A 7.5-acre waterfront park at Ontario Place with native Ontario plantings, a stunning view of the Toronto skyline across the water, and a paved trail that's perfect for walking, cycling, and strollers. Completely free and one of the best sunset viewpoints in the city.
Free: 955 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto · Season: year-round
Trillium Park and the William G. Davis Trail are Toronto's newest waterfront gems — a 7.5-acre park and 1.3-kilometre trail at Ontario Place that opened in 2017, offering what many consider the best free skyline view in the city. The park features native Ontario plantings, a spectacular bluff overlooking the water, public art, and a paved trail that connects to the city's larger waterfront network. Completely free, open daily from dawn to dusk, and genuinely beautiful in every season.
What to Expect
Trillium Park was designed as a celebration of Ontario's natural heritage. The landscape architects (LANDinc) created a park that feels both designed and natural, with plantings of native grasses, wildflowers, and trees arranged in patterns that evoke Ontario's landscapes — the bluffs of Scarborough, the wetlands of the Great Lakes, the forests of the Canadian Shield.
The William G. Davis Trail runs through the park and connects to the larger Martin Goodman Trail system, which extends along the entire Toronto waterfront. The trail is paved, fully accessible, and suitable for walking, cycling, strollers, and wheelchairs.
The park's signature feature is the Bluff, a constructed landform that rises above the water's edge and provides panoramic views of the Toronto skyline across the harbour. This is, without exaggeration, one of the most spectacular free viewpoints in the city.
Key Features
The Bluff: The park's highest point, offering 180-degree views of the lake and skyline. The CN Tower, downtown towers, and the island channel are all visible. Sunset here is extraordinary. Benches are placed for optimal viewing.
The Trail: The William G. Davis Trail is a 1.3-kilometre paved path that winds through the park's landscapes. It is fully accessible and connects to the Martin Goodman Trail in both directions.
Native Plantings: The park features over 800 trees and 17,000 perennials, all native Ontario species. The plantings are designed to be beautiful year-round and to support local wildlife.
Public Art: The park includes several artworks integrated into the landscape, including the Trillium Gateway, a sculptural installation marking the park entrance.
The Ontario Place West Channel: The park sits on the western channel of Ontario Place, with views of the marina, the CNE grounds, and the lake beyond.
Seasonal Highlights
Spring: The native plantings begin to bloom. The park is quiet and fresh. The bluff offers clear views before summer haze.
Summer: The park is at its most vibrant. The plantings are lush, the lake is active with boats, and the sunset views are long and spectacular. Bring a picnic.
Fall: The native grasses and asters bloom. The fall light on the water is extraordinary. The park is quieter than summer but equally beautiful.
Winter: The park is open year-round. The frozen lake, the snow-covered bluff, and the winter skyline are stunning. The trail is maintained for winter walking.
How to Get There
Trillium Park is at 955 Lake Shore Boulevard West, at the western edge of Ontario Place. It is accessible by the 509 Harbourfront streetcar (get off at Ontario Place/Exhibition Place) or by walking from Exhibition Place. The park is also accessible via the Martin Goodman Trail from the east or west. Limited parking is available but fills quickly during events — transit or cycling is recommended.
Accessibility
Trillium Park and the William G. Davis Trail are fully wheelchair accessible. The trail is paved and level. The bluff has accessible paths and viewing areas. Accessible washrooms are available near the park entrance. The park is designed to be inclusive and welcoming to all visitors.
Nearby Attractions
- **Ontario Place:** The park is part of the Ontario Place grounds, which include additional trails, the Cinesphere, and event spaces
- **The CNE (Canadian National Exhibition):** Adjacent to the east — visit August 21–September 7, 2026
- **Exhibition Place:** The grounds host year-round events and trade shows
- **Sunnyside Beach:** 20-minute walk east along the waterfront trail
- **High Park:** 15-minute transit ride north
Photography Tips
The bluff at sunset is the ultimate Trillium Park photograph — the skyline across the water with the CN Tower silhouetted against the sky. A wide-angle lens captures the full sweep of the view. The park's native plantings offer beautiful foreground subjects. The trail's curves create leading lines toward the water. Morning light illuminates the downtown towers beautifully from this western vantage point.
Practical Tips for Tourists
- The park is free and open dawn to dusk, year-round
- There are no gates or admission requirements
- The park has no food services — bring your own picnic or visit nearby restaurants
- Public washrooms are available near the park entrance
- The trail is shared with cyclists — stay to the right
- The park is exposed to lake winds — bring a wind layer even on warm days
- Sunset is the best time to visit the bluff — arrive 30 minutes before sunset for optimal light
- The park is dog-friendly on-leash
Visitor tip
The trail connects to the Martin Goodman Trail system. Evening is magic — the skyline across the water with the CN Tower lit up is one of Toronto's best free photo opportunities. Bring a picnic.