Many Toronto bridges are steeped in urban legend, while newer ones become tourist destinations. Here are five iconic Toronto bridges to cross off your list. 

Prince Edward Viaduct (The Danforth)

The 494-metre truss arch bridge, commonly referred to as the Bloor Viaduct, opened to the public October 18, 1918, connecting Bloor East to Danforth Avenue. The Viaduct, which towers 40 metres above the Don Valley, has figured in the opening of Michael Ondaatje’s novel In the Skin of a Lion and turns up in song lyrics by Bruce Cockburn and the Barenaked Ladies.

ZOOM IN – or rather – up from the bike path below the bridge or, alternatively, from your car on Rosedale Valley Road or your kayak in the Don River.

Queen Street Viaduct (Riverside)

The century-old Queen Street East bridge, which crosses over the Don River just east of downtown, is known for the philosophical slogan that arches over the street: “This river I step in is not the river I stand in.” The quote (meaning “change in life is constant”) was part of a 1996 art installation by artist Eldon Garnet.

ZOOM IN on the bridge from River Street heading east for the best view of the bridge’s artwork.

Puente de Luz (a.k.a. The Yellow Bridge) (Westside)

The stunning, 125-metre bright-yellow pedestrian bridge, designed by Chilean artist Francisco Gazitua, connects the Concord City Place neighbourhood and Front Street West, between Spadina and Bathurst. Built in 2011, Puente de Luz – “the bridge of light” – is popularly known as “the yellow bridge.” It’s cyclist-friendly, too.

ZOOM IN from the Front Street side looking south toward Concord City Place – just as the GO Train passes by to capture the bold yellow-green contrast.

CF Toronto Eaton Centre Bridge (Downtown Yonge)

The stunning twisted glass tube that opened in 2017, stretches above Queen Street, connecting the Hudson’s Bay/Saks Fifth Avenue building to the Eaton Centre. The space-age walkway comprises 200 etched bronze panels and 355 “slumped” glass panels which give the bridge a rectangular look on one end and gently rounded on the other.

ZOOM IN from the Eaton Centre side looking south to capture the dramatic lighting and modern design against the backdrop of the historic Hudson’s Bay building.

Humber Bay Arch Bridge (Humber Bay Shores)

The 139-metre-long Humber Bay Arch Bridge is located at the mouth of the Humber River at Lake Ontario. The pedestrian bridge is along the multi-use Martin Goodman Trail. The Thunderbird design on top of the bridge honours the influence of the Ojibways who traded at this site for 200 years.

ZOOM IN from a vantage spot on the west side of the Humber River, slightly north of the bridge. Sunrise and sunset are especially picturesque times here.