Downtown Toronto may be a maze of office towers and shopping centres, but hidden between all that concrete are some seriously peaceful indoor spaces. Odds are, you either don’t know they exist or walk past them every day without realizing what’s waiting beyond the doors. Here are some of the city’s most scenic, under-the-radar indoor oases worth discovering in Toronto. And the best part is that these hideaways are open to visitors, so you don’t have to buy anything to enjoy them!
Berczy Square
Where: 33 Yonge St.
This massive atrium-style lobby is hidden inside a 13-storey office tower near Front and Yonge, and is filled with greenery, lounge chairs, communal tables and lots of natural light. There’s even a reflecting pool and a vapour-based fire pit, so yeah, very calming, with an almost spa-like atmosphere.
The real centrepiece is the scenic 90-foot-tall digital screen, which displays dreamy artwork that changes in response to real-time data, including Toronto’s weather, the time of day and even local sports games (one display even features a digital tree that grows throughout the day and transforms with the seasons!). It’s just steps from Union Station, the Financial District and St. Lawrence Market, making it the perfect downtown escape to read or catch up on work.
The 401 Lounge, Skywalk and courtyard
Where: 401 Richmond St. W.
This century-old industrial building has been transformed into a massive arts-and-culture hub, but just inside the main entrance, you’ll find the 401 Lounge: a scenic gathering area surrounded by warm brick walls, original wood details and sun-filled windows. It’s a perfect spot to meet up with friends or rest between visits to the building’s galleries and shops.
Then head upstairs because the building gets even dreamier. A glass Skywalk connects the north and south wings, offering views through the historic complex. Bonus: during the colder months, the corridor and nearby hallways become an indoor sanctuary for plants, giving the space warm-weather vibes! Afterward, grab a coffee from Dark Horse Espresso Bar and step outside into the tranquil garden courtyard, where vines climb the historic brick walls.
The MaRS Centre atrium
Where: 101 College St.
The MaRS Centre is North America’s largest innovation hub, but you don’t need to be a scientist to enjoy its public spaces. Four separate buildings are connected by a colossal glass-covered atrium that soars 60 feet high. The bright public space has seating where anyone can open a laptop, read or meet up with a friend. It’s also connected directly to Queen’s Park subway station, so you can reach this indoor escape without spending much time outside on a rainy or freezing day.
The Allen Lambert Galleria at Brookfield Place
Where: 181 Bay St.
You’ve probably seen pics of the Allen Lambert Galleria all over Insta, but experiencing it in person feels completely different.
Head to Brookfield Place: inside, the six-storey pedestrian atrium features a soaring glass ceiling supported by rows of white steel arches. The structure resembles a canopy of towering trees and is often nicknamed Toronto’s “crystal cathedral of commerce!” This is more of a sanctuary for strolling and taking pics (and a gorgeous place to escape the street noise), but there’s also a concourse-level food court below where you can find a seat and grab a bite to eat.
Atrium on Bay (lower-level seating areas)
Where: 595 Bay St.
The Atrium sits just steps from Sankofa Square, but it’s super easy to overlook since most people automatically head to the Eaton Centre. The concourse level offers a cleaner and calmer space to escape the downtown crowds, with a low-key food-court area, tons of seating, free Wi-Fi and charging stations for phones and laptops. The concourse is also connected to the Dundas subway, the PATH and the Eaton Centre, so you don’t even have to step outside to reach this pretty hidden hangout.
