For The Best Skyline View Of Toronto, Take This Day Trip Instead Of Visiting The CN Tower

Visitors to Toronto will quickly notice that the CN Tower dominates the skyline. At over 1,800 feet tall, it dwarfs the city's other buildings. The CN Tower is one of the most scenic places in Canada and it affords panoramic views and the chance to take stunning photos of the country's largest city. But if you're looking for a fresh perspective on Toronto and want to capture the CN Tower itself as part of the picturesque skyline, you'll want to hop on a ferry and head out to Toronto's islands.

Toronto Island Park is a collection of 15 interconnected islands, including Ward's Island, Centre Island, and Hanlan's Point, just a 13-minute ferry ride across the bay from downtown Toronto. It's often cited as one of the must-visit spots in Toronto, lauded for its natural beauty. The north side of the islands, facing back toward the city, offers spectacular views of the skyline, with the CN Tower front and center. There are several particularly scenic spots marked on Google Maps, but you can also wander along the shoreline and find your own viewpoint. Any time of day will allow you to take beautiful photos, but sunset is a particularly wonderful time to soak in the views from Toronto Island Park.

There's more to Toronto Island Park than the views of the city skyline. You can spend an entire day there, enjoying a tranquil escape from the city. The islands are connected by a network of paths and bridges for walkers and cyclists, and it's a little over 3 miles between the two farthest ferry docks. The boardwalk runs for 1 mile along the south side of the park, offering views over Lake Ontario. You can also enjoy views of Tommy Thompson Park from the boardwalk — the park is a long spit of land extending about 3 miles into Lake Ontario and is a haven for walkers and bikers. 

Toronto Island Park boasts four of the city's 10 supervised swimming beaches: Ward's Island, Centre Island, Gibraltar Point, and Hanlan's Point. All four received the sought-after Blue Flag Award for cleanliness in 2024. If you're hoping for a full-body tan, you'll find a clothing-optional section to sunbathe on Hanlan's Point. At Centre Island, there's a splash pad for fun on the water and a pier that juts out into the bay and has more great vistas of the Toronto skyline. If you'd rather get out on the water, you can rent canoes and kayaks from the Boat House in the center of the islands. From there, you can paddle out into the lagoon, past several smaller islands with unobstructed views of the CN Tower. 

If you're traveling with kids, the rides and attractions at Centreville Amusement Park and the animals of Far Enough Farm will be summertime favorites. At Centreville, most of the rides are aimed at children, but the 15-minute chair lift ride will also appeal to adults for its views over the bay. The amusement park is a good place to grab a bite to eat, with classic fare like funnel cakes and pizza available. Over at the farm, kids have the chance to interact with animals from pot-bellied pigs to mini ponies to alpacas, and meet the farmers who take care of them. 

More activities are available on the island, ensuring you'll be able to fill an entire day (if not longer). The islands are an excellent place for bird-watching, with migratory birds often passing by and the sand dunes offering a home to certain rare species. Bike rental is also available on the islands during spring and summer, allowing visitors to get around faster and see more of the islands.

Summer is a prime time to visit Toronto Island Park, as many things close during the cooler seasons. Bear in mind that the sun sets as late as 9 p.m. in June, so you might be waiting a while for your sunset photos! Toronto is a great destination for a fall getaway, too, and Toronto Island Park is a top spot for colorful foliage. The ferries run year-round, but more frequently during summer and fall ensuring easy access.