays or fines.
Maintaining Productivity: Long shooting schedules can take a toll on the crew. Without access to comfortable spaces for downtime, it’s easy to feel burned out.
Controlling Costs: Balancing quality with affordability is always a challenge. With so many moving parts, unexpected expenses can quickly add up.

While these challenges can seem stressful, they’re far from impossible to deal with. With the right preparation and support, filming just about anywhere can be an actually enjoyable experience.

How DelSuites Solves These Challenges

DelSuites is dedicated to making your film production in Toronto a smooth experience. As a trusted provider of quality furnished apartments across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA), DelSuites has built a reputation for excellence.

For the film and TV industry, DelSuites provides flexible short-term stays that align perfectly with demanding production schedules. Here’s how we address common challenges:

A Private, Homelike Experience

Our furnished suites feature an elegant modern design. Each building includes premium amenities like swimming pools, saunas, and yoga centers, providing both comfort and convenience.

Additional perks like pre-arrival grocery services and biweekly cleaning combine hotel-like luxury with the privacy of a home. With an ensuite laundry in every unit, you can effortlessly stay on top of daily needs.

Beat Traffic

DelSuites properties are strategically located throughout Toronto. From the downtown theatre district to suburban filming spots, our suites are close to major studios and shooting locations.

With locations across the GTA, choosing us saves you time and reduces stress, letting your team focus on the production instead of the commute.

A Space That Works on Film Industry Schedules

Our accommodations are perfect for demanding film and TV production schedules. Fully-equipped kitchens let you prepare meals at any hour, while gyms in each building make it easy to stay active.

Flexible booking policies and long-term discounts help manage budgets and accommodate changes in production timelines.

Seamless Coordination for Crews

Whether hosting short-term visitors or accommodating a full cast and crew, DelSuites has a wide range of units to fit every need. We’ve got cozy one-bedroom suites to VIP accommodations, offering a consistent, high-quality experience across the board.

With DelSuites, you can reduce the stress of production logistics and focus on creating your best work. We’re here to support every aspect of your stay.

Insider Tips for a Seamless Filming Experience in Toronto

Preparation is the key to success. Here are some tips you need to know for a successful production process:

Secure Permits Early: Work with the Toronto Film Office to obtain the necessary permits. Starting early helps you secure prime locations and avoid delays.
Plan for Traffic: Toronto’s traffic can be unpredictable. Schedule shoots outside peak hours or consider accommodations close to filming locations to save time.
Hire Local Talent: Toronto has a thriving film community with skilled professionals, from crew members to actors. Hiring locally can save costs and simplify logistics.
Scout Locations Thoroughly: Take advantage of Toronto’s diverse settings. From urban skylines to lush parks, the city offers something for every scene. A location scout can help you uncover hidden gems.

By staying organized and leveraging the city’s vast resources, you can make the most of filming across Toronto.

That’s a Wrap: Stay in Comfort with DelSuites While Filming in Toronto

Toronto is an exceptional city for film production, but even the best locations can’t guarantee success without the right accommodations for your team.

DelSuites combines comfort, convenience, and flexibility for film crews and cast members. With fully furnished apartments in prime locations, DelSuites reduces your workload and supports your team’s well-being. From extended shoots to last-minute schedule changes, we’ve got you covered.

For your entertainment and production needs, contact us today. Learn how we can make your production easy, comfortable, and stress-free. Let DelSuites keep your cast, crew, and budget happy so you can do what you do best.

Downtown Toronto, Toronto Entertainment

The Best Holiday Events in Toronto To Bring You Good Cheer

November 17, 2022

The holidays are a wonderful time of year to be enjoyed with friends, family, and loved ones. It can be a chance to relax and recharge, spend quality time with those closest to you, and exchange gifts. There are also many fun events happening in Toronto to bring out your holiday cheer.

Here are our recommendations for the best holiday events happening in Toronto this year

The Distillery Winter Village

Happening from November 18 to December 31st, the Distillery District turns into a beautiful Winter Village with everything you need to get you in the holiday spirit. From restaurants, food vendors, cute shops for buying gifts, photo walls for Instagrammable moments and more, it really is a one-stop shop for the holidays. You can purchase tickets online. We recommend ridesharing to the Winter Village as parking is limited around the area.

Our DelSuite property, Ten York at Harbour Street and York Street is a perfect option when visiting the Distillery Winter Village with our short-term rental only a 10-minute car ride to the Distiller District.

Canadian Tire Christmas Trail

Are you looking to enjoy an amazing light show all from the warmth and comfort of your own car? Happening from November 20th to December 4th, the Christmas Trail is a 1.5km journey that takes you through this beautiful driveway of bright lights and beautiful colours. The experience is great for families too as it has interactive activities for kids as well. Purchase tickets online ahead of time to reserve your spot.

Our DelSuite property, Alto At Atria at Victoria Park and Sheppard Ave is a great option for the Christmas Trail because it’s close to the highway and only takes 20-minutes to get to the lit-up gates of the Christmas Trail.

Cavalcade of Lights

Are you looking for a visual spectacle of glowing lights with beautiful, colourful art that you can walk through and enjoy with your friends or family? Nathan Philips Square showcases a dazzling wonderland of thousands of light bulbs as they light up the heart of downtown Toronto. Enjoy taking pictures of the glittering tree, public skating, or just walking around and enjoying the winter wonderland.

Our DelSuite property, The Livmore at Bay and Gerrard Street is less than a 10-minute walk away from City Hall, so when it gets busy around the area, you won’t need to worry about calling for a ride or parking.

Watching A Performance of The Nutcracker

If you are looking to enjoy more of a traditional holiday showcase, then how about a trip to the Opera? The Nutcracker by the National Ballet of Canada brings a cherished performance back to life for those to enjoy on a night out. The performance runs from December 10th to 31st and is a perfect date night for those who would like to sit back and appreciate a big, pronounced showcase of the holidays.

Our property Qwest, at Simcoe and Richmond Street, is only a 3-minute walk from the National Ballet Of Canada making it one of the shortest commutes in Toronto to enjoy the Opera.

Ice Skating On The Bentway

If large public events and marketplaces aren’t really your thing, then maybe something more low-key like public skating at The Bentway would be more your pace. It’s a great way to spend a winter day, whether you’re a figure skating pro or this is your very first time on the ice.

Our property Element, located at Blue Jays Way and Front Street is only a 6-minute car ride or 20-minute walk to The Bentway, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the skating without sitting in traffic.

Toronto is a festive place to be during the holidays with many holiday events going on. Whether you want to enjoy them by walking around or experiencing them from the comfort of your own car, there are so many options to suit whatever you fancy.

DelSuites has many properties close to these events so you can easily take part in the holiday festivities if you need or want to spend it in the city. Our fully furnished, short-term rentals make it easy and convenient for you to enjoy all that Toronto has to offer during the holiday season!

Looking for a 30+ day furnished rental in downtown Toronto and experiencing all of these great events? Start your search for furnished apartments in downtown Toronto today with DelSuites.

Downtown Toronto Condos, Family Vacations in Toronto, Toronto Entertainment, toronto toursim

Toronto in Film: Toronto’s Film Festivals

July 20, 2022

Toronto film festival photo by Martin Lopez on Pexels.

The film industry is big in Toronto. Everything from major Hollywood movies to Emmy-winning TV series like Schitt’s Creek and Orphan Black have been shot here. We’ve hosted superhero battles, futuristic space cities, and an endless stream of prop New York taxicabs.

Toronto’s known for an expert local talent pool, great locations, and thriving studios like Pinewood and Revival. But it also has a sophisticated, international audience of local moviegoers to show your finished product.

Whether it’s audio, video, documentaries, or short films: here’s a tour of the Toronto film landscape for both film lovers and filmmakers.

Toronto International Film Festival

When it comes to Toronto film events, the granddaddy of them all is TIFF: an 11-day extravaganza of gala premieres, industry sessions, awards, and networking opportunities.

Founded in 1976, it’s one of the biggest public-accessible film festivals in the world. It’s big enough to have grown its own dedicated five-story film centre: home to a film reference library, learning studios, event spaces, galleries, and vibrant year-round international programming.

With dedicated tracks for national cinemas, pulp, and documentaries, TIFF has nurtured an incredible range of film cultures in Toronto and abroad.

The 2022 edition of TIFF runs from September 8-18.

imagineNATIVE Film + Media Festival

All things Indigenous media—and we mean all of them—make it to imagineNATIVE. The world’s largest Indigenous media and film festival, imagineNATIVE puts on a blizzard of screenings, concerts, industry events, and interactive showcases—all from the vibrant world of Indigenous arts.

Running as a festival since 2000, it’s made a significant mark: early winners of its Best Dramatic Feature award have included Taika Waititi and Reservation Dogs creator Sterlin Harjo. Films produced as part of its Embargo Collective commissions have screened at TIFF and Sundance.

Today, that initial concept has bloomed into partnerships with the Canadian National Film Board and the Berlinale, a film producer mini-lab, tours, and community screening series.

ImagineNATIVE 2022 takes place from October 18-30, both physically and virtually through their digital platform.

Toronto After Dark Film Festival

Can’t get enough horror, science fiction, or action movies? Toronto After Dark Film Festival is all about the pulp, the cult, and the straight-up fun.

With over 10,000 eager viewers each year, Toronto After Dark hits both the highbrow and low, with enough room for moody Scandinavian horror, Troma films, Hollywood hits, and homegrown creations. It boasts a thrillingly international lineup, having showcased films from Israel, Thailand, Mexico, Iran, and Korea.

Hosted at Toronto’s downtown Scotiabank Theatre, the 16^th edition of Toronto After Dark takes place from October 19-23, 2022.

Inside Out Film and Video Festival

Canada’s largest and most prestigious LGBTQIA+ film festival had a grassroots beginning in 1991 at Toronto’s Euclid Theatre. Since then, Inside Out has grown into an entertainment juggernaut, with funding and training programs, a school distribution program for new artists, grants, scholarships, and funding forums.

Now hosted at the TIFF Bell Lightbox and co-screens selected films with the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, Netflix, and Crave. Its own permanent distribution platform operates year-round, and its awards have recognized films from Canada, China, Australia, Argentina, and everywhere between.

Inside Out’s next edition takes place in May 2023.

Hot Docs

Toronto’s all-documentary film festival, Hot Docs, screens over 200 films from around the world every year—and adds on professional development programs, a full industry conference, and a developed schools program.

An annual festival since 1993, Hot Docs expanded to its own dedicated theatre—the Hot Docs Ted Rogers Cinema, formerly the Bloor Cinema—in 2012. It also recently launched a podcast festival, complete with a dedicated creators’ and industry forum devoted to the art of audio drama.

Hot Docs is set for an April 2023 return, and the Hot Docs Podcast Festival goes live in January 2023.

A city for movie-lovers and movie-makers

Whether you’re enjoying hot new films, making them, writing about or selling them, DelSuites can be your home base during Toronto’s film festival season. Call us at 647-370-3504 or email info@delsuites.com to find out how we can offer you a comfortable, fully-featured furnished rental—and help you reach the stars.

Downtown Toronto, Entertainment, Family Vacations in Toronto, Toronto Entertainment, Toronto Family Travel, toronto toursim

Toronto in Eight Quirky Local Museums

June 29, 2022

Toronto local museums photo by Jeff Smith on Unsplash

Local museums can be the best part of a trip abroad: an afternoon of culture you can’t find anywhere else. Fun, affordable, and frequently family-friendly, they’re a great way to find the more laid-back and local side of a city.

If you’re an art-lover, history buff, doing it for the ‘Gram, or just like getting a little culture while you get your steps in, here are some of Toronto’s best lesser-known museums.

Mackenzie House

It’s not everywhere that a city’s first mayor was also its most famous—and failed—revolutionary. Tucked between hospitals, hotels, and high-rises, Mackenzie House—William Lyon Mackenzie’s original 1858 townhouse—is a downtown shrine to Victorian Toronto.

Come for practical tips on daily 1800s life, stay for the political scandals and century-old spicy opinions. Features: a working 180-year-old printing press you can try yourself. 82 Bond Street.

Market Gallery at St. Lawrence Market

St. Lawrence Market is one of Toronto’s most famous foodie attractions. But it’s also home to a lesser-known local history museum and gallery on the second floor—a space that held Toronto’s first City Hall and was lost behind boarded-up doors until the 1970s. (Yes, you can lose an entire City Hall.)

The Market Gallery hosts rotating exhibits from the City’s fine art collection and notes on the historic architecture. Start with a little culture, end it with a sandwich. 2nd Floor, St. Lawrence Market, 95 Front Street East.

The Myseum of Toronto

One of the quirkiest museums Toronto’s got, Myseum is a year-round, city-wide project produced and hosted all around the city. The result? Something that’s part art collective, part distributed historical museum, made of crowdsourced collections and digital walking tours.

While most of their past exhibits are available online, new ones are mounted annually in locations around the city–usually starting in April.

Spadina House

The closest thing to Toronto’s version of Downton Abbey! Spadina House shows off early 1900s Toronto in a sprawling, elegant hilltop mansion—complete with servants’ quarters and evolving architectural décor.

The five-acre grounds, though, are a feature all by themselves, including gardens and a heritage apple orchard that hosts everything from events to autumn cider festivals. Features: Close enough to Casa Loma to make a day of it. 285 Spadina Road.

The Textile Museum of Canada

A favourite of costumers and fashionistas alike, The Textile Museum takes a subject that feels niche—the art and history of fabric—and makes it fascinating. Behind an anonymous side-street door lurks five floors of textile history, modern art, event space, and programs—complete with a gift shop.

With collections that start local and stretch to Peru, China, and Serbia, there’s something for everyone, even if they’re not an enthusiastic crafter. 55 Centre Avenue.

The Toronto Railway Museum

Model railroad fans unite! And—regular railroad fans too. The Toronto Railway Museum packs historical trains, a train-driving simulator, and lots of information into an indoor-outdoor exhibit space. There’s a steady collection of artifacts inside: maps, tools, dishes, and uniforms used by conductors past.

While small, it’s conveniently tucked away right beside the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, and Ripley’s Aquarium on the waterfront—so there are lots of options for a full day out. Features: A mini-train ride. Because nobody says no to tiny train rides. 255 Bremner Boulevard.

The Bata Shoe Museum

While this attraction has a little more profile than the rest, it’s not every day that a city devotes a whole museum to—shoes. Open since 1995, The Bata Shoe Museum grew from the private collection of shoe company executive Sonja Bata: a trove of rare and traditional footwear from around the world.

The result? A fascinating mix of modern couture, ancient Egyptian, Chinese, and Italian artifacts, history, and celebrity kicks. And a sometimes surprising social insight into how they’re all connected. Features: Enough glitter for your fashionista friends, and enough depth for an anthropologist. 327 Bloor Street West.

Riverdale Farm

Sometimes you just need to have a cow. Or some goats, sheep, pigs, chickens, and horses.

Riverdale Farm is the destination for downtowners who really just need something fluffy to pet. Part working farm, part historic Victorian site for learning about rural life, the farm dates back to 1849. Features: tobogganing hills, hiking trails, a wading pool, picnic areas, and year-round crafts. And the best part for families: admission is always free. 201 Winchester Street.

The authentic Toronto neighbourhood experience deserves a Toronto neighbourhood stay. Call DelSuites at 647-370-3504 or email info@delsuites.com to find out how we can open Toronto up for you to discover.

Downtown Toronto, Entertainment, Toronto Entertainment, toronto toursim, Vacation Travel

DelSuites Gets You In the Action for Toronto Pride Month

May 24, 2022

Toronto Pride hotel photo by Rosemary Ketchum on Pexels.

Toronto Pride is back! After two years of distanced activities and shifting online, festivals are back on in the City of Toronto, and Pride 2022 is going to be bigger, better, and more glamorous than ever.

Toronto is home to one of the biggest Pride Months in North America—and one of the most diverse. There are events, parties, and celebrations of all things queer from the flag-raising on June 1^st to the full festival weekend on June 24-26.

If you’re gearing up to get the most out of Pride Month, here’s how DelSuites helps you really enjoy the party.

Stay as close to the action as you want

Some people like to be right in the centre of things. And some—don’t. Staying with DelSuites gives you the choice to get as much quiet—or as much excitement—as you want. With locations scattered through downtown Toronto, you can stay a heartbeat from the party—or a dozen walkable blocks away, for quieter nights.

While the main festival’s one weekend, our theatre district buildings put you in a prime location for major Pride Month events, like Cabana Pool Bar’s massive drag pool party and a full-day party on the Toronto Islands.

And since a DelSuites furnished rental has a minimum of 30 nights, it’s the ideal home base to take in both Pride events and enjoy Toronto’s lakefront neighbourhoods, great food, good vibes, and summer fun.

Go big for Toronto Pride

One thing a DelSuites Pride Month rental gives you is room to spread your wings. Our private, fully-furnished rental suites include everything—and we mean everything—you need to set up for Pride Month.

Your space comes with a full ensuite laundry, multiple bathrooms, and a fully stocked kitchen with pots, pans, dishes, cutlery, and more. Our regular housekeeping service and our linens and towels service keep your space smelling flower fresh. Wide, sunny balconies let you soak up some sun—or have romantic evening drinks.

Your suite lets you access all of our buildings’ common amenities: you can keep up your workout routine, have a swim, or host a big rooftop brunch for all your friends.

If you’re driving to Pride, our units have secure, assigned indoor parking spaces so you can park stress-free—and explore beyond Toronto city limits.

And if you’re putting in remote hours at work, we’ve got reliable wifi internet and North American long-distance calling included. Luxurious living rooms and full cable packages let you get comfortable with a movie when it’s time for a night in.

Stay together and save

Pride’s better when we do it together—and more people can make it to the party when your stay costs less.

Our two- and three-bedroom suites open Pride Month up for everyone who wants to be there. Multiple spacious bedrooms and bathrooms help you split space with friends—and keep enough privacy to stay friends afterwards.

If you are on a budget, our full kitchens give you the option of eating in, not just in restaurants—or treating each other to a home-cooked breakfast.

And with many of our units featuring pullout couches, you’ve got a safe space for someone to spend the night if it’s too late to get home.

***

However your Pride looks, we want to make it a month to remember. Call us at 647-370-3504 or email info@delsuites.com to find out how we can host you for Toronto Pride.

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