25 Best Sunset Spots in Toronto

As a photographer, I find few things more breathtaking than capturing the perfect sunset.

The city of Toronto provides some of the best opportunities to capture stunning urban sunsets! Because Toronto is located on Lake Ontario, the modern architecture of Toronto’s skyline is a beautiful backdrop for your sunset photos.

As someone who regularly chases sunsets, here is my list of the best sunset spots in Toronto.

Best Sunset Views in Toronto: Quick Guide

✓ Riverdale Park East: Best place to see the sunset in Toronto
✓ Polson Pier: Best unobstructed view of the sunset
✓ Toronto Islands: Favourite Toronto sunset view
✓ HTO Beach: Best downtown sunset view
✓ Scarborough Bluffs: Best place to see the sunset in Scarborough

As a local Torontonian who is always attempting to capture that picture-perfect sunset, here is my list of the best Toronto sunset spots.

Some are classic locations, but there are also some hidden gems worth visiting too!

1. Riverdale Park East

Address: 550 Broadview Ave., Toronto, ON

This is an image of Riverdale Park East at sunset with people relaxing and enjoying the view. The background features a panoramic view of the Toronto skyline with numerous skyscrapers silhouetted against a vibrant sunset sky, painted in shades of orange, yellow, and blue. Trees with autumn foliage add splashes of orange and yellow to the landscape. — Sunset at Riverdale Park

The best place to capture a sunset in Toronto is Riverdale Park East. Every “Best Sunset List” will include Riverdale Park, and I have to agree!

What makes this location so special are the unobstructed views of the skyline from the top of the hill along Broadview Avenue. This large park is easily accessible by public transportation and street parking is available close by.

Bring a blanket and sit on the hill to experience one of the most breathtaking sunset views in Toronto.

2. Polson Pier

Address: 11 Polson St, Toronto, ON

People watching the sunset at Polson Pier in Toronto with the Toronto skyline and CN Tower across Lake Ontario. — Polson Pier at Sunset

Located close to Cherry Beach, Polson Pier is another location that will appear on every list of the best sunset locations in Toronto. Here you will find one of the best unobstructed sunset views of the city.

While this is a great spot to capture a sunset photo, visiting Polson Pier comes with some considerations. It is in an industrial area that is currently undergoing significant construction work and there is no parking.

The pier is essentially a very small path at the bottom of an industrial street in an isolated area of the city. While photographers love this spot, it will take some planning to get the most out of this popular Toronto sunset spot.

☞ See Also: All You Need to Know: Polson Pier Toronto

3. Leuty Lifeguard Station at Woodbine Beach

Address: On Kew-Balmy Beach at the bottom of Leuty Ave.

Sunset behind the iconic Leuty Lifeguard station located near Kew Gardens on Lake Ontario. It is a great view of Toronto, especially at sunset. — Leuty Lifeguard Station

My absolute favourite place to take sunset photos is in the Beaches neighbourhood at the Leuty Lifeguard Station. This iconic beach landmark was built in 1920 and is one of the most photographed landmarks in Toronto.

You can find the Leuty Lifeguard Station on the beach at the bottom of Kew Gardens Park.

You will often find amateur and professional photographers setting up on the beach to capture that perfect sunset (or sunrise) photograph with the lifeguard station in the background. Be sure to say hello to them! The many local beach photographers are always very friendly and happy to share a photography tip or two!

Toronto skyline with a bright orange sunset with Kew Beach and fences in the foreground. — Sunset View from Kew Beach Park beside the Leuty Lifeguard Station

Of course, I also recommend spending the day at Woodbine Beach, visiting one of the many patios on Queen Street, or walking along the wonderful Beaches Boardwalk while you are here.

4. Toronto Islands

Address: Catch the ferry at Toronto Island Ferries, 11 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON

One of the best views in Toronto is the skyline at sunset from the Toronto islands. — Toronto Sunset taken from the Toronto Islands

There are so many things to do in Toronto in Summer, but a visit to the Toronto Islands is at the top of that list! The Toronto Island provide many opportunities to get full, unobstructed view of the city skyline including the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, and the many downtown buildings.

In my opinion, this is the best view of Toronto.

The biggest challenge when visiting this location is getting there. You will need to take a ferry or water taxi to get over to the islands.

But with so many things to do on the Toronto Islands why not spend the whole day there? Pack a picnic, visit Centreville Amusement Park, relax on one Toronto’s best beaches, and then stay for the sunset before catching the ferry home.

5. Leslie Lookout Park

Address: 12 Leslie St, Toronto, ON

Two people sitting on a bench at Leslie Lookout Park, overlooking the Toronto skyline as the sun sets over the port lands. The calm waters of the channel reflect the golden sky, making this one of the best sunset spots in Toronto.

Visitors walking and cycling around the Leslie Lookout Park tower at sunset, with the Toronto skyline visible in the background. The modern structure adds to the park's appeal as a top destination for skyline views and beach access in the port lands.

So you won’t find this park on many Toronto lists because this location just opened to the public in September, 2024! Leslie Lookout Park is the city’s newest hidden gem. This urban park offers stunning views of the Toronto skyline, especially from its 44-foot lookout tower.

Photographers will love framing the skyline through the tower’s unique design, making it a great place for capturing beautiful sunset shots. With its peaceful atmosphere, Leslie Lookout Park is sure to become a favourite for those seeking a new and unique location with sunset views in Toronto.

6. Tommy Thompson Park (Leslie Street Spit)

Address: 1 Leslie St, Toronto, ON

View of the Toronto skyline at Sunset from Tommy Tompson Park. Tommy Tompson Park is one of the best sunset spots in Toronto. — Toronto at Sunset from Tommy Thompson Park

Located in the east end, and just south of Leslie Lookout Park, Tommy Thompson Park extends five kilometres into Lake Ontario and is one of the largest existing natural habitats on the Toronto waterfront.

As you hike or bike through the park, you will catch glimpses of the Toronto skyline all along the trails. There are beautiful lookouts to watch the sunset over the water. About halfway through the park is a floating red bridge that makes for an excellent photo spot!

Tommy Thompson Park is ideal for those who enjoy cycling or hiking through this natural park setting. There is also free parking at the entrance to the park but dogs are not allowed in this natural park.

7. CN Tower

Address: 290 Bremner Blvd., Toronto, ON

Aerial view of Toronto downtown and Ontario Lake from the top of the CN Tower.

If you’re looking for breathtaking views of Toronto, nothing quite compares to watching the sunset from the top of the CN Tower. Standing tall at a staggering 1,815 feet, this architectural wonder was once the world’s tallest free-standing structure.

With panoramic views of the entire city, including Lake Ontario and beyond, the CN Tower offers a view unlike any other. A visit to the CN Tower is still one of my favourite Toronto activities, and it’s definitely worth checking out.

Whether you’re a Toronto local or a visitor to the city, watching the sunset from the top of the CN Tower is a unique experience that you won’t soon forget.

8. Sugar Beach

Address: 11 Dockside Dr, Toronto, ON

5 white Muskoa chairs on Sugar Beach in Toronto under bright pink umbrella on a sunny day.

Located right beside the Redpath Sugar Factory, Sugar Beach is an urban beach park. While it is quite small, it has a number of loungers and umbrellas for visitors to relax and soak up the picturesque view.

It’s the perfect spot to catch both sunrise and sunsets in downtown Toronto. The contrast between the industrial backdrop and the pink umbrellas adds to the appeal. Loungers, umbrellas, and wooden chairs are available for public use.

9. Trillium Park at Ontario Place

Address: 955 Lake Shore Blvd. W, Toronto, ON

Toronto Skyline view including large buildings, the CN Tower, and the Rogers Centre with Lake Ontario in the foreground. — Trillium Park with views of the city

Trillium Park at Ontario Place is an ideal spot to witness a breathtaking sunset with views of the skyline over the lake. It’s not far from the downtown core, making it a great spot to add to your Toronto travel itinerary.

There are plenty of spots to sit and appreciate the scenery. You can even rent a fire pit with seating on large rocks, where you can enjoy spectacular views while roasting marshmallows.

There are plenty of photo opportunities here, so make sure to bring your camera and capture the memorable moments!

10. Ashbridges Bay Park

Address: 10 Ashbridges Bay Park Rd., Toronto, ON

Ashbridges Bay park located near Woodbine Beach in Toronto. View of the boats.

Ashbridges Bay Park is another east-end beach location. Ashbridges Bay is located at the west end of the Beaches neighbourhood and beside Woodbine Beach Park.

With a boardwalk, bike trail, beach volleyball courts, and public parking, this park is a beautiful spot to capture the sun setting over Lake Ontario.

Whether you head here for a relaxing walk at the end of the day or stay for a view of the setting sun after a day of swimming at Woodbine Beach, Ashbridges Bay is a lovely area to capture a Toronto sunset view.

11. Colonel Sam Smith Park

Address: 3145 Lake Shore Blvd. W, Etobicoke, ON

Man stands on a large rock overlooking Lake Ontario with the Toronto skyline in the background on a clear winter day. — Colonel Sam Smith Park

At Colonel Sam Smith Park, the sun sets in a way that will leave you utterly spellbound. This west-end park spans over 200 acres and provides an uninterrupted view of the city’s skyline.

This beautiful park not only offers great photo opportunities, but it also has a dog park, bike paths, and an awesome ice skating trail in the winter.

And if you’re an early riser, don’t forget to catch the sunrise too; it’s equally mesmerizing. So grab a blanket, sit back, and enjoy the picturesque moment the sky presents to you.

12. Budweiser Stage at Ontario Place

Address: 909 Lake Shore Blvd., Toronto, ON

Spectacular sunset over the water at Budweiser Stage in Ontario Place, Toronto. — Sunset view at Budweiser Stage at Ontario Place

You know the summer has arrived in Toronto when the outdoor concert season starts at Budweiser Stage at Ontario Place. It turns out that this is one of the best places to capture a sunset and watch an outdoor summer concert at the same time!

Toronto has a fantastic line-up of summer concerts, and Budweiser Stage is a fun place to catch a show and the setting sun!

13. Silver Birch Beach, Beaches Neighbourhood

Address: Silver Birch Beach is at the bottom of Silver Birch Ave.

Silver Birch park in Toronto's Beaches neighbourhood is one of the best sunset spots in Toronto. Sun is setting over Lake Ontario with the CN Tower in the distance.

Also located in the Beaches neighbourhood, Silver Birch Beach is beside the Balmy Beach Canoe Club and at the bottom of Silver Birch Ave. From this location, the beach and boardwalk stretch out in front of you, with Lake Ontario and the CN Tower in the background.

You may not be aware, but Toronto has some of the best beaches in Ontario, and Silver Birch Beach is just one of them. Located beside Woodbine Beach, it’s easy to make a visit here part of a fun-filled day trip to the beach!

14. Lake Ontario Boat Cruise

Small ferry on Lake Ontario with the Toronto skyline at sunset behind the boat, resulting in a beautiful sunset view of the Toronto skyline at sunset.

While you can see the Toronto sunset from many spots across the city there is something very special about enjoying the sunset while out on the lake.

You can take a short ride on the Toronto Ferry or a water taxi, but you may want to consider taking a sunset boat cruise or a sail on the lake.

A view over the water will give you a whole new appreciation for the Toronto skyline.

15. Cherry Street Bridge South

Address: 242 Cherry St, Toronto, ON

Bright orange sunset in Toronto with a large crane in the foreground and the CN Tower in the background. Taken from the Cherry Street Bridge. — Toronto sunset views from the brand new Cherry Street Bridge

One of the best new places to catch the sunset in Toronto is from the recently constructed Cherry Street bridges located very close to Polson Pier and Cherry Beach.

As part of the Toronto Port Lands redevelopment project, several brand new bridges have opened close to Cherry Street.

Not only are these bridges beautiful, they are pretty cool to walk or cycle across, and on top of that, they offer some spectacular views of the Toronto sunset.

16. HTO Park

Address: 339 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON

The urban HTO Park with yellow umbrellas and the CN Tower and Rogers Centre behind.

The view of the sunset from this park is truly something special. Located on the waterfront, just south of the CN Tower, the park is nestled in the heart of Harbourfront.

Close to the Toronto Music Garden, the park provides an ideal location to relax and enjoy the Toronto water front. It’s also a popular spot to rent a boat, kayak, canoe, or paddle board and capture the sunset from the water.

All in all, HTO Park is a nice place to relax and take a moment to appreciate the beauty of a sunset that you won’t find anywhere else in Toronto.

17. Hanlan’s Point Beach, Toronto Islands

Address: Catch the ferry at Toronto Island Ferries, 11 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON

Hanlan's Point Beach located on the Toronto Islands is one of the best spots to capture a sunset in Toronto — Hanlan’s Point Beach on the Toronto Islands

Looking for the perfect spot to catch a breathtaking sunset in Toronto? Look no further than Hanlan’s Point Beach! Located on the far side of the Toronto Islands, this beach can be easily accessed by taking the Hanlan’s Point ferry in the summer.

It is important to know that as of March 2023, Hanlan’s Point is now completely clothing-optional (previously some parts were clothing-mandatory). So head down to Hanlan’s Point Beach for a sunset experience you really won’t forget!

18. Underground Pass Park

Address: 29 Lower River Street, Toronto, ON

The Distillery District offers some spectacular sunset views with the CN Tower in the distance.

This image captures the Toronto Skyline at dusk, viewed from a pedestrian ramp that winds towards an elevated roadway. Below the overpass, colorful graffiti art adorns the supporting structures, adding a vibrant contrast to the otherwise industrial scene.

Located close to the Distillery District, Underpass Park is a unique urban park located under the Gardiner Expressway in the east end of the city.

From this location you can capture some really interesting views of the Toronto sunset that contrast with the industrial look of the park and underpass.

There’s no shortage of interesting subjects to photograph in this unique neighbourhood, including the graffiti found within the park.

If you’re looking for the perfect spot to capture some unique street photography, Underpass Park and the Distillery District at sunset are great options!

19. Broadview Hotel Rooftop

Address: 106 Broadview Ave., Toronto, ON

The Broadview Hotel is a boutique hotel near the Beaches Toronto.

Located in the trendy and up-and-coming neighbourhood of Leslieville, the Broadview Hotel is conveniently located just 3 km from the beaches, HISTORY music venue, and Woodbine Beach. It is my top pick of hotels to stay in near the Beaches neighbourhood.

The Broadview Hotel has been recently renovated, but perhaps the best feature of the hotel is its rooftop patio. With great views including the CN Tower, the patio is a fun spot to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing.

20. Humber Bay Arch Bridge

Address: Close to Palace Pier Park at 1 Palace Pier Ct., Etobicoke, ON

Humber Bridge with Toronto skyline at sunrise in Toronto, Canada.

As a photographer, one of my favourite spots to capture the perfect shot of a sunset is at the Humber Bay Arch Bridge in Toronto’s west end.

This beautifully built pedestrian bridge stretches 456 feet long and is a part of the Martin Goodman Trail. The bridge’s unique curved arc provides a stunning backdrop to the sun as it dips below the horizon.

Ever since it was built in 1994, the Humber Bay Arch Bridge has been a prime photography spot for both sunrise and sunset views, and it’s no surprise why.

21. Puente de Luz Pedestrian Bridge

Address: 168 Dan Leckie Way, Toronto, ON

The photograph features a picturesque evening scene with a vibrant sunset sky composed of yellow and orange hues above the Toronto skyline. The foreground shows a streetcar on a black steel truss bridge crossing over multiple railway tracks. — Looking west from the Puente de Luz Bridge at sunset.

Puente de Luz is a pedestrian bridge that crosses over the railway tracks located between Bathurst Ave. and Spadina Ave. The bridge is right across the street from Toronto’s newest retail destination, The Well.

The Puente de Luz Pedestrian Bridge at sunset, in Toronto, Ontario.

This public art installation piece, the Puente de Luz, or Bridge of Light, connects the waterfront to the city. This bridge provides a unique view of the city over the busy railway lines. Looking west from the bridge, you will see some spectacular sunset views of the city.

22. Etobicoke Point in Humber Bay Park

Address: 300 Humber Bay Park Rd. W, Etobicoke, ON

There’s no better location to capture a perfect sunset than at Etobicoke Point in Humber Bay Park.

Located in the west end of Toronto, not far from the Humber Bay Arch Bridge, this waterfront park is a beautiful spot to see the sunset on an evening stroll.

23. Bluffers Park, Scarborough

Address: 1 Brimley Rd. S, Scarborough, ON

Kayaking in front of the Scarborough Bluffs in Toronto at sunset.

If you’re in search of an awe-inspiring view in the east end of the city, head on over to the Scarborough Bluffs. This unique natural geological formation, located on the shore of Lake Ontario, and has one of the nicest beaches in Toronto.

It’s not just the stunningly beautiful cliffs that make Scarborough Bluffs a must-visit destination. The surrounding walking trails offer a peaceful environment where you can enjoy a picnic, go for a swim, or just take your dog for a walk. You can experience the stunning sunset over the lake as you walk along the trails.

This is one of the few spots in Scarborough where you will be able to capture some pretty sunset views. Be warned, however, that the Bluffs parking lot fills up quickly on weekends in the summer.

24. Marilyn Bell Park

Address: 1095 Lake Shore Blvd. W, Toronto, ON

Bench on the edge of Lake Ontario overlooking the beach with the Toronto skyline if the distance.

If you’re looking to catch the best sunsets in West Toronto, look no further than Marilyn Bell Park! Named after the first person to ever swim across Lake Ontario, this park is a true gem.

Not only does it offer breathtaking views of the sun setting over the lake, but it also has a lovely boardwalk and a cycling trail. So grab your camera and head on over—you won’t want to miss this magical sunset spot!

25. Harbourfront

Address: 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON

Marina and the downtown skyline at sunset, at Harbourfront in Toronto, Ontario.

Harbourfront is a beautiful area south of the downtown core, right on the shores of Lake Ontario.

It is here that you can catch the ferry over to the Toronto Islands, take a boat cruise on Lake Ontario, or enjoy the waterfront from one of the many patio restaurants or parks scattered along the waterfront trail.

26. Hotel X

Address: 111 Princes’ Blvd., Toronto, ON

W Hotel Toronto overlooking the iconic Toronto skyline, showcasing the CN Tower and waterfront.

Looking for a hotel in downtown Toronto with breathtaking views? Look no further than Hotel X Toronto. With over 30 stories and 400 luxurious rooms, this hotel is one of the most impressive in the city. But what really sets it apart is the gorgeous sunset view it offers.

Hotel X is located on the Exhibition grounds and close to Ontario Place and Trillium Park. For visitors coming to Toronto for the Ontario Honda Indy or the Canadian National Exhibition, Hotel X is in the perfect location.

And if you really want a luxury experience, Hotel X has one of the best hotel rooftop pools in Toronto.

27. BMO Field

Address: 170 Princes’ Blvd., Toronto, ON

Sunset view during Toronto's CNE with rides, food, and crowds.

BMO Field is located in Exhibition Stadium and close to Ontario Place. BMO Field is home to the Toronto FC Soccer Club and the Toronto Argonauts football team. The 2026 FIFA World Cup will also host games at this location.

From the top of the stands, you can capture an epic view of the sunset at the end of the day. So if you have the chance to catch a soccer or football game, be sure to venture to the top and take some time to enjoy the sunset from this high vantage point and capture a great view of Toronto.

Best Toronto Sunset Spots

Toronto has some of the best sunset spots in Ontario, all of which offer truly breathtaking views. Whether it’s high atop the CN Tower, from the shores of the beach, or taking in the view from a rooftop, there are plenty of stunning views to be had.

So if you’re looking for a good place to watch the sun set and take in all the best views of Toronto, then pick one of these top locations from this list of the 25 best sunset spots in Toronto and enjoy!

25 Best Sunset Spots in Toronto