A photographer’s guide to the most Instagrammable spots in Ontario

I’m the first to admit it: My Instagram game is kind of stale — there are only so many photos of neighbourhood trees that I can dump on my unsuspecting followers. So for creative inspiration, I reached out to Ashton Persaud, a Toronto-based photographer known for both striking cityscapes and nature scenes filling his own IG grid (@ashtontekno). “I want to shoot things I’ve never seen before,” he explains, noting a preference for places with a sense of history. Here are some of Persaud’s favourite Instagrammable spots in Ontario.

The Screaming Heads of Midlothian, Burk’s Falls

Located on Canadian artist Peter Camani’s 300-acre property, the Screaming Heads is a playground-esque art installation. Concrete slabs shaped like heads and hands and other statuettes are spread throughout the vast sculpture garden. “The statues remind me of the screaming emoji,” Persaud says. “It can be a pretty fun place, but it’s also kind of moody — especially at night. One October, I stayed from afternoon until dark, and you can definitely feel the vibe change.”

Dundas Peak, Dundas

“You get a mix of everything in one place,” the photographer says of Dundas Peak, a lookout in the Spencer Gorge Conservation Area. The spot features unbeatable views of the Dundas Valley and nearby Hamilton and the CN railway, as well as trail access to the Tews and Webster falls. “I like shooting here during the fall or winter because that’s when the colours really bloom.”

Gooderham “Flatiron” Building, Toronto

Persaud is drawn to the Flatiron, a Gothic Revival landmark built in 1892, because of its distinctive look. A downtown focal point in the St. Lawrence Market area, the historic site is wedged between Front and Wellington streets, where they converge into a triangular intersection. “It’s really versatile,” he says. “You can shoot from different angles and play with so many compositions. And it looks good when you’re shooting in all types of weather conditions.”

Niagara Falls, Niagara Falls

This is an obvious pick, Persaud knows, but Niagara Falls is iconic for a reason. It’s also the perfect spot for photographers seeking a challenge: “I try to look for something different each time I go,” he says. Instead of focusing on the cascading waters as the centrepiece of your photo, search for different perspectives and details — a snow-covered branch, perhaps — to make your snaps more interesting.

Big Tub Lighthouse, Tobermory

If you closed your eyes and pictured a quintessential lighthouse, you’d probably imagine something that looks a lot like the Bruce Peninsula’s Big Tub: red, white and hexagonal. Originally lit back in 1885, the lighthouse is still active today. “I’d recommend going in the summertime, because once it gets dark you can really see the stars — you might even spot the Milky Way,” Persaud says. “It’s also perfect for sunset or sunrise photos, because the look of the lighthouse changes depending on how the light hits it. It’s a very calming place.”

The Star understands the restrictions on travel during the coronavirus pandemic. But like you, we dream of travelling again, and we’re publishing this story with future trips in mind.