The hilltop of Riverdale Park East is one of Toronto's best-kept photography secrets — a broad elevated lawn with a panoramic south-facing view of the downtown skyline, best just before sunrise when the city lights still glow and the sky turns colour. From here you can simultaneously see fireworks from multiple Canada Day sites across the city.
Neighbourhood: Riverdale / East York · Address: Riverdale Park East, Broadview Ave at Winchester St, Toronto · Hours: Open 24 hours — free
Why Visit
Catch the sun rise over Toronto’s skyline from a hill that feels a world away from the downtown crowds. The view is extra magical when city lights still glow against a pastel sky before dawn.
What Makes It Unique
Unlike more famous viewpoints like Polson Pier, Riverdale Park East gives a wide-angle, slightly elevated view showing not just the core but layers of neighbourhoods and green spaces leading up to the skyscrapers. On Canada Day, it's one of the only spots where you can watch fireworks bursting in several parts of the city at once.
Riverdale Park East's hilltop — the elevated western section of the park that rises above Broadview Avenue — provides one of the most expansive south-facing views of the Toronto skyline available from within the city. From this position, the CN Tower, downtown towers, and the Don Valley below are visible in a single sweeping panorama that rivals the view from more famous lookouts like the Centre Island ferry dock or Polson Pier.\n\nThe location is particularly remarkable at sunrise. In the pre-dawn hour, the city lights illuminate the skyline while the sky transitions from dark blue to pink and orange — a sequence that professional photographers seek out for the brief window when artificial light and natural light balance. Unlike Cherry Beach or Polson Pier, which attract photographers on significant dates, Riverdale Park East remains uncrowded even during prime golden hour conditions.\n\nThe park is also the city's best multi-fireworks vantage point on Canada Day. From the hill, fireworks from Ashbridges Bay, Harbourfront, and multiple suburban shows are simultaneously visible on the horizon — a panoramic fireworks experience that no single launch site provides.\n\nThe hilltop is accessible via the park's main entrance on Broadview Avenue and is a straightforward walk from Broadview subway station. The park itself is expansive and well-maintained, with sports fields, a splash pad (seasonal), and the adjacent Riverdale Farm immediately north.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the view like from Riverdale Park East hilltop?
The hilltop of Riverdale Park East provides a panoramic south-facing view of the Toronto downtown skyline — the CN Tower, the office towers, and the Don Valley below. It's considered one of the best elevated city views accessible within Toronto proper, and is excellent for photography especially at sunrise and dusk.
How do I get to Riverdale Park East by TTC?
Riverdale Park East is a 5-minute walk from Broadview subway station on Line 2 (Bloor-Danforth). Exit Broadview station and walk south on Broadview Avenue to Winchester Street. The park entrance is immediately adjacent. The park is also accessible from Gerrard Street East to the south.
Is Riverdale Park East good for Canada Day fireworks?
Yes — the elevated hilltop of Riverdale Park East is one of the best multi-fireworks vantage points in the city on Canada Day. From the summit, you can simultaneously see fireworks from Ashbridges Bay, Harbourfront, and often more distant suburban shows — a panoramic view no single launch site provides. The park is less crowded than the Ashbridges Bay or Harbourfront sites.
What else is near Riverdale Park East?
Riverdale Farm is immediately adjacent to the north — a free working farm in the middle of Toronto with animals and gardens open to the public daily. The Cabbagetown neighbourhood to the west offers cafés and restaurants. Don Valley trail access is a short walk down the hill. Broadview subway station is 5 minutes away.