‘Random’ Tree in Toronto Becomes Viral Tourist Attraction

A “random tree” in Toronto, Canada, that’s getting five-star reviews after it was labeled a tourist attraction has taken the internet by storm.

A screengrab of an online listing of “Rodney The Tree” was shared in a post on Reddit by a user called u/waitingforthesun92. The post has amassed 9,300 upvotes and dozens of comments since it was shared on March 15.

A caption shared with the post, which features screenshots of online reviews left by visitors on the Google maps listing, says: “Someone marked a random tree in Toronto as a tourist attraction – and the reviews are genuinely taking me out.”

The first image in the post shows what appears to be an online listing of “Rodney The Tree,” which is set on a patch of grass on a street. The listing has 180 reviews with an average star rating of 4.9. A “tourist attraction” label shown just below the rating includes a note saying it is “open 24 hours.”

A highlighted review in the listing says: “Visiting Rodney The Tree with my friends was an unforgettable experience.”

The remaining pictures in the Reddit post show screengrabs of several online reviews, each with a five-star rating, that were left by purported visitors from as far back as a year ago, such as one reviewer who wrote: “Rodney the tree is a must see for any trip to Canada! Just remember to reserve far in advance. Wait time: 1hr+. Reservation recommended: Yes.”

Another reviewer from nine months ago, who “traveled all the way from South Carolina” in the United States, described the “life-changing” tree as the “real gem of Toronto,” above the city’s other famed attractions such as the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), and Casa Loma museum.

The reviewer went on: “Having made this sacred pilgrimage, we are now transformed souls, forever endeavoring to be kinder, more compassionate, and understanding. The whispered lessons of Rodney resonate within us and we will carry forth in our lives changed for the better from this visit to Rodney.”

One visitor from five months ago, who claimed to have traveled from the United Kingdom to see Rodney The Tree, said it was “definitely worth it,” noting, “We did the night tour, which I would highly recommend.”

Another reviewer from a year ago, who said their visit was a “glorious and life-altering experience,” hilariously warned visitors to “be careful not to view the wrong tree, as there is a similar (but far inferior) imposter nearby.”

The viral post comes as tourism was reported to have driven $8.8 billion into Toronto’s economy in 2024, marking the highest level of visitor spending ever recorded in the city, according to a year-end report from Destination Toronto, the city’s tourism organization.

The city welcomed 2.7 million international visitors last year, which is a 7 percent increase on the year before, with strong performance from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany. Travelers from abroad accounted for 30 percent of total visitors and 38 percent of all visitor spending in 2024, the report found.

‘Genius’

Viewers on Reddit were amused by the unlikely Toronto tourist attraction highlighted in the Reddit post.

U/AvocadoSparrow said: “Everybody loves Rodney The Tree! 5 stars all around.”

Meanwhile, u/lingfromTO wrote: “I’m from Toronto. lol didn’t even know this was a thing… will go on my recommend list.”

U/Moakmeister said: “The best one is the fourth image. Warning of an imposter nearby. Genius.”

U/magicgirl69x wrote: “I’m rooting for this tree to become the #1 attraction in Toronto.”

U/MisterSneakSneak noted: “I’m glad Rodney is getting the attention it deserves.”

Newsweek has contacted the original poster for comment via the Reddit messaging system as well as Destination Toronto and the Toronto Tourist Information Centre for comment via email.