Toronto Views: Best Spots for Skyline Photography

I love my city, and there is nothing better than coming across that perfect spot to admire the Toronto Skyline with the iconic CN Tower dominating the view. 

27 Best Toronto Skyline Views

There are many incredible spots in Toronto, Canada and in this post I’m going to share where to take pictures of the Toronto skyline. I will share my personal favourites as well as some hidden gems.

So grab your camera and keep reading to find the best view of the Toronto skyline! 

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Toronto Skyline Views in Downtown

Downtown Toronto has so much to offer visitors to Toronto. With the major attractions such as the CN Tower, the Royal Ontario Museum, and the Art Gallery of Toronto, there’s so much to see and do in this area. Here are the best views in Toronto from the downtown core.

1. Toronto Islands

Address: Ferry Terminal, 11 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON

The Toronto Islands are considered by most to be the best place to see Toronto skyline in any season. If you choose to visit the Toronto Islands you will be rewarded with many varied and fantastic views from a variety of spots.

This is also one of the best locations to capture the Toronto skyline at night.

The first view is from the Toronto Islands Ferry. As you hop on the ferry over to the Islands, you will be greeted with stunning city views. Be sure to head to the second level of the ferry and the back of the boat to get the best perspective.

Once you are on the islands, Centre Island and Ward’s Island offer a more traditional view of the Toronto skyline. Both are excellent locations to capture that picture-perfect sunset view with the CN Tower and Roger’s Centre appearing in the background! 

Ward’s Island is less crowded than Centre Island and has some hidden spots including Sunfish Cut viewpoint, Freda’s Garden & Beach and the Centre Island pier that are worth visiting.

For views of the Toronto skyline, a trip to the Toronto Islands is definitely one of your best options!

2. CN Tower  

Address: 290 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON

Most pictures of Toronto feature the iconic CN Tower. It has dominated the Toronto skyline since it was built in 1973. Once the largest free-standing building in the world, the CN Tower still offers the best 360 panoramic view of Toronto from a height of 346 metres. 

With floor-to-ceiling windows on the main observation deck, you will be impressed with the views from the top. With panoramic views of Lake Ontario, you can see the Toronto Islands, the new TD Tower, Scotia Bank Area, and more! On a clear day, the view from the top is pretty spectacular.

☞ Read More: Is the CN Tower Worth Visiting?

3. Trillium Park

Address: 955 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto, ON

Trillium Park is near Exhibition Place and right on the waterfront. The park has numerous places where you can relax and take in the beautiful surroundings. You also have the option to rent a fire pit, overlooking fantastic views of the city’s skyline.

In my opinion, this is the best place to see the Toronto skyline if you don’t want to visit the Toronto Islands.

4. Toronto Harbourfront

Address: 235 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON

The Toronto waterfront offers some of the most picturesque views of the Toronto skyline. As you stroll along the water’s edge, you can look north and you can see the CN Tower framed by Toronto’s downtown buildings. 

There are a few spots to capture great views of the skyline including Music Garden, HTO Park, Ireland Park, and Harbourfront Centre. 

5. Harbour Boat Cruise

Of course if you are visiting Toronto in the summer, I highly recommend taking one of the harbour cruises from the waterfront.

Not only are these fun and interesting, you will get some fantastic unobstructed views of the Toronto downtown skyline. Personally, I find a sunset cruise to be particularly spectactular!

There are several harbour cruise options that you can easily catch at Queen’s Quay on the waterfront.

6. Budweiser Stage at Ontario Place

Address: 909 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto, ON

At one time Ontario Place was open to the public, but due to recent renovations, the area is only accessible if you are attending an outdoor summer concert at Budweiser Stage. 

If you do find yourself at an event there and you’re looking for an interesting spot to capture the Toronto skyline. Head to the far west end of the venue and you’ll see a pretty view of the CN Tower.

Another option is to go to the far west top corner of the lawn section where you’ll get a cool view of the fans as well the iconic CN Tower.

7. Exhibition Place

Address: 210 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto, ON

Exhibition Place is a 192-acre site on Toronto’s waterfront. It is home to BMO Field, Hotel X and several historical buildings.

Exhibition Place hosts hundreds of events each year, including the Toronto Honda Indy in July and the Canadian National Exhibition at the end of August.

There are several spots within Exhibition Place that offer some great views of Toronto. From Princes’ Blvd, you can see parts of the Toronto skyline framed by the historic Princes’ Gates. 

If you are in Toronto during the last two weeks of the summer, you must spend a day at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)! I have been going every year since I can remember and it is one of Toronto’s most memorable summer activities.

The midway is one of the most interesting places to snap that iconic Toronto picture. The CNE SkyRide Gondola takes riders over the midway providing very cool views of the city. 

Other great spots within the Exhibition Grounds include views from BMO Field, home of the Toronto Argonauts and Toronto FC Soccer Club and from the stands of the Honda Indy.

8. Hotel X Toronto by Library Hotel Collection

Address: 111 Princes’ Blvd, Toronto, ON

Hotel X provides a luxurious experience complemented by scenic views from its rooftop bar and lounge. The view of Toronto’s skyline is especially breathtaking as the sun sets. This hotel also has one of the best rooftop pools in Toronto.

You do not need to be a guest of the hotel to appreciate the views, you can make a reservation at the rooftop bar and restaurant, Valerie. This stylish spot is perfect for an evening cocktail while watching the city lights come alive.

9. Sheraton Centre Toronto Hotel 

Address: 123 Queen St W, Toronto, ON

The Sheraton Centre Hotel, located high up in the heart of downtown, is ideal for guests who enjoy a view from their hotel room. The Sheraton Hotel is my number one recommended hotel in Toronto due to its location, quality, and value for money.

The last time I stayed here, I had a great room with a view of the iconic Toronto sign located right across the street at Nathan Phillips’ Square.

10. Baldwin Steps at Casa Loma

Address: 486 Davenport Rd, Toronto, ON

Right beside Casa Loma you’ll discover one of Toronto’s finest vantage points for skyline views. The Baldwin Steps provide a clear line of sight down Spadina Avenue, stretching all the way to Lake Ontario.

This location is a popular with both locals and visitors, and is one of my favourite places to see Toronto’s fall colours. If you’re touring the city, you’ll also find that the Toronto sightseeing bus conveniently stops at Casa Loma, making this scenic overlook easily accessible.

Toronto Skyline Views: West End

In Toronto, everything west of Yonge Street is considered the “west end”. Some of these spots are just a few blocks from the downtown core, while others are a little further west and close to Etobicoke.

All of them offer great views of the city skyline, and are particularly great for sunrise photos.

11. Sir Isaac Brock Bridge (Bathurst Bridge)

Address: 9 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON

Sir Isaac Brock Bridge, also referred to as the Bathurst Bridge, offers another unique angle of the Toronto skyline. This old, steel bridge overlooking the train tracks offers a unique view of the CN Tower, Rogers Centre and the city buildings.

This location is another favourite with photographers as the streetcar crosses the bridge, allowing for an iconic Toronto picture. I particularly love this spot of the Toronto skyline at night.

12. Canoe Landing Park

Address: 95 Fort York Blvd, Toronto, ON

Canoe Landing Park is an 8 acre park located near Fort York Boulevard and Dan Leckie Way, close to the Bentway, Historic Fort York, and not far from Stakt Market. The park was built as part of the Concord CityPlace development and opened to the public in 2009.

Here at Canoe Landing, you can capture a unique perspective of the skyline, and one of the less photographed views of the city.

The park features an off-leash dog park, the Terry Fox Miracle Mile monument, and a children’s playground. The iconic Red Canoe sculpture provides an up close view of the Gardiner Expressway.

13. Puente de Luz Pedestrian Bridge

Address: Puente de Luz, Toronto, ON

Puente de Luz is a pedestrian bridge that spans the railway tracks between Bathurst Ave. and Spadina Ave. Directly across from Toronto’s newest retail space, The Well, this bridge is a significant public art installation known as the Bridge of Light.

It serves as a link between the waterfront and the city, offering a distinctive perspective of the Toronto skyline above the busy railway lines. This spot is excellent for viewing the city’s architectural contours from an elevated vantage point.

14. Strachan Avenue 

Address: Strachan Avenue at Wellington Street West

If you are visiting the west end of Toronto, after you have enjoyed the cherry blossoms in Trinity Bellwoods Park, walk south along Strachan Avenue. As you cross over the railway tracks at Wellington Street West you will come across a unique view of the Toronto skyline. 

From this location you will see the Garrison Crossing Bridge in front of the Toronto skyscrapers and the CN Tower. 

15. Garrison Crossing Bridge

Address: 10 Ordnance St, Toronto, ON

Another great spot in the west end, Another lovely spot with a great view of Downtown Toronto and its skyline. Garrison Crossing will take you from the Bentway and Fort York into Liberty Village. From the bridge, you will be rewarded with another excellent view of the CN Tower over the railway tracks. 

It’s a fantastic location for capturing the sunrise, and it’s equally stunning at night and during the blue hour.

16. Humber Bay Park West

Address: 2225 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto, ON

Located on the shores of Lake Ontario in Toronto’s west end, Humber Bay Park offers breathtaking views of the city’s skyline looking across the Humber Bay.

This gorgeous park is perfect for a stroll or a bike ride. A short walk across the Humber Bay Arch Bridge will also lead you to Sunnyside Beach, one of the best beaches in Toronto.

This spot is a particular favourite with professional photographers who love to shoot the city at night or at sunrise. Head to Lookout Point for the best city skyline views.

17. Colonel Sam Smith Park

Address: 3145 Lake Shore Blvd W, Etobicoke, ON

At Colonel Sam Smith Park you’re treated to a breathtaking view of Toronto’s skyline like nowhere else. This peaceful park is perfect for a stroll through the trails or cycling along the bike paths.

In winter, it has an incredible ice skating trail, perfect for those looking to go ice skating in Toronto during the winter months.

Toronto Skyline Views: East End

There are equally as many excellent pictures of the skyline east of Yonge Street.

18. Riverdale Park East

Address: 550 Broadview Ave., Toronto, ON

Riverdale Park is often nominated as one of the best places to catch the sunset in Toronto. From Broadview Avenue there is a large hill that is perfect for summer picnics or winter sledding. But, this spot also offers a postcard-worthy view of Toronto’s skyline. 

Whether you come for the fall foliage, the winter snow, or the skyline at night, Riverdale Park is an ideal spot to see the city buildings contrasting with this beautiful park. 

19. Polson Pier

Address: 11 Polson St, Toronto, ON

A popular alternative to the Toronto Islands is Polson Pier. The skyline of Toronto from here is pretty awesome, especially at night. Polson Pier is one of the top locations for unobstructed sunset views of Toronto. 

It’s a great option for those that don’t want to take a ferry over to the island, and it’s particularly popular with professional photographers. It’s also a great spot for a winter photo!

Be warned, however, Polson Pier is in an industrial area of the city and there are very few amenities in the area. It’s a great photo spot, but not necessarily a tourist destination (unless you are all about the Instagram photo like me!)

20. Cherry Beach Clarke Beach Park

Address: 1 Cherry St, Toronto, ON

While Cherry Beach is a popular Toronto beach, it is a bit of an unknown spot to see the Toronto skyline. The view is a bit hidden, and it’s not as widely known as other city views.

For those looking for that perfect Toronto skyline view, head through the large off-leash dog park and head right to the very end of the park on the water. Here you will find some large rocks on the water’s edge with views of the skyline. If you’re lucky, you may even see a cruise ship moving through the eastern channel.

Cherry Beach is close to Polson Pier in the heart of the Toronto Port Lands.

21. Cherry Street Bridges

Address: 312 Cherry St, Toronto, ON

Just recently completed in 2023, there are several Cherry Street bridges that offer some very cool views and unique views of the Toronto skyline. These new bridges include separate paths for cyclists, pedestrians, and traffic and they are a part of the plans to revitalise the Port Lands. 

These bridges offer views of the Toronto skyline that were not previously possible. And while this area is still under development, just wait until the parks are complete! I predict this is going to become a very popular spot for stunning Toronto photography.

22. Evergreen Brick Works

Address: 550 Bayview Ave, Toronto, ON

Once a brick factory, Evergreen Brick Works is now a unique park in the heart of the Don Valley parkway. At the Brick Works you will find walking trails, lookouts, gardens, and many animal habitats. It’s a nature reserve in the middle of the city. 

It also offers some fantastic views of the skyline. One of the best views of Toronto can be found at the Governor’s Bridge Lookout. From here you will get a view of the skyline overlooking the rustic brick works below.

While the Brick Works are fun to visit in any season, a particularly popular time is during the autumn when everything is framed with the spectacular Toronto fall foliage. 

As you walk along some of the trails along the top of the park, you will find several great spots to take that perfect Toronto skyline view.

23. Tommy Thompson Park

Address: 1 Leslie St, Toronto, ON

Located in the east end, near the Beaches, Tommy Thompson Park (also called the Leslie Street Spit) stretches five kilometres into Lake Ontario and stands as one of the largest natural areas on the Toronto waterfront.

While hiking or biking through the park, you’ll have opportunities to see the Toronto skyline from various points along the trails. The park features scenic lookouts perfect for sunset watching over the lake. Midway through the park, you’ll find a floating red bridge, which is a popular spot for photographs!

While there is free parking available at the park’s entrance, no dogs are allowed in Tommy Thompson Park. 

24. Underpass Park 

Address: 29 Lower River Street, Toronto, ON

Close to the Distillery District you can find Underpass Park. The park is not one of your traditional playgrounds! Located beneath the Eastern Avenue, Richmond and Adelaide overpasses this unique urban playground includes a skatepark, basketball courts, a playground, and colourful graffiti art.

On the south side of the park, there is a pathway that leads up to Adelaide Street East. From this elevated spot you’ll find a unique perspective of the city. Particularly interesting for sunsets and night trail photography. 

25. Toronto Beaches Boardwalk

In the east end of Toronto you will find a 3.5 km wooden boardwalk that stretches along Lake Ontario. Not only will you be able to visit some of Toronto’s best beaches here, but there are some lovely spots to see the Toronto skyline. 

Near the Leuty Lifeguard Station at the bottom of Kew Gardens, you can see the Toronto skyline in the distance. Another great spot for a skyline view is to walk westbound towards Ashbridges’ Bay.

From the Beaches boardwalk there are several beautiful spots to stop and admire the CN Tower from afar.

26. Chester Hill Lookout  

Address: 55 Thorncliffe Park Dr, Toronto, ON 

I’m going to add Chester Hill Lookout to this list, although to be honest, I don’t think this is a location worth visiting. Now perhaps I just had a bad experience on the day I visited, but overall I wasn’t impressed with this spot.

The lookout is located at the dead end of a residential street. While you can see some of the skyline, I found the trees blocked most of the view and the viewing area is very small. 

I’m going to recommend that if you are in this area of Toronto, the Evergreen Brick Works or Riverdale Park East provide a much better experience.

27. Views from the Sky

Whether you are flying from Toronto’s International Airport or Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport, catching a view of Toronto from the sky is a pretty cool experience.

From the sky you can see the Toronto Islands, the CN Tower and Rogers Centre, and the tall downtown skyscrapers. So if you’re coming into the city on a plane, be sure to have your camera ready!

Final Thoughts: Toronto’s Skyline

In summary, whether you’re an avid photographer or simply someone who appreciates the beauty of urban landscapes, Toronto offers dozens of splendid spots to capture the beauty of the Toronto skyline.

From the streets of downtown to the shores of the Toronto Islands, each location provides a unique backdrop against the majestic CN Tower and the expanding cityscape. 

As you explore these locations, you’ll not only capture breathtaking photos but also experience the vibrant life of the city.

So keep this guide handy, and next time you’re in Toronto, don’t miss the chance to capture the iconic skyline Toronto view through your lens. Safe travels and happy shooting!

Before You Go: More Toronto Photo Spots

Now that you’ve discovered some great locations for skyline photography, where else should you go for more great photo opportunities? I would recommend that you take a trip to The Well in downtown Toronto. This is Toronto’s newest retail space but it has some incredible architecture and unique design.

If you are visiting Toronto in the spring, you will want to check out the best places to see cherry blossoms in the GTA. And of course once you are ready to share all your awesome pics, you’ll need a list of Toronto Instagram captions to bring your photos to life.