Toronto’s hottest tourist attraction is . . . a tree named Rodney

A random tree in Toronto—yes, a tree—has become an unlikely online sensation, racking up dozens of glowing five-star reviews on Google.

Known affectionately as “Rodney the Tree,” the landmark recently gained viral attention after a screengrab of its Google Maps listing was shared on the subreddit r/MadeMeSmile. The post’s caption: “Someone marked a random tree in Toronto as a tourist attraction – and the reviews are genuinely taking me out,” alongside a handful of screengrabs of the 180 online reviews.

One visitor claimed to have traveled all the way from the U.K. just to see Rodney, who stands proudly on a patch of grass near King Street and Strachan Avenue. “Definitely worth it,” they wrote. “We did the night tour, which I would highly recommend.”

Another reviewer from nine months ago, who “traveled all the way from South Carolina,” described the tree as the “real gem of Toronto,” above the city’s other famous landmarks, notably the CN Tower, Royal Ontario Museum (ROM), and Casa Loma museum. If you are planning a visit to Rodney The Tree, however, be careful not to accidentally view the wrong tree. As one reviewer warned, “there is a similar (but far inferior) imposter nearby.”

The Reddit thread quickly turned into a celebration of other hilariously overhyped attractions, including the now-infamous Bude Tunnel in the U.K. Once ranked No. 4 on TripAdvisor in its area, the tunnel is simply a covered walkway connecting a Sainsbury’s car park to a nearby road. But according to the 1,500-plus reviews, it’s nothing short of life-changing.

One user gushed: “came here with a group of friends as it was known to be a popular destination. Drove from Preston and were not disappointed. Easy 100m long and protects you from the Cornwall sunshine. Considering going back.”

Of course, not everyone was charmed. One unimpressed visitor gave the tunnel a single star: “It’s just a walkway with nothing to see… surely someone is having a joke.”

Not everyone can get in a joke, apparently.

https://www.fastcompany.com/91302880/torontos-hottest-tourist-attraction-is-a-tree-named-rodney?partner=rss&utm_source=rss&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=rss+fastcompany&utm_content=rss