16 Best Sunset Spots in Toronto (Local Favourites)

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I’m always on the hunt for a great sunset. When I travel, I spend hours researching the best places to watch the sunset before I go, and I’ve spent just as much time searching for the best sunset views here at home in Toronto. And the best part? I’ve recently found a new favourite right here in Toronto.

As a Toronto local and photographer, I’ve been to every spot on this list. I’ve watched the sun go down from Toronto’s beaches, waterfront parks, the Islands, and some of the best places to photograph the city skyline.

And Toronto is particularly good for sunsets. Lake Ontario and the city skyline create some incredible views, especially when you find a location where the sun sets behind the CN Tower downtown skyscrapers.

This list includes some of Toronto’s classic sunset locations, along with a few lesser-known places and one of the city’s newest parks, Biidaasige Park. It only recently opened, so you won’t find it on many other lists yet, but it has quickly become my favourite place to watch the sunset in Toronto.

Whether you’re looking for the perfect sunset photo, somewhere to spend a relaxed evening, or simply a great way to end your day, these are the best sunset spots in Toronto I recommend.

16 Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Toronto

1. Biidaasige Park – My Favourite Toronto Sunset Spot

Address: 51 Commissioners St, Toronto, ON

Biidaasige Park may be new, but it has already earned the top spot on this list.

Located near Cherry Street, not far from Toronto’s Distillery District, it’s one of the city’s newest waterfront parks. I’ve already visited several times, and I knew from my first visit that this spot was something special.

The biggest reason is the view. From the promenade along the water and an event lawn, you get an unobstructed view of the Toronto skyline across the water. I have been here a couple of times at sunset and it’s truly stunning as the sun begins to set behind the CN Tower and the downtown buildings.

There’s also plenty of space to make an evening of it. Bring a picnic and a blanket, walk or cycle along the waterfront, explore the public art, or simply find a spot on the grass and enjoy the sunset. I’ve seen lots of people arrive with takeout and settle in for the evening. 

One thing to keep in mind is that there aren’t any cafés or snack bars in the park, so I recommend bringing your own food and drinks. Cherry Street BBQ is nearby and is also an excellent option if you want to pick up something before heading into the park.

Biidaasige Park has now replaced Polson Pier as my favourite sunset location in Toronto. You get a similar skyline view, but with a beautiful waterfront park where you can actually spend a few hours before sunset.

Local Tip: Arrive well before sunset and walk through the 10 acres of waterfront parkland. It is completely free to visit, and there is plenty to explore while you wait for the sun to go down.

2. Riverdale Park East – Classic Toronto Sunset Spot

Address: 550 Broadview Ave., Toronto, ON

Riverdale Park East is one of the most popular places to watch the sunset in Toronto. You’ll find it on almost every “best sunset” list, and I have to agree that it deserves a spot near the top.

What makes this location so special is the unobstructed view of the Toronto skyline from the top of the hill along Broadview Avenue. It’s especially popular around sunset, especially on warm summer evenings, but the park is large enough that you can usually find somewhere to sit.

This is also one of my favourite free places to visit in Toronto and one of the most reliable sunset spots throughout the year. I think it’s particularly beautiful in the fall, when you can see the changing leaves in the Don Valley below paired with the sunset and skyline.

I also have lots of memories of coming here with my kids in the winter. We would go sledding down the hill and then stay to watch the sunset together.

There are limited benches at the top, so I recommend bringing a blanket and finding a spot on the hill. The park is easy to reach by public transit, and street parking is available nearby.

Local Tip: Arrive a little before sunset so you can find a good spot on the hill. For photographers, you’ll want to position yourself where you can capture the skyline as the sky changes behind it.

3. Toronto Islands – Iconic Toronto Skyline Sunsets

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

There are so many things to do in Toronto in summer, but a visit to the Toronto Islands is always near the top of my list.

The Islands offer several places to watch the sunset with full, unobstructed views of the Toronto skyline, including the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, and downtown skyscrapers.

In my opinion, this is the best view of Toronto. You have Lake Ontario in the foreground, boats and ferries crossing the harbour, and even planes coming and going from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. Add the colours of the sunset behind the skyline and it’s one of my favourite views to photograph.

Some of my favourite sunset locations on the Toronto Islands include Hanlan’s Point, Olympic Island, Sunfish Cut Viewpoint, and Deenie & Freda’s Garden on Ward’s Island. Hanlan’s Point is particularly good if you want a more open view, although keep in mind that Hanlan’s Point Beach is clothing-optional.

The biggest challenge is getting to the Islands. You’ll need to take a ferry or water taxi, but I recommend making a full day of it. Pack a picnic, visit Centreville Amusement Park, relax at one of Toronto’s best beaches, and explore some of the many things to do on the Toronto Islands before staying for sunset.

And don’t leave as soon as the sun goes down. Stay for blue hour when the lights of the Toronto skyline begin to come on – it’s one of the best times for photos.

Local Tip: I prefer the Toronto Islands for sunset during the warmer months. Many island amenities are seasonal, and it can be extremely cold and windy along the waterfront in winter. Be sure to check the return ferry schedule before settling in for sunset.

4. CIBC Square Elevated Park – Hidden Downtown Sunset Spot

Address: 81 Bay St., Toronto, ON

If you’re looking for a hidden sunset spot right in downtown Toronto, head up to the newly opened elevated park at CIBC Square.

This one-acre park sits four storeys above the railway corridor beside Union Station and is free and open to the public. It feels like a hidden gem in the middle of downtown, offering a quiet place to sit just steps from Union Station and Scotiabank Arena.

The park faces west, giving you a direct view toward the CN Tower, Fairmont Royal York and the surrounding downtown skyscrapers. There are plenty of places to sit, and around sunset, the changing light against the skyline makes this a particularly pretty place to take a break.

I discovered this spot one evening while waiting for my GO train and couldn’t believe I hadn’t been up there before. Instead of waiting inside Union Station, I sat in the park and watched the sunset over the city. There was also security around during my visit, and I felt very comfortable being there on my own.

It’s easy to access from downtown. Just follow the signs for The Park at CIBC Square and take the stairs or elevator up.

Local Tip: If you have some time before a train from Union Station, this is a much nicer place to wait. The park has set opening hours, so check before visiting, particularly if you’re planning to come for a later sunset.

5. Polson Pier – Unobstructed Sunset Views

Address: 11 Polson St, Toronto, ON

Located close to Cherry Beach and Biidaasige Park, Polson Pier is another location that appears on almost every list of the best sunset spots in Toronto.

Before Biidaasige Park opened, this was one of my favourite places to get unobstructed sunset views of the city without having to travel to the Toronto Islands. The sun sets behind the Toronto skyline, making it a particularly good location for photography.

I especially like Polson Pier in the winter. Seeing Lake Ontario frozen with the colours of the sunset reflecting off the ice can make for some incredible views and photos.

The challenge, however, is that the pier is essentially a small waterfront path at the end of an industrial street in a fairly isolated area of the city. There is also no parking directly at the pier.

Photographers still love this spot, and the skyline views are excellent, but it takes a little more planning than some of the other Toronto sunset locations on this list. If you’re simply looking for somewhere to relax and watch the sunset, I now prefer nearby Biidaasige Park.

☞ Interested in this popular sunset spot? Find all the details you need to know to play a visit in my Polson Pier Toronto Guide.

6. The Beaches – Best Sunset Spot for Beach Photography

Address: The Beaches waterfront stretches from Ashbridges Bay Park through Woodbine and Kew-Balmy beaches to Silver Birch Beach.

I’m a little biased because I live in the Beaches neighbourhood, but there are few things I enjoy more than walking along the Beaches Boardwalk at sunset.

There are several great sunset locations along this stretch of Toronto’s waterfront, including Ashbridges Bay Park, Woodbine Beach, the Leuty Lifeguard Station, and Silver Birch Beach. You can walk along the boardwalk and choose your spot depending on the view you want.

My personal favourite for sunset photography is the Leuty Lifeguard Station at Kew-Balmy Beach. Built in 1920, this iconic red and white station is one of the most recognizable landmarks in the neighbourhood and makes a fantastic foreground for sunset photos. You’ll often see both amateur and professional photographers setting up on the beach here around sunset.

For a different view, head west to Ashbridges Bay Park, where you can watch the sun set over the water, or walk east toward Silver Birch Beach. From here, the beach and boardwalk stretch out in front of you with Lake Ontario and the CN Tower in the distance.

One of the best things about watching the sunset in the Beaches is that you can easily make an evening of it. Spend the day at Woodbine Beach, grab something to eat on Queen Street, and then walk along the boardwalk as the sun goes down.

Local Tip: If photography is your priority, start around the Leuty Lifeguard Station. I’ve photographed plenty of sunsets here, and having the lifeguard station, beach and lake in the frame gives you more interesting compositions than the sunset alone.

7. CN Tower – Best Sunset Views from Above

Address: 290 Bremner Blvd., Toronto, ON

You can’t come to Toronto without considering a visit to the CN Tower, so why not time your visit with the sunset?

The CN Tower is one of those Toronto landmarks that locals sometimes skip because it has always been there. But I think that’s a mistake. On a clear day, the panoramic views over downtown Toronto and Lake Ontario are genuinely hard to beat.

Late afternoon into sunset is my favourite time to visit. You can see the city in daylight, watch the sky change during golden hour and sunset, and then stay as the lights begin to come on across Toronto.

Another option is to make dinner part of the experience. Members of my Toronto travel Facebook group have recommended booking dinner at the revolving 360 Restaurant and timing your reservation around sunset. As the restaurant rotates, you get changing views of the city and Lake Ontario while the sun goes down.

Unlike most of the sunset locations on this list, you’re looking down on Toronto rather than toward the skyline. That makes watching the sunset from the CN Tower a completely different experience – and one worth planning around.

Local Tip: Check the sunset time for the day of your visit and book your CN Tower entry or dinner reservation in advance. I recommend arriving before golden hour rather than right at sunset so you can experience the changing views.

8. Trillium Park at Ontario Place – Sunset Reflections and Skyline Views

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

If you’re staying downtown, Trillium Park at Ontario Place is another great spot to watch a Toronto sunset. It’s a beautiful waterfront park with plenty of places to sit and enjoy views across Lake Ontario and toward the city skyline.

The view here is a little different from places like Riverdale Park or the Toronto Islands. You’re looking east toward downtown, so the sun doesn’t set directly behind the CN Tower. Instead, the evening light reflects off the downtown buildings and skyscrapers, and you get a great view of the CN Tower and Rogers Centre from the west.

Trillium Park is not far from the downtown core, making it an easy addition to a Toronto travel itinerary. There are walking and cycling paths along the waterfront and plenty of spots where you can stop to enjoy the sunset.

It’s also a great location for photography. I particularly like that you can include the lake, shoreline and Toronto skyline in your photos rather than just photographing the sunset itself.

Local Tip: Stay a little after sunset. As the sky gets darker, you can photograph the downtown buildings and CN Tower as the city lights begin to come on.

9. Tommy Thompson Park (Leslie Street Spit) – Best for Nature Lovers

Address: 1 Leslie St, Toronto, ON

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

I like to come here when I really want to escape the city. It’s quiet and peaceful, with plenty of wildlife and trails surrounded by nature – but you can still catch views of the Toronto skyline in the distance.

As you hike or bike through the park, you’ll find several lookouts where you can stop and watch the sunset over the water. About halfway into the park, there’s also a floating red bridge that makes an excellent photo spot, especially around sunset.

Tommy Thompson Park is particularly good for anyone who enjoys cycling, hiking or birding and wants to combine that with watching the sunset. I always bring my bike when I visit because it’s quite a long walk from the entrance to some of the best viewpoints.

There is free parking near the entrance to the park, but keep in mind that dogs are not permitted in this natural area.

Local Tip: Bring a bike if you can. You’ll be able to explore much more of the park and find your sunset spot without facing a long walk back after the sun goes down.

10. Leslie Lookout Park – A Hidden Gem

Address: 12 Leslie St, Toronto, ON

If you’re looking for a great Toronto sunset spot without the crowds, Leslie Lookout Park is one of my favourite hidden gems.

Located in Toronto’s east end the park only opened in September 2024, so you still won’t find it on many lists of the best sunset locations in Toronto. It’s also far less busy than popular spots like Riverdale Park East.

The highlight is the 44-foot lookout tower, which offers excellent views of the Toronto skyline. Photographers can also use the tower’s unique design to frame the skyline, making it a fun location to experiment with different sunset compositions.

The park itself is relatively small, but that’s part of what I like about it. You can walk up to the lookout, enjoy the views, and watch the sunset without the crowds you’ll find at some of Toronto’s better-known sunset spots.

Local Tip: Bring your camera and experiment with photographing the skyline through the openings in the lookout tower. It’s one of the things that makes sunset photos from this location a little different.

11. Humber Bay Park – Classic West-End Sunset Views

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

Humber Bay Park is one of my favourite places to photograph the sunset in Toronto’s west end. With Lake Ontario, waterfront trails and the Toronto skyline in the distance, there are plenty of different spots to stop and enjoy the view.

The park extends out into Lake Ontario, so I recommend walking toward the end of the peninsula to find a spot along the water. From here, you can watch the sunset while looking back toward the city skyline.

Nearby, the Humber Bay Arch Bridge is another one of my favourite photography spots. This pedestrian and cycling bridge crosses the mouth of the Humber River and is part of the Martin Goodman Trail. Its large curved arch creates a completely different sunset composition, especially if you position yourself so the bridge frames the evening sky.

I like this area because you don’t have to choose just one viewpoint. You can walk or cycle along the waterfront, explore Humber Bay Park and then make your way toward the bridge as the sun begins to go down.

Local Tip: Bring your camera and give yourself some time to walk around before sunset. The shoreline, Toronto skyline and Humber Bay Arch Bridge all give you different photo opportunities, so it’s worth exploring rather than staying in one spot.

12. Harbourfront – Sunset Views Along Lake Ontario

Address: 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON

If you’re staying downtown, Harbourfront is one of the easiest places to watch the sunset in Toronto. You can walk along the shores of Lake Ontario, relax in one of the waterfront parks, or get out on the water for a completely different view.

One of my favourite places to stop is HTO Park, located just south of the CN Tower. Similar to Sugar Beach, this small urban beach has plenty of places to sit and is right along the waterfront trail. The nearby Toronto Music Garden is another lovely spot to explore before sunset.

But if you want to make your Toronto sunset a little more memorable, I recommend watching it from the water.

A sunset harbour cruise takes you out onto Lake Ontario, where you can watch the sun go down while enjoying unobstructed views of the Toronto skyline from the water. It’s a completely different perspective than you get from downtown and one of the best ways to see the city skyline as the lights begin to come on.

You can also take a ferry or water taxi for a shorter trip across the harbour, but if you have the time, I think a dedicated sunset cruise is worth considering.

→ Book a Toronto sunset harbour cruise and watch the city light up from the water.

13. Toronto Rooftop Bars – Watch the Sunset with a Drink

If you’d rather watch the sunset with a cocktail in hand, Toronto has several rooftop bars where you can enjoy the changing sky along with some pretty impressive city views.

One of my favourites is the Broadview Hotel Rooftop in Toronto’s east end. From the rooftop, you get a fantastic view looking back toward downtown Toronto and the CN Tower. It’s a great option if you’re exploring Leslieville or the Beaches and want to end the day with drinks and a sunset view.

On the west side of downtown, Valerie at Hotel X Toronto offers a completely different perspective. Its rooftop location near the Exhibition grounds gives you views across Lake Ontario and toward the city, making it particularly well positioned for an evening around sunset.

For a downtown option, KŌST at the Bisha Hotel is another one to consider. Located high above the Entertainment District, its rooftop patio has views of the surrounding skyscrapers and CN Tower, giving you more of a downtown Toronto atmosphere as the sun goes down.

Whichever you choose, I recommend making a reservation and timing it for before sunset. That way, you can settle in with a drink, enjoy golden hour and stay as the city lights begin to come on.

Local Tip: Check the sunset time before making your reservation and aim to arrive about 30–45 minutes beforehand. Rooftop patios can be especially popular on warm summer evenings.

14. Bluffer’s Park – Sunset Views at the Scarborough Bluffs

Address: 1 Brimley Rd. S, Scarborough, ON

If you’re looking for a sunset spot in Scarborough, Bluffer’s Park offers a completely different setting from the Toronto skyline views found at many of the locations on this list.

Located at the base of the Scarborough Bluffs, this waterfront park is surrounded by the dramatic cliffs of the Bluffs and has one of my favourite beaches in Toronto.

Here, you’re looking out across Lake Ontario with open water in front of you rather than the downtown skyline. The sun sets behind the Bluffs, so I like this location more for the combination of the evening light, cliffs, beach and lake than for a direct view of the sun dropping below the horizon.

There’s also plenty to do before sunset. Walk along the waterfront trails, spend some time at Bluffer’s Beach, or bring a picnic and make an afternoon of your visit.

Bluffer’s Park is a bit of a drive from downtown Toronto, but the setting is completely different from what you’ll find closer to the city centre.

Local Tip: Parking at Bluffer’s Park fills up very quickly on summer weekends. If you’re driving, arrive well before sunset so you have time to find parking and explore the waterfront before choosing a spot to watch the sky change.

15. Colonel Samuel Smith Park – Sunset Views in Etobicoke

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

If you’re looking for a sunset spot in Toronto’s west end, Colonel Samuel Smith Park is a great option. This large waterfront park stretches out into Lake Ontario, with walking and cycling trails and plenty of places to stop and enjoy the views.

The park feels much more removed from the downtown core than many of the sunset locations on this list. You’ll find waterfront views, wildlife and natural areas, with the Toronto skyline visible in the distance.

It’s also a great park to visit year-round. There’s an off-leash dog area, cycling and walking paths, and one of my favourite outdoor skating trails in Toronto during the winter.

And if you’re an early riser, Colonel Samuel Smith Park is worth considering for sunrise too. Its location on Lake Ontario gives photographers plenty of opportunities at both ends of the day.

Local Tip: Give yourself some time to explore before sunset. This is a large park, and walking farther out toward the lake will give you more options for finding a quiet spot and choosing your favourite composition.

16. Puente de Luz – Best for Urban Sunset Photography

Address: 168 Dan Leckie Way, Toronto, ON

If you want to combine an urban landscape with your sunset photos, Puente de Luz offers a completely different view from Toronto’s beaches and waterfront parks.

Puente de Luz, or “Bridge of Light,” is a pedestrian bridge that crosses over the railway tracks between Bathurst Avenue and Spadina Avenue. This public art installation connects the downtown neighbourhoods to the waterfront and is located just across the street from The Well.

Looking west from the bridge, you can watch the sun set over the railway corridor, with train tracks, condo towers and city buildings stretching out in front of you. It’s a much more urban sunset view and a fun location for photographers looking for something a little different.

Local Tip: This is an easy sunset spot to add to an evening downtown. Visit The Well first, then walk over to Puente de Luz around sunset and continue south toward the waterfront afterwards.

17. Sugar Beach – Urban Sunset Spot in Downtown Toronto

Address: 11 Dockside Dr, Toronto, ON

Located beside the Redpath Sugar Refinery, Sugar Beach is a small urban beach and an easy place to watch the sunset if you’re already exploring downtown Toronto.

The white sand and iconic pink umbrellas make this one of Toronto’s most photogenic waterfront parks. Add the industrial backdrop of the sugar refinery and you have a sunset location that looks quite different from the other spots on this list.

There are loungers, umbrellas and wooden chairs available for public use, so it’s an easy place to sit back and enjoy the waterfront as the sun goes down.

Just keep in mind that Sugar Beach is more of an urban beach than a traditional Toronto beach. You can’t swim here – it’s really designed for lounging, people-watching and enjoying the waterfront.

Local Tip: Sugar Beach is best if you’re already downtown and want an easy sunset stop without travelling across the city. Grab one of the pink chairs, relax by the water and stay as the waterfront lights begin to come on.

Where Is the Best Place to Watch the Sunset in Toronto?

Toronto has no shortage of great places to watch the sunset, whether you want skyline views, a quiet spot along Lake Ontario, or a rooftop where you can enjoy the view with a drink.

After visiting all of these sunset spots myself, Biidaasige Park is my current favourite. I love the unobstructed view of the Toronto skyline and the fact that you can bring a picnic, walk along the waterfront, and make an entire evening of it.

For a classic Toronto sunset, you also can’t go wrong with Riverdale Park East or the Toronto Islands. And if photography is your priority, Humber Bay, the Beaches and Polson Pier all offer completely different views to capture.

Whichever location you choose, check the sunset time, arrive a little early, and stay after the sun goes down. Some of the best views happen during blue hour, when the sky still has some colour and the lights of the Toronto skyline begin to come on.

Related Toronto Posts

If you are looking for more interesting things to see and do around Toronto, visit one of these related posts.

• Toronto Travel Guide for First-Time Visitors
• Visit the Beaches Neighbourhood in Toronto
• Is Toronto Worth Visiting?
• Best Time to Visit Toronto – A Seasonal Guide
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