(Explored 09/08/25 MO @ 11:30am): An urban square in the middle of downtown Toronto!…read more
I was in town for the 50th Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) when I came across David Pecaut Square. During the film festival, it was being utilized as a fan-fest area where you mingled with other attendees, enjoyed live entertainment, participated in games, and more. It also had a lawn and trees along its outer edges. The public space allowed for views of Metro Hall, Roy Thomson Hall https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=456&select=GInyiBmz_OQEnbiIJS_BlQ and the Royal Alexandra Theatre. Outside of the film festival, it was frequently used for free concerts, film screenings, and other events. Formerly known as Metro Square, David Pecaut Square was built as part of Toronto's Postmodern Metro Hall project in 1992. Formerly known as Metro Square, the square was renamed in April 2011 by a Toronto City Council vote to honor the late civic leader David Pecaut. The Square featured The Eternal Flame of Hope, inspired by the perseverance of disabled people, and burned as a reminder that society must be all-inclusive. Outside of the film festival, it was frequently used for free concerts, film screenings, and other events. Was this square cool enough to hang out at throughout the year!?
PURCHASE(S)
None to speak of; I just enjoyed the great outdoors and people-watched!
SERVICE
There was none to be found throughout the day, but when there was an event going on, there was plenty of security and assistance - 'nuff said!
PARKING
(Varied; N/A this instance): I was in the area all day for the 50th Toronto International Film Festival, so I simply walked. Otherwise, there appeared to be some onsite underground, minimal to no parking spots along the main and many surrounding streets (I'm sure this was different during any other time), some nearby structures, numerous public transportation options (e.g. King St. streetcars, St. Andrew Subway Station), and rideshares - 'nuff said!
ATMOSPHERE, DÉCOR, AMBIENCE
A public space filled with greenery, trees, sculptures, places to relax and sit, plenty of people-watching opportunities, and nice city views https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=456&select=N3ogksTB8l0dC64v8pENKA as you dreamt away. There was plenty of natural lighting since you were outdoors while electric street lights filled in once the sun went down. Generally speaking, outside of special events, there weren't any TVs while the chatter of conversations and the sounds of vehicle traffic played in the background. https://www.yelp.com/user_local_photos?userid=8jVT2inwc8GIQ6sH2UG9Vw&start=456&select=BBjFhxh8tSO7ZESplkASEg
ATTIRE
Totally casual, so I would normally be in a t-shirt, boardshorts, and flip-flops.
OVERALL
David Pecaut Square was a nice place to stop and take a rest. It was rather small in nature, but it had some nooks you were able to hide away in. However, I always appreciated the idea of an urban park in the middle of commerce and consumption just to break up the monotony, but the size of this "park" didn't really give you that respite to get away from it all. I found very good value based on the prices, service, and experience noted above (TOTAL paid experience was around $0.00CAD BEFORE any discounts/tip). And, there wasn't any need for my credit card of choice... AMEX! 4.0 STARS