Sunrise and Sunsetin Toronto, Canada

Toronto lies on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, giving the eastern waterfront and the Scarborough Bluffs an open horizon over the water toward the sunrise. The western waterfront and the Toronto Islands face southwest across the open lake, making them the best areas for sunset.

Best sunrise spots in Toronto

1. Cherry Beach

   This south-facing sandy beach on the Inner Harbour, about 4 km east of Union Station, has an unobstructed horizon over Lake Ontario. Free parking on Cherry Street; arriving 20 minutes before sunrise leaves enough time to find a spot.

2. Scarborough Bluffs

   Sandstone cliffs rising 90 m above Lake Ontario on the city's eastern edge, roughly 25 km from downtown. Bluffer's Park at the base has a beach and free parking; the clifftop view is accessible via Scarborough Crescent Park on the plateau above.

3. Woodbine Beach

   A 2 km sandy beach in the east end at Queen Street East and Coxwell Avenue, facing south-southeast over Lake Ontario with an open waterline. TTC streetcar 501 stops at Woodbine; free parking is available off Lake Shore Boulevard East.

4. Tommy Thompson Park

   A 5 km spit extending southeast into Lake Ontario, with the city skyline to the northwest and open water to the east. On weekends the main gate on Leslie Street opens at dawn; entry is free on foot and by bike.

Best sunset spots in Toronto

1. Tommy Thompson Park

   From the western edge of the spit, the city skyline sits in the foreground as the sun sets over the lake behind it. A free shuttle runs from the gate on busy days; the park closes at dusk.

2. Humber Bay Park

   This park juts into Lake Ontario about 8 km west of downtown, offering an open western horizon with the Humber Bay Arch Bridge in the foreground. Free parking on site; TTC streetcar 501 stops a short walk away on Lake Shore Boulevard.

3. Hanlan's Point Beach

   A west-facing beach on the western tip of the Toronto Islands, looking directly across open Lake Ontario toward the setting sun. The ferry from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal costs CAD 9 return; last ferry runs around 11 PM in summer.

4. High Park

   Toronto's largest inner-city park has open views toward Grenadier Pond and the southwestern horizon from the elevated sections near the park's western edge. Closest subway stop is High Park on Line 2; free parking is available on Bloor Street West.