With summer on the horizon, there’s no better time to go hunting for the best places to watch a sunset in Toronto! After spending most of the pandemic living downtown Toronto, I had plenty of time (and long walks) to find the best sunset spots. Whether you’re a Toronto native or just visiting, you’re bound to find at least one new spot to check out!
Ontario Place
* These sunset spots are no longer accessible as Ontario Place has been closed and under construction for new projects coming to the city. This means that you won’t be able to enjoy these spots at Ontario Place for the foreseeable future. However, once construction is complete, there might be new places to watch a sunset in Toronto! I’ll keep you posted and check out some of the other spots available now below 👇ðŸ¼
I’ve also included a few bonus spots at the end of this post!
This kind counts as two separate spots – one that a friend dubbed ‘Sunset Point’ and another that more people have discovered. I almost decided to gatekeep ‘Sunset Point’ because it seemed like a hidden gem that no one has really discovered but it’s a special spot worth checking out! You can get there from inside Ontario Place. It’s a little tricky to explain where it’s located but I shared this video on my TikTok (80K+) that does a better job of showing you how to find it 👇ðŸ¼
Another one of my favourite spots to watch the sunset in Toronto is the wave breakers in Ontario Place. The easiest way to get there is to head west along the Lakeshore bike path. Before you pass the west island of Ontario Place entirely, you’ll walk up a hill and cross a bridge. Stay along the water and eventually, you’ll what looks like a concrete path into the water. I’ve always referred to these as wave breakers, although I have no idea if that’s what they’re actually for. I found that the placement of the sun was much better here in the winter than the summer for sunset but it’s still a great spot regardless.
*NOTE: In the summer (and weekends), this spot got busy and Ontario Place security would kick people off, so I’d recommend going on a weekday or during off-peak season to avoid that issue.
Canoe Landing and/or Coronation Park
Toronto has a surprising number of green spaces around the city that make for a great spot to watch the sunset. When I was living downtown, I was staying in CityPlace so Canoe Landing and Coronation Park were go-to spots for me! You won’t get to see the sun actually set because of the high-rise condos in the way but you’ll often see beautiful bright colours reflecting off the buildings.
Coronation Park will have better visibility and is a great spot for a picnic with some friends after work.
Stadium Road Park Boardwalk
This sunset spot got me through some of the toughest pandemic days. It’s right near Billy Bishop airport and the best way to find it is by searching for ‘Stadium Park’. When you get to the park, you’ll see a large boardwalk along the water. Considering it’s right in the middle of the city, you’d expect more people to be there each night but it’s somehow missed by most.
I’d recommend walking to the end and sitting on the edge to watch the sunset. If you’re lucky, you might even catch a plane taking off or landing at Billy Bishop!
Polson Pier
Okay, so Polson Pier is no revolutionary sunset spot but it never disappoints. With similar views to what you’d get from the Toronto Islands, without having to catch a ferry over, Polson Pier remains one of the best spots to watch a sunset in Toronto! It’s located right next to Cabana Waterfront Patio so it’s a busy spot in the summer so if you want to miss the crowds, check out the spot during the day, on a weeknight or outside of the summer season. It’s a calm spot to watch the sun go down and one of my favourites in the city.
Leslie Spits (Tommy Thompson Park)
If you’re after a bit of an adventure, Leslie Spits is a great spot to catch a sunset. Bring a bike or rent from the bike share because it’s a long path to the end. There are many lookout spots along the way but the end of the path gives you similar views to the Toronto Islands as well. The one downside to watching the sunset here is having to bike or walk back quite a distance in the dark!
Toronto Islands
The Toronto Islands have uninterrupted city views and SO many spots to watch the sunset from. You can rock up anywhere along the water during the summer but it’s an even better experience if you’re able to get on a boat, kayak or stand-up paddleboard. You can rent these along the waterfront or once you’re on the islands. Make sure you check the ferry times back so you don’t get stuck on the island! You’ll also have the option to grab a water taxi back, although I’m not entirely sure what time they stop for the night.
Riverdale Park
Yeah, I know Riverdale is far from a unique sunset spot but it’s always a good one! Riverdale is on the East end of the city so you get a different view of the entire city from above. It gets busy in the summer but has a great atmosphere and makes for a great spot that’s accessible for all. Grab a picnic blanket and find a spot on the top of the hill to enjoy the views with a group of friends.
Bonus
Watch the sunset in Toronto from Home
Sometimes the best spot to watch the sunset in Toronto is from home! When I lived downtown, I was in a condo facing East and we always got beautiful sunsets because the colours would reflect off the buildings nearby. Of course, a West facing building will have the best sunsets but I loved the view I had from my building.
High Park
High Park is one of the best places to watch a sunset in Toronto. Sit atop the hill near Grenadier Pond and you’ll have a beautiful vantage point to watch the sunset amidst nature.
Scarborough Bluffs
The Bluffs are more than a great beach spot in Toronto! You’ll also be able to catch a dramatic sunset view over the lake and towering cliffs. It’s also one of the most picturesque parts of the city so it’s definitely worth a visit regardless.
Thompson Hotel Rooftop
Want a more elevated experience while watching a sunset in Toronto? The rooftop lounge at the Thompson Hotel is the place to be! People dress to impress at this rooftop so keep that in mind when planning your visit.
That’s all I’ve got for you this week but I share daily travel tips and inspo on my Instagram and TikTok. I have an entire playlist on TikTok that’s dedicated to Toronto adventures if you’re looking for new ways to explore the city. I also have more Toronto content on my blog so check that out and I’ll be back shortly with a new blog for you.
Cheers,
Amy xx
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