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Catch the First Light at These 12 Stunning Sunrise Spots in Toronto
One crisp morning, I ventured out with no more than a desire to catch a peaceful sunrise. But as I stood there, watching the first light of the day break over the city, I realised there’s something truly magical about Toronto at dawn.
The sky slowly brightened with vibrant hues, and the city began to hum with a calm energy. The beauty of Toronto’s skyline, riverside views, and hidden spots was amplified by the soft light that only the early hours can bring.
It quickly became clear: the best way to start the day is with nature’s own show. Let me be your guide to Toronto’s top sunrise spots, where you can witness the city waking up in all its glorious colour.
Humber Bay Park
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Address: 100 Humber Bay Park Road East
Contact details: +14163922489
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Cost: Free
Humber Bay Park offers an unparalleled sunrise view with a stunning skyline backdrop that reflects over the calm lake waters. The park is spacious, allowing visitors to find a quiet spot along the rocks.
It’s a favourite among photographers too, with ample opportunities to capture both the skyline and the morning light glistening over Lake Ontario. If you’re an early riser, Humber Bay Park is a welcoming spot for a refreshing start to your day.
The walking trails along the river provide plenty of room for a morning stroll, whether you’re with friends, family, or even your dog. Regular yoga classes and community gardening projects add a unique, peaceful touch to the area.
Pro tip: Bring a thermos of your favourite morning beverage; the serene lake breeze combined with the rising sun makes it an unforgettable and relaxing way to start your day.
Trillium Park
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Website: https://ontarioplace.com/en/whats-on/trillium-park/
Address: 955 Lake Shore Blvd W
Contact details: +14163149900
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6 AM to 11 PM
Cost: Free
Trillium Park is an urban oasis perfect for sunrise seekers and nature lovers alike. With expansive views of the Toronto skyline, the park transforms with the sun’s early light, casting a golden glow over the cityscape and reflecting off Lake Ontario.
The William G. Davis Trail runs through this green space, providing a peaceful path for early morning jogs or leisurely strolls along the water. The park’s thoughtful design draws inspiration from Ontario’s natural landscape, featuring native plants and boulders.
Early risers can take advantage of the serene atmosphere, capturing breathtaking photos or simply soaking in the calm before the city wakes up. You can relax on a blanket, enjoy a picnic, or even bring along your bike for a ride in this park.
Pro tip: Bring along a hot beverage in a reusable mug to sip while watching the sunrise—Toronto mornings by the water can be quite cool, even in summer.
Colonel Samuel Smith Park
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Address: 3145 Lake Shore Blvd W, Etobicoke
Contact details: +14163922489
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Colonel Samuel Smith Park offers a picturesque and peaceful spot for sunrise watchers, with its scenic waterfront and serene trails nestled along Toronto’s wooded shoreline. In the early morning light, the park’s diverse wildlife come alive.
The soft, golden glow over the lake is perfect for early risers looking to enjoy a calm and reflective start to their day. The park’s winding paths make it ideal for a morning walk or bike ride, with plenty of spots to stop and take in the views.
The unfenced off-leash area is a delight for dog owners, where pups can be seen joyfully running or splashing along the shore. The park’s figure-eight ice skating trail adds an extra charm in the winter and offers year-round appeal for locals and visitors.
Pro tip: Bring a pair of binoculars if you’re a nature enthusiast—the park is known for rare bird sightings, especially during migration seasons. Keep an eye out along the shoreline and wooded areas for a chance to spot some truly unique species!
Woodbine Beach
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Address: 1675 Lake Shore Blvd E
Contact details: 311
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Woodbine Beach offers a perfect blend of relaxation and activity along Toronto’s shoreline. The expansive sandy beach is ideal for early risers looking to catch a quiet sunrise over Lake Ontario, creating a truly picturesque start to the day.
With spacious areas for sunbathing and peaceful views, it’s easy to lose track of time here. During the day, the beach transforms into a lively scene, with beach volleyball courts, picnic spots, and a full-service restaurant nearby.
The boardwalk and adjacent trails make it easy to go for a stroll or bike ride, while the outdoor fitness equipment adds an active touch. The newly upgraded facilities and accessible amenities also enhance the experience for visitors of all ages.
Pro tip: If you’re visiting Woodbine Beach for sunrise, explore the nearby Ashbridges Bay Park afterward. It’s a fantastic spot for birdwatching and has a unique marsh ecosystem where you can spot local wildlife waking up with the sun.
Cherry Beach
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Address: 1 Cherry St
Contact details: 311
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Cherry Beach is a peaceful and scenic spot, perfect for an early sunrise visit, especially if you’re looking to escape the city’s bustle. Located along Toronto’s Outer Harbour, this spot is ideal for capturing beautiful sunrise photos.
It’s also one of the few city beaches with a large off-leash dog park, so it’s a favourite for dog lovers and their furry companions. The beach is a popular launch site for kayaks and paddleboards, and the calm waters in the morning are perfect for a leisurely paddle.
The Martin Goodman Trail runs through here, providing a great route for morning joggers or bikers wanting a serene start to the day. For those who like to mix in breakfast with their adventure, the on-site food truck offers convenient bites!
Pro tip: Arrive early to claim a spot on the west side of the beach where kiteboarders often set up. Watching their morning flights against the backdrop of the city’s skyline adds a dynamic twist to the serene sunrise scene.
Scarborough Bluffs
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Address: Scarborough, ON M1M 3W3
Contact details: 311
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Scarborough Bluffs offers one of Toronto’s most breathtaking sunrise views, with the cliffs stretching along Lake Ontario’s edge for nearly 15 kilometres. As the sun rises, it casts a warm glow over the sandy cliffs, the lake, and the surrounding forest.
The Bluffs are a unique fusion of natural beauty, featuring both cliffside trails and sandy beach areas. It is also known for its diverse wildlife and early risers might see foxes, hear the calls of various bird species, or enjoy the rustle of the forest coming to life.
With accessible paths and trails, the Bluffs provide opportunities for light hikes or casual strolls, and the beach area is an excellent place to set up a morning picnic. Visiting on weekdays often means fewer crowds, enhancing the peaceful experience.
Pro tip: After enjoying the sunrise, take the path leading to Bluffers Park Marina nearby, where you can grab a hot coffee from one of the small cafes or settle in for a quiet lakeside breakfast.
Ireland Park
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Website: https://www.canadairelandfoundation.com/explore/ireland-park/
Address: Eireann Quay
Contact details: +14166016906
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Ireland Park is a serene and historic spot nestled on Toronto’s waterfront, making it ideal for catching the sunrise over the lake. The park, with its poignant sculptures and quiet benches, offers a reflective atmosphere that honours the Irish migrants.
As dawn breaks, the soft light adds a moving touch to the space, blending history with natural beauty. In autumn, the combination of colourful foliage and peaceful lake views transforms the park into a picturesque escape from the bustling city.
It’s also a great spot for some quiet time or people-watching, as boats drift by, adding to the peaceful lakeside setting. The proximity to Billy Bishop Airport even makes it a unique spot if you’re waiting to catch a flight.
Pro tip: For a quiet sunrise experience, bring a blanket and find a spot on the stone benches along the lake; it’s a perfect spot to sit, reflect, and take in the early morning stillness.
Riverdale Park East
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Address: 550 Broadview Ave
Contact details: +14163922489
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Riverdale Park East is a scenic gem, especially cherished for its stunning sunrise views over Toronto’s skyline. Located near Danforth and Broadview, this expansive park offers an unobstructed view of the city, with its skyscrapers glowing as dawn approaches.
It’s a perfect spot to start your day, with joggers and dog-walkers filling the paths, all enjoying the peaceful morning atmosphere. Beyond its views, Riverdale Park East has plenty of facilities like ball diamonds, tennis courts, playground and an outdoor pool.
It’s a lively spot, where you can come to picnic, play sports, and simply unwind. The winter months transform the park, with the slopes ideal for tobogganing, adding a unique charm to this popular location.
Pro tip: For the best sunrise photos, head up to the north end of the park; the elevated viewpoint there captures the cityscape beautifully as it awakens under the morning light.
Toronto Island Park
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Address: Toronto, ON, Canada
Contact details: +905312787046
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 5 PM
Cost: Free
Toronto Island Park is a captivating getaway, just a short ferry ride from downtown, offering a unique combination of natural beauty and city views. Comprising several islands, this park has something for every visitor.
At sunrise, the soft hues over the water and city skyline create a serene start to the day, perfect for photographers and early risers. Beyond the beaches and picnic areas, the islands feature attractions like the Centreville Amusement Park and tennis courts.
The clean, well-kept scenery adds to the charm, with spacious trails and lush green spaces that provide a peaceful downtime for you.
Pro tip: Arrive early to secure a good spot on the beach or in a picnic area, especially during weekends. The ferry line can get long, so catching an early ferry is the best way to beat the crowds and fully enjoy the island’s calm morning beauty.
Cudia Park
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Address: Parking lot, 70 Meadowcliffe Dr, Scarborough, ON M1M 2X9
Contact details: +14163384386
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Cudia Park offers peaceful trails and breathtaking views of Lake Ontario and the nearby Cathedral Bluffs. The moment you step onto the trails, you’re greeted with nature’s charm—wildflowers, dense trees, and wildlife sightings.
It’s a perfect place for quiet reflection or an invigorating hike, especially during sunrise when the fog blankets the lake and creates a dreamlike atmosphere. The trails branch leads you to unique vantage points overlooking the bluffs and the marina below.
For those who appreciate a quieter outing, Cudia Park is less frequented than nearby spots, providing a sense of solitude that is hard to find in other scenic areas of Toronto. However, with its natural, unprotected edges, it’s wise to be cautious along the cliffs.
Pro tip: Visit Cudia Park after a light rainfall or early in the morning to catch the mist rising over the lake for a particularly enchanting experience. Don’t forget sturdy shoes, as the trails can be uneven, especially near the cliff edges.
Marie Curtis Park
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Address: 2 Forty Second St
Contact details:
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
Marie Curtis Park has a blend of natural beauty and community history. This serene park, named after a local leader, has lush trails, a quiet beach, and plenty of picnic spots, making it a perfect escape from city life.
Whether you’re walking along Etobicoke Creek or enjoying the sound of waves at the beach, there’s a relaxing spot for everyone here. The park’s trails are simple and well-paved, ideal for both walkers and bikers, with scenic views.
During summer weekends, the beach can get busy, but the lifeguards on duty add a sense of security for families enjoying the water. It’s an excellent place for birdwatching, thanks to the abundant wildlife, or just soaking in views of the distant CN Tower.
Pro tip: If you’re visiting for sunset, bring a blanket and set up near the beach. It’s one of the best spots in the area to watch the sun dip below the horizon, with the lake providing a beautiful reflection.
Burlington Canal
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Address: Hamilton, ON
Operating hours:
- Open 24 hours
Cost: Free
The Burlington Canal, with its iconic Lift Bridge, offers a unique mix of history and scenery on the western shore of Lake Ontario. The bridge lifts on the hour for boats, giving visitors a chance to watch it in action while enjoying views of Hamilton Harbour.
It’s especially captivating to see both the canal bridge and the massive Burlington Skyway, creating a layered view of industrial and natural beauty. This area attracts all types, from those simply enjoying a lakeside walk to others partaking in water activities.
In summer, the lively atmosphere and warm weather make it a perfect time to explore, with people swimming, boating, or simply relaxing on the beach. The canal path provides ample space for a long stroll, and there are plenty of scenic spots to enjoy.
Pro tip: For a unique photo opportunity, head to the bridge just before the lift—capturing the structure in motion with Lake Ontario in the background is worth the timing.
