Broadview Hotel Rooftop

Perched above the historic Broadview Hotel, this seasonal rooftop bar delivers one of Toronto's most striking skyline views from the east end. Looking west across the full downtown core, it feels cinematic without the usual downtown crush. Come for cocktails, stay for golden hour, and watch the city light up from a perspective most visitors never get.

Neighbourhood: Riverside / East End · Address: 106 Broadview Ave, Toronto, ON · Hours: Wed–Sun from 5pm (seasonal) · Price Range: $$$ · Phone: (416) 463-5000 · Editorial status: Not yet verified

Why Visit

Go for one of the most breathtaking skyline views in Toronto and stay for a polished rooftop experience that feels more relaxed than downtown alternatives. It's an easy win for sunset drinks, date night, or showing visitors the city at its most photogenic.

What Makes It Unique

Its east-end position creates a panoramic west-facing view that many Toronto rooftops simply can't match. You get the whole skyline in one frame, with less crowd pressure than the usual downtown hotspots.

The Broadview Hotel Rooftop is one of those rare Toronto venues that actually lives up to the hype. Set atop a landmark building in Riverside, it gives you a west-facing view over the entire downtown skyline from an elevated east-end perch, which makes the whole city feel like it's staged in front of you. The atmosphere is polished but not stiff, stylish without trying too hard, and notably more relaxed than many of the rooftop spots closer to the core. You get the sense that people are here for the view, yes, but also because the room itself feels like an occasion.

What makes it distinctive is simple: the angle. Most Toronto rooftops put you in the skyline or beside it. Here, you're looking at the skyline as a complete panorama, which creates a far more dramatic and photogenic effect. The CN Tower, condo canyons, and layered high-rises all line up in a way that feels unusually cinematic, especially as daylight starts to fade. It's also a little less chaotic than the headline-making downtown rooftops, so the whole experience feels more enjoyable and less like a competition for standing room near the railing.

On the food and drink side, expect a polished rooftop menu with cocktails, wine, beer, and elevated bar fare that suits the setting. This is not the place you rush through in 45 minutes. It's better approached as a slow evening spot: order a round, share a few plates, and settle in as the light changes over the city. While the skyline is the main event, the drinks program and comfortable atmosphere make it more than just a scenic stop. It works equally well for a celebratory toast, a first date, or bringing out-of-town guests somewhere that immediately says Toronto.

The crowd tends to be a mix of locals who know the east end well, hotel guests, couples leaning into date-night energy, and groups starting the evening somewhere with impact. Golden hour is the sweet spot, when the sun drops behind the skyline and the buildings catch that warm glow you only get from this side of town. After dark, the city lights take over and the rooftop shifts into a more intimate mood. If you want one rooftop that delivers the best full-picture view of Toronto without the usual downtown frenzy, this is the one.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Broadview Hotel Rooftop different from other Toronto rooftops?

Its biggest advantage is the perspective. Instead of being surrounded by downtown towers, you're looking west at the entire skyline from the east end, which creates a much more dramatic panoramic view. That angle makes sunset especially memorable, and the experience usually feels less crowded and frantic than many rooftop bars in the downtown core.

When is the best time to go to Broadview Hotel Rooftop?

Golden hour is absolutely the move. Arriving before sunset lets you see the skyline in daylight, watch the sun drop behind the towers, and stay as the city lights come on. That transition is what makes this rooftop special, so it's worth planning your visit around the evening light rather than showing up too late.

Is Broadview Hotel Rooftop good for food as well as drinks?

Yes, but most people come primarily for the setting and cocktails. The food offering is best described as elevated rooftop fare that's well suited for sharing, light dinners, or a longer drinks-and-snacks kind of evening. It's a strong option for date night or entertaining guests, especially if you want atmosphere to be part of the meal.

Do you need a reservation for Broadview Hotel Rooftop?

A reservation is a smart idea, especially on warm evenings, weekends, and around sunset when demand is highest. Because it's seasonal and well known for the view, prime times can fill quickly. If you're aiming for a skyline-facing table or visiting with a group, planning ahead will make the experience much smoother.

WTF Toronto creates guides using independent editorial research, official sources, local knowledge and firsthand experience where available. Commercial relationships are disclosed where applicable.