20 Best Views in Toronto & Epic Toronto Lookouts
The best views in Toronto are plentiful! Whether you’re looking for epic Toronto lookouts or sweeping skyline views, I’ve rounded up 20 of the best!
Toronto is the hub of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. So, with such a sprawling city where can you find the best views of the city? I’ve got my favourite views, which include popular vistas like from the top of the CN Tower and from the Toronto Islands. But I’ve got a bunch of hidden gems that will surprise you!
20 Best Views in Toronto
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1. Toronto Islands
One of the best views in Toronto is from the Toronto Islands!
As soon as you set sail on the ferry to the islands, you’ll see the first of many views! The Islands are a group of islands connected by footpaths and bridges. Located in the city’s harbour, it’s a popular destination in the summer months.
The Islands are full of fun attractions, like Centreville Amusement Park, as well as beaches. And lots of incredible viewpoints!
The best view of the Toronto skyline from the Islands is just past Centreville. At the Toronto Islands Lookout, you’ll get a sweeping view of the city’s iconic buildings like the CN Tower and Rogers Centre.
For an awesome Lake Ontario view head to the boardwalk that runs along the southern end of the Islands. Here, you’ll find the Centre Island Pier.
Another highlight of the Islands is Gibraltar Point Lighthouse! The lighthouse is one of the oldest in Canada and has quite the medieval look!
The Islands are also home to the best place to see sunset in Toronto! It’s on the western end of the Islands, at Hanlan’s Point Beach. Grab a picnic blanket and settling in for an awesome sunset view!
2. CN Tower
It’s the most recognizable landmark in Toronto! The CN Tower sits in the downtown core and a visit to it is one the top of things to do in Ontario!
Standing 1,815 feet tall, the CN Tower is the tallest tower in North America! At the time of its construction in 1975, it was the tallest freestanding structure in the world!
Now this architectural marvel offers some of the best views in Toronto! And the best part, there’s a view for everyone’s comfort level!
The most thrilling views sign up for their Edge Walk! The Edge Walk lays claim to the highest hands-free full circle walk in the world, at 1000 feet above the city! Thrill seekers are taken out on a 5-foot ledge for an epic vantage point of the city!
For those looking for awesome vistas without the heart racing you’ve got options! Check out the views from the SkyPod. It’s the highest observation platform in the Western Hemisphere! At over 1400 feet you can see all the way to Niagara Falls and New York on a clear day!
And for sweeping views of the city from a restaurant, reserve a table at the 360 Restaurant! The restaurant is unique, as it revolves, giving guests changing views of the city!
3. Evergreen Brick Works
In the city’s east end visitors will find Evergreen Brick Works. This heritage site was once a brick-making factory. It’s now a community space that is home to a farmers’ market and one of the best parks in Toronto.
The park, known as the Don Valley Brick Works Park, is a sprawling oasis in the city! There are trails running throughout and even dreamy boardwalks over the marsh. You’ll find turtles and frogs soaking in the sun in the ponds and hawks flying overhead.
Two major trail systems in Toronto are also connected to the trails at Evergreen Brick Works. You can access the Belt Line and Lower Don trails from the park.
One of the park trails lead up to two different lookouts. After a short but steep trail you’ll arrive at the first, Governor’s Bridge Lookout. It’s one of the best Toronto lookouts! The views include the Brickwork’s old chimney stack and panoramic views of the skyline. It’s definitely worth the climb!
The next lookout is located further down the trail. At the Don Valley Brick Works Park Lookout, you’ll get the same amazing view. However, included in it is the tranquil valley with its ponds, trails and historic building too.
4. Riverdale Park East
Covering over 40 acres, Riverdale Park East runs along the Lower Don River. It’s is best known as a popular tobogganing spot in the city.
Plus, the Riverdale Park view of Toronto is one of the best all year long! Perched above the valley along Broadview Avenue, you’ll get the perfect vantage point. From here you can see the lush green of the valley and the skyline of downtown Toronto in the near distance.
Riverdale Park East is home to a ton of facilities, especially for sports enthusiasts! There are multiple tennis courts, a running track, and two baseball diamonds. And in the winter, particularly during February in Toronto, it features the toboggan hill and an artificial outdoor ice rink.
If you’re looking for romantic places in Toronto in the summer, head here. Lining the hilltop along Broadview Avenue you’ll find folks cozied up atop a blanket soaking in the sunset.
5. Hotel X
Are you planning to travel to Toronto and are looking for a place to stay with a view? Then book your stay at Hotel X!
Hotel X sits along the lakeshore and is best two of Toronto’s top attractions. It sits beside the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) and across the street from Ontario Place.
The hotel is 30 stories high and is has over 400 rooms. Each room is outfitted with pillow top mattresses, soaker tubs, and floor to ceiling windows. These windows give guests some of the most scenic views in Toronto!
Views stretch out over Lake Ontario and the city skyline. You’ll also get views of Coronation Park which is a spectacular place for fall colours in Toronto! Plus, on a clear day you can even see over to the Toronto Islands!
This hotel’s views don’t end in the rooms! Among awesome amenities like a spa and extensive gym they’ve also got a rooftop pool and restaurant! Both of which offer more views of the area and are open all year long!
6. Woodbine Beach Park Boardwalk
Another great park in the city offers stellar views!
Woodbine Beach Park is a park in the city’s Beaches neighbourhood. Covering over 35 acres, it’s home to a beautiful beach that’s a popular spot in the summer. You can enjoy sun tanning, swimming, or even heading out on the water with a kayak.
The park is also home to a variety of trails. Two major Toronto trails run right through the park, Martin Goodman Trail and Ashbridges Bay Trail. Plus, there’s picnic areas, beach volleyball courts, and a 1.3km boardwalk.
A lovely stroll along the boardwalk, especially when heading east, provides awesome views of the Toronto skyline and lake!
Come for the beach and stay for the view! However, there’s plenty of nearby attractions in the Beaches area. Nearby is Kew Gardens as well as a bunch of fun boutiques and cafes.
7. Trillium Park
Beside the iconic Ontario Place sits a small but lovely park in Toronto.
Trillium Park sits on the Toronto harbour and is a perfect spot for a walk. It’s one of the city’s smallest parks but it has so much to offer in its 7 acres.
The park is the perfect little slice of nature in the heart of downtown Toronto! It’s design pays homage to the incredible Ontario landscape. Trillium Park is filled with native flowers, plants and trees. In addition, visitors will see many of the rocks of Ontario putting on a show. Plus, many tributes to Ontario’s indigenous communities are found throughout.
William G. Davis Trail winds its way through the park. As well as linking to other Toronto trails, it has a variety of key features of Trillium Park along it. Along the trail you’ll find a moccasin engraved stone wall, gardens, and pavilion.
For one of the best Toronto views head to the southern point of the park. Here, you’ll find the summit, which is the highest point in Trillium Park. This scenic view includes the green rolling hills of the park, Lake Ontario, and the Toronto skyline.
Pack some food for a picnic and soak in the view!
8. Baldwin Steps
At the Davenport and Spadina intersection, nearly hidden in the dense tree growth, is a set of stairs. These stairs are known as the Baldwin Steps.
The bluff where the steps are was once the original shoreline of Lake Ontario. In the mid-1800s a local doctor, Dr William Baldwin, built the first set of stairs to get up to his son’s house which was at the top of the hill. That home is now what is known as the Spadina Museum. Dr. Baldwin was also instrumental in creating the impressive avenue that is Spadina.
All history aside, the 110 steps that zigzag up the bluff will get your heart racing. Many people come to the area to see of the top places to visit in Toronto, Casa Loma. The castle is perched at the top of the steps to left.
But don’t forget to turn around and take in the epic view of Toronto from the top of the Baldwin Steps first! At the top, you’ll see all the way down Spadina as well as the iconic CN Tower in the distance.
9. Trinity Bellwoods Park
On one of the most popular streets in Toronto sit a small park that has a few gems!
Trinity Bellwoods Park is set on nearly 15 acres and is situated on Queen Street West. It’s the quintessential downtown park that has a playground, dog park, and tree lined pathways. It’s also home to a variety of sports facilities. There are volleyball courts, tennis courts, ball diamonds, and an artificial ice rink in the winter.
The park is best known as one of the best places to find cherry blossoms in Toronto! Along with High Park, Trinity Bellwoods is home to stunning cherry blossom trees. And the main pathway closest to Queen Street offers an incredible view in the spring.
Lined with pink blossom trees the path leads right to a great view of the CN Tower in the distance!
There’s another quirky gem within Trinity Bellwoods Park, a white squirrel! While reports of the squirrel have diminished over the years, I’ve seen him with my own eyes. And spotting him is an epic view!!
10. Chester Hill Lookout
In a quiet residential neighbourhood lies one of the many hidden gems in Toronto.
Located between Broadview Avenue and the Don Valley is Chester Hill Lookout. It’s one of the best car lookout points in Toronto!
The lookout is at the end of Chester Hill Road and looks west. From this vantage point you’ll get a panoramic view across the lush Don Valley. Plus, the towering buildings of downtown Toronto make the perfect backdrop.
Don’t forget to look down at the ground of this Toronto lookout! There are tons of places to find street art in Toronto, so it’s no surprise to find some here. On the cement that makes up the crescent at the lookout point is a piece of art. It’s a large astrology wheel created by the artists known as ‘the King of sidewalk art. ‘
With sweeping views of parkland, skyline, and art, this lookout has it all!
11. Stackt Market
One of the most unique places in Toronto is Stackt Market. It’s the largest shipping container market in North America!
And these are not your boring old shipping containers! Each container is literally stacked beside and on top of another. Plus, they all feature fun and colourful murals. The containers are filled with local shops and galleries. You’ll find everything from unique art pieces to international food.
Stackt Market has an array of fun additions! There’s a dog park, microbrewery, and interactive art installations. In addition, it has a long list of fun events!
A top event is their Holiday market, which is one of the best things to do for Christmas in Toronto! During the event there’s also a ton of fun activities like crokicurl, workshops, and a Ferris wheel! From atop of the Ferris wheel, you’ll experience one of the coolest Toronto lookouts!
Another great view can by found nearby! Just south of the market is the Sir Isaac Brock Bridge, otherwise known as the Bathurst Street Bridge. The bridge gives two unique Toronto views!
To the east you’ll see a classic Toronto skyline view with the CN Tower. And to the west is a massive network of train tracks surrounded by towering condos.
12. University of Toronto
Known as one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Canada, the University of Toronto is a special place. Originally established as King’s College in 1827, U of T is a must visit for many reasons!
Visitors can visit the stunning grounds of the university. The campus is home to picturesque pathways that wind around the many historic buildings. They also take you through gardens and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped on the grounds of an old campus in Europe! Some of the best photography spots in Toronto are littered around the campus.
Along with all the incredible views of the buildings and campus itself, there’s an awesome view of Toronto too!
In front of the main campus building is a massive lawn. Standing on the lawn you’ll get an awesome view of the Convocation Hall and the CN Tower.
13. David Crombie Park
Running from just south of St. Lawrence Market over to the Distillery District is David Crombie Park.
The park is named after a former mayor for his role in helping to improve the St. Lawrence neighbourhood. And boy does this park have a lot to offer visitors and locals!
David Crombie Park is roughly 4 acres and runs along The Esplanade. This public park features an off-leash dog area, playground, a unique wading pool, and more.
It’s also home to a cool view of downtown Toronto! After leaving the Distillery District to head west to Union Station, I often walk through the park. As soon as you enter from this angle you be met with an awesome view of one of the park’s murals at the basketball court. Plus, standing in the distance behind the mural is the CN Tower and TD Tower. It’s an especially cool view of Toronto at night!
14. Polson Pier
Hidden in an industrial area is another great place for awesome Toronto skyline views!
On the eastern edge of the Toronto harbour is an area called the Port Lands. It’s a fun place to spend the day as the area is filled with attractions. The Port Lands area is home to one of Toronto’s top nightclubs as well as a drive-in, and some restaurants.
The main attraction for those looking for views in Toronto is Polson Pier. The pier is found at the edge of a lovely little green space called Jennifer Kateryna Koval’s’kyj Park.
At the end of the park runs the pier. From the pier you’ll see sweeping views of the city’s towering buildings. It’s a particular cool lookout in the winter. However, thanks to its west facing prespective it’s also one of fabulous Toronto sunset spots!
15. Crothers Woods
For more awesome trails in Toronto head to Crothers Woods. Covering over 125 acres, this green space is part of the Don River valley.
Crothers Woods is best known for their close to 10km of trails, most of which are popular for mountain biking. However, many are great for hiking too. Just be mindful of one way stretches and cyclists on narrow pathways.
The park features a variety of landscapes including meadows, wetlands, and woodland. And because it stretches from the upper to lower valley Crothers Woods has some spots for awesome Toronto lookouts!
One of the many lookouts can be found shortly after the Thomas Hauser Memorial Trailhead. Peeking through the trees you can see the sprawling Toronto skyline in the distance!
16. The Bentway
Another unique place in Toronto is The Bentway. Tucked underneath the Gardiner Expressway, The Bentway is a place for the community to come together.
It features a variety of experiences in the form of art, culture and recreational activities. The Bentway runs from the Fort York Visitor Centre west to Bastion Street.
The area is filled with incredible street art, some of which are massive murals. One of my favourites is one that is part of a collection called Love Letters to the Great Lakes. The mural wraps around one of the nearly 50-foot pillars holding up the highway.
This mural also stands as a great marker another awesome Toronto lookout! Standing beside the pillar you’ll get a unique perspective of the Toronto landscape. The view includes the sprawling lawn of the Fort York National Historic Site reaching out to the iconic skyline.
A visit to The Bentway is great any time of year! There’s always something fun going on, beyond the murals. In the summer there’s a roller-skating path set up. And in the winter it’s transformed into a free 700-foot ice skating trail! Plus, if you don’t own skates, on Friday nights they offer free skate rentals!
17. Kensington Market Parking Garage
Many people love the quirky and artsy vibe of the Kensington Market neighbourhood. It’s home to some of the best Toronto coffee shops along with fun boutiques. It’s also filled with a ton of colourful street art!
But Kensington Market is home to one of the best hidden gems for Toronto lookouts!
A visit to the market’s Green P Carpark 68 is a must! The parking garage is located off St. Andrew Street and is great for those looking for parking spots. Plus, if you climb to the top you’ll find an awesome view of the city!
Unlike some of the other vistas of the city that include the lake and parks, this is a typical city view. The views from the Kensington Market parking garage are a full 360-degree perspective. You’ll see endless rooftops that are adorned with graffiti as well as the skyscrapers and CN Tower in the distance.
18. Don Valley Parkway
There are so many incredible hiking trails running through the Don Valley. But you don’t even need to leave your car for epic views of the city!
Getting its name from the Don River valley that is travels through, it’s no surprise this highway offers a scenic ride!
The Don Valley Parkway is a highway that runs for 15 km into downtown Toronto. For much of the drive you’re surrounded by the extensive greenspace that makes up the valley.
Plus, a drive into Toronto along the Don Valley (DVP) is a must when the leaves begin to change. It’s one of the best places to see fall colours in Toronto!
The views along the DVP drive into Toronto are awesome for the sheer depth of field you’ll get. The highway is flanked on both sides with lush parklands and winds through the valley with the skyline of the city ahead.
19. Helicopter Tour
One of the most epic views in Toronto is from above! And you can book one of the cool private helicopter tours to see Toronto from the sky!
There are a few different tour options, depending on your budget and what you’re looking for. But all of them offer at least a 7-minute helicopter ride that covers 15 kilometres. On your tour you’ll see the top sights like the CN Tower, Lake Ontario, and even the Canadian National Exhibition grounds. Plus, you’ll receive a keepsake photo of your ride!
The helicopter rides leave from Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport. You can access the airport either via the ferry, which is free for pedestrians, or the pedestrian tunnel.
Tours vary in length and there’s even a romantic helicopter ride that’s ideal for couples! The extended tour includes more sights in Toronto including High Park and Casa Loma.
20. RendezViews
Noted as the largest patio in the city, RendezViews is so much more than that!
What was once a parking lot is now a seasonal patio that covers 30,000 square feet! Filled with brightly painted picnic tables, it’s best known for the epic mural that covers the entire ground surface. The walls that surround the space are also covered in incredible murals by artists Bruno Smoky and Shalak Attack.
RendezViews is a popular spot in the summer. People descend on the space to enjoy food and drinks from The Fifth Social Club and The Ballroom. Both businesses partnered together to create this epic space in the heart of downtown.
Along with serving up pub classics and fun cocktails, RendezViews has one of the best patio views in Toronto! Towering over the space is the might CN Tower and the rest of the Toronto skyline.
This is the place to be for food, fun, and drinks! They have a massive Jumbotron that shows a variety of sporting events. Plus, the venue also features comedy nights as well as other pop-ups and events.
Bucket List of Toronto Lookouts and Viewpoints
So, if you’re looking for a bucket list of amazing views in Toronto this is it! And the best part is that each view in unique in the changing seasons. Making it all the more reason to visit Toronto again and again!
Toronto Islands
CN Tower
Evergreen Brick Works
Riverdale Park East
Hotel X
Woodbine Beach Park Boardwalk
Trillium Park
Baldwin Steps
Trinity Belwoods Park
Chester Hill Lookout
Stackt Market
University of Toronto
David Crombie Park
Polson Pier
Crothers Woods
The Bentway
Kensington Market Parking Garage
Don Valley Parkway
Helicopter Ride
RendezViews
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