Planning a trip to one of the best cities in all of Canada? If so then you CANNOT leave without experiencing some of the best views in Toronto.
No, seriously, people. This is NOT a drill. After all, Toronto is a massively picturesque city that is brimming over with stunning viewpoints that are just waiting to be enjoyed.
So, grab your cameras and get ready to get more than a little snap happy as you check out all the best viewpoints in Toronto.
And while some of the views listed here are more than a little obvious, many others are total hidden gems that many guidebooks will totally overlook.
Which makes sense since I’ve visited this epic city more times than I can count. Yeah, I sometimes go from New York to Toronto by bus. So, now I want to share all my next-level awesome insider tips with you.
This way you can experience the best that Toronto has to offer like a local and not like a selfie-stick wielding tourist.
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Best Hotels in Toronto
Not sure where to stay while admiring the best views in Toronto? If so then check out this super nifty insider’s guide to the best hotels in Toronto.
This way, regardless of your budget, you’ll be able to quickly and easily find the perfect hotel for you.
Not sure where to stay in Toronto? Then book a room at the Residence Inn Downtown Toronto since it’s my fave hotel. 😊
- Holiday Inn Express Downtown – This wicked awesome budget hotel actually has a pancake machine on-site that instantly creates tasty treats for you early in the morning. It’s also right near St. Lawrence Market and offers lovely rooms for what you pay per night.
- Super 8 Toronto – Rooms here are simple and basically just give you a clean and comfortable place to stay. But, this Super 8 is well-located in Chinatown and even includes free breakfast too.
- Residence Inn Downtown Toronto – Easily my fave hotel in the city, this Residence Inn is well-priced, well-located, and outfitted with a kitchen in EVERY room. The bathrooms are also super spacious and a complimentary hot breakfast buffet is also included with the price of your room.
- Also, don’t forget to check out some of the rad boutique hotels in Toronto too. And for sweet views, you can’t go wrong with some of the best Toronto hotels with balconies or the best hotels in Toronto with jacuzzis.
Mega Epic List of the Best Views in Toronto
1. Love Locks at the Distillery District
Situated in one of the best neighborhoods in Toronto is a sign that will have you seeing hearts!
In fact, the Love Locks in the Distillery District offers one of the best views in Toronto! Yes, this sign is similar to those love locks you see all around the world.
Except for the fact that this sign was purpose-built in the summer of 2014 for people to hang their padlocks with scripts of love on them.
So, this life-sized sign spells out love and is accompanied by a huge heart. Then, within the letters and heart is a network of metal mesh to hang the love locks on.
The sign is then filled with hundreds of locks to complete the vibrant aesthetic of one of the top views in Toronto.
And with a backdrop of classic red brick, the Love Locks sign is the perfect spot for a photo op. Plus, during the winter Light Festival, the sign comes alive with, you guessed it. lights!
Address: 7 Tank House Lane, Toronto, ON M5A 3C4, Canada
Hours: 24/7
Price: Free
How to Get There: Take the 365 to Parliament Street at Mill Street and walk from there.
2. Allan Gardens Conservatory
As soon as you enter the Allan Gardens Conservatory you’ll be wowed by the view!
Because as you enter through the Palm House you’ll uncover towering glass domed ceilings that are at least 40 feet tall.
However, it won’t be the glass-domed ceilings that initally catch your eye. Instead, visitors will be wowed by the enormous leaves on local banana trees as well as various other species!
And that makes sense since the current Allan Gardens Conservatory opened in 1910 within one of the oldest parks in Toronto.
It’s comprised of six unique greenhouses that cover 16,000 square feet. And the conservatory complex is reminiscent of Victorian-era greenhouses like Kew Gardens in England.
Walking paths then wind through the greenhouses and offer beautiful views of brilliant flowers and plants around every turn.
Also inside these beautiful buildings are an array of botanical species from around the world.
In fact, the facility is home to an incredible array of botanical life including cacti, bromeliads, hibiscus, and more! Plus, there’s an entire greenhouse dedicated to orchids too!
You’ll also love that Allan Gardens Conservatory is open 365 days a year and is one of the best free things to do in Toronto!
Address: 160 Gerrard St E, Toronto, ON M5A 2E5, Canada
Hours: Open daily from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.
Price: Free
How to Get There: Take the 306 to Carlton Street at Jarvis Street and walk from there.
3. The Toronto Islands
A visit to the Toronto Islands easily offers visitors some of the best views in Toronto!
So, hop aboard the ferry and head over for a day of fun spent on these glorious Islands.
See, the Toronto Islands are a group of islands that are interconnected by a series of bridges and pathways.
They also sit inside the harbor, just south of downtown, and home to a ton of cool attractions, like Centreville amusement park.
Now, once you embark on a 15-minute ferry ride, you’ll take in the first of many awesome views of the Toronto skyline
Additionally, the Toronto Islands are home to extensive parklands, beaches, and winding pathways – pathways that lead visitors across the islands, from Ward’s Island to Hanlan’s Point.
You can also follow the southern boardwalk around the area for sweeping views of Lake Ontario.
Then make your way over to Gibraltar Point Lighthouse since this medieval-looking lighthouse is one of the oldest in Canada!
However, one of the all-time best viewpoints in Toronto is from Hanlan’s Point.
Because while at Hanlan’s Point visitors will enjoy an epic view of downtown Toronto and iconic landmarks like the CN Tower.
Plus, if you make your way over to Hanlan’s Point Beach, you’ll find one of the best sunset views in Toronto!
Address: Lake Ontario
Hours: Ferries to the island run from 8:00 am to 8:00 pm.
Price: Single-ride tickets start at $8.70 per person.
How to Get There: Take the ferry to the islands from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal on Bay Street on Queens Quay.
4. Kōst Restaurant
Overlooking the CN Tower is one of the best restaurant views in Toronto!
See, if you head to the 44th floor of the Bisha Hotel you’ll find the rooftop restaurant, Kōst. And this gorgeous restaurant serves up intense California vibes in the heart of Toronto’s entertainment district.
They then further embrace the Cali life with a Baja Peninsula-inspired menu that is to die for.
And while many visit Kōst for the incredible seasonal menu and fun cocktails others come for some of the best views in Toronto.
Plus, because the restaurant is open throughout the day, guests can enjoy al fresco dining in the shadow of the CN Tower.
After all, the views from Kōst sweep across the Toronto harbor and include some of the Toronto Islands too.
Just don’t forget to pack your bathing suit since Kōst Restaurant also features a world-famous infinity pool!
Address: 80 Blue Jays Way 44th Floor, Toronto, ON M5V 2G3, Canada
Hours: Open Sunday through Wednesday from 8:00 am to 10:30 pm and Thursday through Saturday from 8:00 am to 11:30 pm.
Price: Entrees start at around $20.00 CAD per person.
How to Get There: Take the 301 to Queen Street West at Soho Street and walk from there.
5. Polson Pier
For one of the best views of Toronto’s skyline head to the Port Lands area. It’s here that you’ll find a more industrial part of the city that sits on the eastern side of the Toronto harbor.
Plan to spend the afternoon or evening out in the Port Lands since this area is filled with attractions that will deffo keep you busy!
After all, there’s a drive-in, one of the city’s top nightclubs, and some great restaurants too. Plus, visitors can even stroll through a lovely little park before heading back to their hotel.
And while there’s plenty to do in the Port Lands area, one of the top attractions is the impressive view from Polson Pier.
It sits at the edge of Jennifer Kateryna Koval’s’kyj Park and allows visitors to enjoy some of the best views of Toronto.
And while the view is spectacular at any time of day, the best time to visit Polson Pier is at sunset!
After all, Polson Pier points due west and offers epic views of Toronto at sunset.
Address: 11 Polson St, Toronto, ON M5A 1A4, Canada
Hours: 24/7
Price: Free
How to Get There: Take the 72 to Villiers Street at Cherry Street and walk from there.
6. Humber Bay Park
Spanning over 300 acres in the west end of Toronto is Humber Bay Park. See, this scenic waterfront park is made up of two large swaths of land that sit at the mouth of Mimico Creek.
So, visit the park and you’ll find a white ribbed arch bridge connecting these two unique sections, with a network of trails that are ideal for cycling and walking.
Heck, there’s even a butterfly garden, a pebbled beach, and a special memorial to honor the victims of Air India Flight 182.
Then, along the beach, you’ll find wooden boardwalks lining the lakeshore, as well as gorgeous views of the Toronto skyline and Lake Ontario!
Pro Tip: Humber Bay Park is one of the best places to enjoy the sunrise in Toronto!
Address: 100 Humber Bay Park Road East, Toronto, ON M8V 3X7, Canada
Hours: 24/7
Price: Free
How to Get There: Take the 301 to 2155 Lake Shore Blvd West and walk from there.
7. Trillium Park
Next to one of the most iconic buildings in the province, Ontario Place is another great park in Toronto.
In fact, Trillium Park covers 7 acres of land along the waterfront area that sits right beside Ontario Place
And while it’s one of the city’s smallest parks it still offers up some of the best views in Toronto.
Now, the park itself pays homage to the landscape of Ontario. So, it’s filled with native trees, flowers, and rocks.
Therefore, visitors can take in a bit of Ontario’s natural beauty from the very heart of downtown Toronto.
And winding its way through the park is the William G. Davis Trail, which connects with other trails in Toronto.
Plus, along the trail itself, you’ll find other interesting gardens, an engraved stone wall, and several awesome vistas!
Then on the southern end of the park lies the summit. This is the highest point in Trillium Park and is a great vantage point from which to take in the green hills and stunning Lake Ontario.
Just keep your eyes peeled because just beyond this sits the picturesque skyline of Toronto!
Address: 955 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto, ON M6K 3B9, Canada
Hours: Open daily from 6:00 am to 11:00 pm.
Price: Free
How to Get There: Take the 307 to Princes’ Boulevard at Strachan Avenue and walk from there.
8. Bathurst Street Bridge
For classic views of the Toronto cityscape head over to the Bathurst Street Bridge.
And while the official name of the bridge is Sir Isaac Brock Bridge, everyone just calls it the Bathurst Street Bridge.
Additionally, this steel truss bridge has an interesting history since it was built in 1903 and used as part of the Great Western Railway.
Later, it was dismantled and relocated to its current location, where it is fully outfitted to handle vehicle traffic as well as street cars.
Now, because the bridge is perched over the railway tracks for the Go Train and Via Rail you’ll get panoramas of the extensive tracks, condos, and Fort York National Historic Site to the west.
However, if you look east you’ll see the CN Tower standing tall amongst the city’s wealth of soaring skyscrapers.
Local Tip: At the northern end of the bridge is one of the top unique attractions in Toronto, Stackt Market. Be sure to stop by!
Address: 9 Bathurst St, Toronto, ON M5V 0E6, Canada
Hours: 24/7
Price: Free
How to Get There: Take the 307 to Bathurst Street at Fort York Boulevard and walk from there.
9. Riverdale Park East
Best known for its epic tobogganing in the winter, Riverdale Park East is also home to one of the best Toronto views of them all!
After all, Riverdale Park East covers around 40 acres of land and runs along the Lower Don River. So, this large and popular park has a ton of unique features, especially for sports enthusiasts!
Therefore, visitors can make use of a running track, multiple tennis courts, two baseball diamonds, a playground, and more.
And then on top of tobogganing, the park has an artificial outdoor ice rink that pops up in the winter too!
Then, during hot summer evenings, locals hang out on top of the hill along Broadview Avenue since it’s an epic spot to enjoy the Toronto skyline at sunset!
Address: 550 Broadview Ave, Toronto, ON M4K 2N6, Canada
Hours: 24/7
Price: Free
How to Get There: Take the 306 to Gerrard Street East at Blackburn Street and walk from there.
10. CN Tower
The most iconic landmark in the city is the CN Tower! Built in 1975, for many years it was the tallest freestanding structure in the world at 1,815 feet.
So, many of the best views in Toronto include the CN Tower. However, the most exciting views of the city are from the tower itself!
There are also a long list of unique experiences for you to enjoy at the CN Tower. So, along with checking out the views from the SkyPod, visitors can reserve a table at the CN Tower’s 360 Restaurant.
Towering high above the city, the restaurant actaully revolves to give guests an ever-changing point of view!
If you want you can also sign up for the Edge Walk for the most impressive and scariest vantage point of Toronto! Yup, a true test for the adventurous.
After all, The Edge Walk takes you out along a five-foot ledge for the highest hands-free full-circle walk in the world!
And since you’re standing 1000 feet above the city, your heart will race as you admire Toronto from a whole new perspective.
Address: 290 Bremner Blvd, Toronto, ON M5V 3L9, Canada
Hours: Open daily from 9:30 am to 9:30 pm.
Price: Starts at $195.00 CAD per person.
How to Get There: Take the S10A to Queens Quay West at Rees Street and walk from there.
11. Ireland Park
At the foot of Bathurst Street, you’ll find Ireland Park. It’s wedged in between the Toronto Music Garden and Little Norway Park and is a small park that sits along downtown Toronto’s waterfront.
Now, Ireland Park pays tribute to the thousands of people who fled Ireland in the mid-1800s during the Great Famine.
So, the park is designed to resemble a similar park in Dublin. And while the park in Dublin is home to seven statues, Toronto’s Ireland Park is home to five.
And these statues represent the many individuals who lost their lives on the voyage from Ireland to Canada.
So, although the park speaks to a sad period in history, there is light to be found since Ireland Park is home to some of the best views in Toronto!
After all, the glorious view here includes the entire Harbourfront Centre, the CN Tower, and the harbor too.
Address: Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5V 3G3, Canada
Hours: 24/7
Price: Free
How to Get There: Take the 310 to Queens Quay West at Lower Spadina Avenue and walk from there.
12. Harriet’s Rooftop Bar & Restaurant
At 1 Hotel, formerly the Thompson Hotel, there is a rooftop restaurant that offers patrons some of the best views of Toronto!
And tucked away on the 16th floor of this sustainable luxury hotel is Harriet’s Rooftop Bar & Restaurant.
It’s one of many dining options at 1 Hotel, but it undoubtedly has the best views!
Now, the ambiance at Harriet’s is a fusion of 1920s glam with modern elegance. The restaurant also offers ample indoor and outdoor seating. It also features a retractable roof and sliding glass walls too.
In terms of cuisine, Harriet’s serves a Japanese-inspired menu with elevated cocktails.
Plus, guests can indulge in the best brunch in Toronto or dinner and drinks, along with panoramic views of the city and lake.
Open all year long, Harriet’s is one of the best restaurants in Toronto for views!
Pro Tip: Stop by for happy hour and enjoy cocktails for just $16.00 CAD each.
Address: 550 Wellington St W Suite C, Toronto, ON M5V 2V4, Canada
Hours: Open Wednesday from 5:00 pm to 11:00 pm., Thursday/Friday from 5:00 pm to 2:00 am, Saturday from 5:00 pm to 2:00 am, and Sunday from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm.
Price: Drinks start at $20.00 CAD each.
How to Get There: Take the 504 to King Street West at Bathurst Street and walk from there.
13. Chester Hill Lookout
Tucked away in a residential neighborhood between the Don Valley and Broadview Avenue is one of Toronto’s best-hidden gems.
Because at the end of Chester Hill Road sits one of the best views in the city! See, Chester Hill Lookout looks west across the Don Valley towards the downtown area.
So, this spot provides visitors with sweeping views of the Toronto landscape.
And with a lush stretch of forest nearby, as well as a busy highway and the Toronto skyline in the background, this viewpoint really does have it all!
And in addition to the best views in Toronto, Chester Hill Lookout has another interesting feature – a large cement pad that forms the crescent that is the lookout point.
Now, covering that cement is a piece of art that was created by an artist known as the ‘King of sidewalk art”.
In fact, this piece is a massive astrology wheel that adds another fun element to this off-the-beaten-path location in the city.
Address: Chester Hill Rd, Toronto, ON M4K 1V4, Canada
Hours: 24/7
Price: Free
How to Get There: Take the 304 to Broadview Avenue at Danforth Avenue and walk from there.
14. Kensington Market Parking Garage
Known as one of Toronto’s most eclectic neighborhoods, Kensington Market features a lot of hidden gems that make up some of the most unique things to do in Toronto.
And at the heart of the market is a parking garage, Green P Carpark 68. It’s located off of St. Andrew Street and while finding a good place to park in the city is hard, this parking garage has a little secret.
So, climb to the top of this unassuming garage and you’ll find one of the best views in Toronto.
In fact, this is one of the top views of Toronto that is unlike any other that includes either the lake or lush landscapes.
Because here you’ll be treated to an urban panorama of rooftops littered with graffiti and street art.
Additionally, just beyond the Kensington Market rooftops, you’ll find many of the city’s most iconic skyscrapers and the CN Tower too.
Address: 20 St Andrew St, Toronto, ON M5T 1K6, Canada
Hours: 24/7
Price: $2.50 CAD per half hour
How to Get There: Take the 505 to Dundas Street West at Spadina Avenue and walk from there.
Map of the Best Views in Toronto
Additional Canada Resources You’ll Love
There you have it because that just about wraps up this guide to the best views in Toronto.
Tell me, did your picks for the top views in Toronto make the list? If not then let me know in the comments below.
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