6 of the best spots in Toronto to watch a sunrise and sunset this winter
Find us one person in Toronto who doesn't stop to snap a photo of a sunrise or sunset, we dare you. Our Instagram feeds are always flooded with posts whenever the sky puts on a show, and the city offers up some amazing spots to take it all in.
Sometimes the city can feel a bit dull and gray amid the cold and dark of winter. But one of the great things about Toronto is that, regardless of season, there's no shortage of spots to take in the beauty of sunrise or sunset.
If you ever want to start (or end) your day off feeling inspired and rejuvenated, here are some of our favourite places to watch the sun rise and set.
Where to watch a sunrise in Toronto
Sheldon Lookout
Beside the infamous Humber Bay Arch Bridge is a prime spot for sunrises. The west side of the Humber River gets you stunning shots of the lake, bay and downtown. Next time you're here, grab a seat on one of the Muskoka chairs and soak in the quiet before the city gets bustling.
R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant
Another chilly spot, due to its proximity to the lake, is this historic Art Deco 'palace of purification' near the Scarborough Bluffs. The frozen white and blue lake is a nice complement to the vibrant hues of the orange and pink sky. It's a photographer's dream.
Bathurst Street Bridge
For chaos chasers who want their sunrise with a side of traffic, this is your best vantage point. Here, you can see the big gold sun come up over GO trains, city skyscrapers and the CN Tower – don't forget your camera.
Where to watch a sunset in Toronto
Riverdale Park
The skyline is constantly evolving, but our affinity for a good Riverdale sunset never changes. This east end park is often dubbed "the best sunset sesh in the city" by locals, and there's no denying how pretty it is to see the warm hues reflected in the numerous downtown skyscrapers.
Polson Pier
Truly, anywhere along the waterfront is a great spot to watch the sun turn gorgeous hues of cotton candy pink and lilac. But Polson Pier happens to be one of the few places that grant you an unobstructed view of the Toronto skyline, and the lake's reflection plays a good part in making the city look even more serene.
Chester Hill Lookout
This not-so-secret-anymore observation deck at the end of a residential road near Broadview Ave. is a great place to end your day, offering an almost panoramic view of the Don Valley, Evergreen Brick Works, and the Toronto skyline.
Despite the short days and early sunsets, Toronto still offers gorgeous sights where we can pause, reflect on the year behind us and look ahead to what's next.
