Someone marked a random Toronto tree as a tourist attraction — and the reviews are pure gold

We have all heard of landmarks drawing crowds, whether they are historic monuments, natural wonders, or cultural icons. However, there is one unconventional landmark in Toronto, Canada, that is giving traditional tourist hotspots some unexpected competition. A seemingly random tree dubbed "Rodney The Tree" has been marked as a tourist attraction on Google Maps, and the internet is fully embracing its newfound fame. u/waitingforthesun92 shared a post highlighting Rodney's Google reviews.

"Someone marked a random tree in Toronto as a tourist attraction—and the reviews are genuinely taking me out,” the post's caption read. The listing boasts an impressive 4.9-star rating with glowing testimonials from visitors who claim to have made dedicated trips to see Rodney in person. One reviewer enthusiastically noted, "Traveled from the UK to visit Rodney, and it was definitely worth it! Easy access via public transport, easy to find, and the staff were most helpful! We did the night tour, which I would highly recommend."

Another visitor who journeyed from South Carolina, USA, described the experience in poetic terms. "Standing with my family in its glorious shade, we felt at one with the earth and the universe, embracing Rodney's welcoming arms. Having made this sacred pilgrimage, we are now transformed souls, forever endeavoring to be kinder, more compassionate, and understanding," they wrote.

Reviewers have gone as far as warning newcomers about impostors, with one review sarcastically cautioning, "We walked 40 minutes to view Rodney the Tree. It was a glorious and life-altering experience. Be careful not to view the wrong tree, as there is a similar (but far inferior) imposter nearby." Another reviewer wrote, "Rodney the Tree is a must-see for any trip to Canada! Just remember to reserve far in advance." The review even listed a wait time of over an hour. The enthusiasm for Rodney was equally celebrated among Reddit users. u/Moakmeister called attention to the imposter warning, saying, "The best one is the fourth image: warning of an imposter nearby. Genius."

u/magicgirl69x added, "I’m rooting for this tree to become the #1 attraction in Toronto." u/PinkyLeopard2922 mused, "I wonder if the people who live in the houses behind Rodney know about his fame or they just scratch their heads trying to figure out why people come to take pictures there." The banter continued with u/UncleHec noting, "I’d like to know what son of a b*** didn’t give Rodney 5 stars," to which u/Jaded_Houseplant replied, "I’m guessing it was someone who mistook the imposter for Rodney, so couldn’t appreciate Rodney’s full glory." u/Smokinlizardbreath shared a similar story, writing, "My cousin marked my Gran’s old house as a tourist attraction when she lived there. We all loved checking in and raving about her popcorn balls and flapper pie."

Others recalled similar places the tree reminded them of. u/RedditUser_YYZ noted, "This reminds me of that tree in Lisbon. I ventured through numerous narrow alleyways to find it. When I finally arrived, I couldn't help but laugh. The day wasn't wasted, though—the tree led me to a less touristy spot in Lisbon." u/Skeletorfw added, "This reminds me very much of Turbo Island in Bristol. A 'charming' 'community art space,' 'social area' and 'center of culture.' Genuinely a cultural touchstone to those who have lived in Bristol."