The Welcoming & Diverse Culture of Toronto — Street Photography by Blake Ferguson
- Blake Ferguson
- Apr 14, 2015
- 11 min read
Updated: Jul 29
Date Published: 04/15/2015
Date Edited: 06/03/2025
In the separating lines of Downtown Toronto, where no division occurs, another productive and satisfying street photography session occurred while freelancing the routes of the core. My adventures as a hobbyist photographer from Newmarket, Ontario, dabbling in the streets, this far- Toronto often starts for me where Sankofa Square begins. It is a typical landing zone for me—a known place for unknown moments. I step into the square as I have countless times before, Sony A300 in hand, waiting for the visual rhythm to find me.
Immediately, the day offers its first note: a majestic, swagger-like piano man sitting at the public keys like he owns the square. His melody cuts through the hum of passing footsteps and pigeons, laying down a chime in the heart of the pulse of Toronto. Where my photo session starts—not in stillness, but in sound. A place where aesthetic images lie right at a glance but waiting to be unravelled through street photography perspectives. After capturing a couple of frames through a populated area- I sat back in amazement to wonder how he began to place such a grand-scaled piano in the footsteps of Sankofa Square.
The early hours are often solitary, lonesome excursions through empty corridors and overlooked corners. But in these quieter moments- I find the progressive rhythm for continuous fine-art captures that lead throughout the day. They eventually give way to more jam-packed hours when Toronto opens up, gets loud, and I cover more ground. My Sony A300 camera becomes a translator, helping me dive deeper into the grunge and grit through to the human beauty of Downtown Toronto.
I trust my instincts in a second sense. Moving without a mapped route, I let my eye wander down side streets and alleyways. That is where the real magic of street photography happens—scuffed murals, urgent graffiti, symbolic taglines that read like messages left in the dark. The walls speak, and I listen. My lens listens, too.
A distant chorus of car horns and the steady hum of the urban Toronto rhythm filled the air. I followed that soundtrack past a narrow laneway drenched in shadow until I glimpsed the CN Tower, its silhouette framed by peeling paint and rusted fire escapes. Through underlying city views and perspectives, I managed to capture the CN Tower from a gloomy backstreet, which demonstrates the culture of Toronto on all scales. The sight surprised me: the world-famous icon viewed not from a glossy overlook but through the grit of an unassuming backstreet. In that experience, I felt the heartbeat of Toronto—both intimate and grand.
I first ventured out of Sankofa Square, allowing instincts to guide me, and I found myself running through the Spadina area, where street art caught my eye. Street art is composed of vibrant, art gallery-like pieces from New York-inspired tags, large-scale classical murals, and a general visualization of the artistic culture of Toronto.
While on New York City vibes, there is something about pigeons residing by majestic fountains that reminds me of just that. Above, pigeons congregated around a stone fountain, their soft cooing rising against the spray of water—a humble chorus to the din of Toronto.
Stepping out of Sankofa Square on a warm summer afternoon felt like crossing an invisible threshold. The sky was a soft canvas of drifting clouds, softening the golden light as I let my instincts carry me southward. I was weaving through the side streets of Spadina, where every brick wall seemed to pulse with coloured murals—some fierce and graffiti-sprayed like New York taggings, others stately and classical—transformed these alleys into a living gallery.
A new aroma drifted from a street meat vendor: spiced sausages sizzling, smoky lamb kabobs turning golden. The scent wove into the tapestry of Toronto, grounding the lofty murals and soaring skyscrapers in something deeply human.
I felt exhilarated in those moments, as though each sensory fragment—colour, sound, smell, structure—became a vital piece of an unfolding narrative. There were no conversations worth remembering, only the pulse of Toronto itself: a place where edgy energy like New York collides with a multicultural canvas and where the mundane becomes poetic if you bother to look.
Encountering a fine-art mural, essentiality classified as graffiti- it feels wrong to call it that. This type of street art deserves a gallery of its own accord- if you cannot tell by the credit mark itself, completed by an extensive, lifelong artist. Introducing the artwork of Jimmy Chiale- an artist born in Paris, France, where he studied the works of Pablo Picasso and imagined life through similar perspectives. Jimmy moved to Toronto in the late 2000s in pursuit of the acclaimed artistry that he acquired while growing up in Paris, France. Jimmy played his role in experimenting through his taste in artwork but cycling to what was abstract, modern art. While Jimmy continues his career in fine art, he uses this outlet to express inner emotions and channel negative feelings into a positive outcome.
In those hidden corners, downtown revealed itself in layers—each more vivid once you paused to breathe it in. From the painted walls to the distant CN Tower, from the horns refrain to the sizzle of street meat, every detail told a story of a city defined equally by grit and grandeur.
Strolling past- at this age, many do enjoy pulling my leg regarding my caffeine addiction and abuse. As I noticed this classy street sign hovering above, I had to pop into Bulldog Coffee at 89 Granby Street, near Church Street, where this cozy café is a hidden gem in the downtown core. Hospitality and the finest coffee- owned by Stuart Ross, a former Canadian National Barista Champion, who brings his passion and expertise to every cup.
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Upon entering- the rich aroma of freshly brewed coffee and the sight of intricate latte art greet you. Bulldog Coffee is renowned for its Rainbow Latte—a visually stunning drink with colourful, leafy designs that are as delightful to look at as to sip. Other specialty drinks include the Marshmallow Latte, served in a martini glass with torched marshmallows, and the Blanco Bulldog, a white hot chocolate with a shot of espresso.
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No foul if you decide to skip your coffee— these Insights are caffeine-equivalent and will perk you up enough themselves. Feel refreshed and with the creative rush as Blake Ferguson unfolds fluff-free perspectives about the ever-changing fields of photography and design, helping you stay fruitful about digital media and among sustainable independent results through in-house marketing.
The ambiance is intimate and inviting, with a sidewalk patio perfect for people-watching on sunny days. Inside, the vibe is warm and casual, an ideal spot for catching up with friends or enjoying a quiet moment alone. The café also offers a selection of house-made pastries, such as buttery croissants and pistachio treats, which pair wonderfully with their coffee offerings. Stuart Ross and his dedication to his craft is evident in every aspect of the café, from the quality of the drinks to the personalized service. While some patrons note his straightforward demeanour, many appreciate his commitment to delivering top-tier coffee and engaging conversation. Whether you are a coffee aficionado or just looking for a cozy spot- Bulldog Coffee offers a distinctive and enjoyable experience in the heart of Toronto.
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After the rejuvenation of caffeine entering my veins and experiencing welcoming hospitality is when again, street photography led the agenda. A quick stroll past the campus of the University of Toronto feels like flipping through an architectural sketchbook that spans centuries. You step onto the cobblestone rim of King’s College Circle, where the gentle curve of Queen’s Park Crescent frames the sandstone façade of University College. Its Romanesque arches and carved gargoyles seem to guard the entrance, whispering stories of students past.
Even in a hurried walkthrough, you feel a rhythm: the weight of history in heavy stone, the optimism of every new addition, and the constant play between shadowed alcoves and sunlit lawns. You could say it is a campus where every doorway could lead to a lecture on ancient philosophy or the discovery of a scientific breakthrough—and all you need for a taste of that world is a few quick strides past its storied walls.
These were the excursions, and through an age more aware and awake, I did not first realize how these adventures unravelled but came to depict the array between the city grit and the city class. I found myself dreaming and manifesting vividly— as raised in a struggling middle-class family with a single mother— I had a great childhood regardless, and my desire to seize more through the chain of life came vividly.
In elementary school, I had the best of friends, but many grew up raised in the newer, more wealthy residential area. As I came from routes of thankfulness, more came conflict when only offered. As I touched down through the Toronto Harbourfront strip, I intended to walk along and capture life where peace, zen and tranquillity came unlockable through a class of income. You can call these visual manifestations and documentation of history through urban captures as a hobbyist photographer.
Newmarket- a lovely, peaceful place to grow up and establish life-long friendships, furthermore- have the opportunity and outlets to grasp my creative routes as a photographer. Although, compared to Toronto, there was endless creativity through architecture, city planning and overall atmosphere that Newmarket lacked.
I could only imagine living in a nearby apartment building, surrounded by a well-orchestrated, aesthetic-like essence. Shortly after exiting your complex, you experience an everlasting strip that hugs the Toronto Harbourfront. To another extent, the Toronto Harbourfront does not justify it as a traditional beach where you kick back and relax with a book- it orchestrates like a movie scenery where dreams are somehow reality.
Witnessing couples sitting on resort-like chairs set by the city of Toronto, through to peaceful residents reading on the grass- not that I was uncomfortable, but strange to feel in place. As I was aimlessly pondering in amazement, zoned into the everlasting skyline you could see in the distance, I witnessed a stunning view demonstrating the dedicated biking trail. I can only imagine that views like this work to motivate those with a more busy and executive lifestyle to conquer that physical activity by appreciating their surroundings.
I found myself at the intersection of Little Norway CR and Queens Quay West, bombarded by the beaming summer sun and radiantly intriguing architecture. It reminded me of futuristic appeals, but perhaps with routes of European heritage. As in prior excursions, I have had the opportunity to learn more about Chinatown, Toronto and Greektown on Spadina- it was fascinating to notice that Toronto themes around Norway, too.
Where again, creativity finds me in a natural rhythm- as stumbling upon such reflective, aesthetic-like glass and architecture, it amazed me how the slightest bits of clouds complemented the glass-pane-filled buildings.
If you have been keeping up with the Insights thus far, you will understand how the weather always plays into my favour, as a day like today has been the worst the weather throughout. With minimal clouds in the sky, another blissful summer day was in my hands, and I was solely out to seize it through aesthetic compositions and fine art captures.
There in front of me were centennial gardens and tailored, nature-enthused spaces that generally inspired creativity, prosperity and flourishing. Compared to what I was used to, the paved path beside the local canal, leading to cut grass and rectangular soccer fields of Newmarket, did not underline the aura depicted here.
What was interesting in these adventures was the opportunity to witness the CN Tower through varying sides and opposing classes. For visitors out of town, you cannot go wrong with touching down with an agenda of personal hobbies, such as reading or, like myself, dabbling in photography.
The stretch of the Toronto Harbourfront felt endless, where for myself, as a hobbyist photographer- it was enjoyable to experience modern city architecture bearing street photography views on one side of the strip while purely scenic views and water splashing against the coast appeasing your nature reconnection. Exploring throughout, I came to a bend just after passing the National Yacht Club and just before the Brigantine Cove- the Toronto Inukshuk Park presented a fascinating display.
The Toronto Inukshuk Park, formerly known as Battery Park, is set to become a vibrant hub of activity as it celebrates the legacy of the Toronto Inukshuk, a remarkable tribute honoured during World Youth Day in 2002. This symbol of Aboriginal culture in Canada is poised to engage and inspire visitors from all walks of life in Toronto.
Visitors can look forward to exploring the significance of the Inukshuk, an Inuit stone structure traditionally found in the Arctic that guides travellers on land and sea for generations, offering them comfort, wisdom, and direction.
As one of the largest in North America, the Inukshuk, towering at 30 feet with an impressive arm span of 15 feet, is sure to be a focal point for gatherings and events. The stunning creation, built from approximately 50 tonnes of mountain rose granite, is the masterpiece of renowned Inuit artist Kellypalik Qimirpik from Cape Dorset, Nunavut. As plans for future celebrations and community events unfold, the Toronto Inukshuk is the heart of a renewed connection to heritage and the natural world, inviting everyone to come together and appreciate this iconic symbol.
Though you will find other experiences and attractions in the Toronto Harbourfront, it may not occupy your day, considering other activities within the city may be helpful for your plans of a jam-packed day. I welcome you to ponder my Insights articulated through my journaled adventures as a freelance photographer for hire, where you will find other great activities to help you prepare for an eventful day in the City of Toronto.
For residents living in Toronto, you cannot go wrong whether seeking a reconnection with nature, a laid-back outing, or generally inspired by architectural creations and luxurious city planning.
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