Fill your social media feed with these 8 awe-inspiring Toronto photo ops that shine brightest after sunset.

Go where the night moves you—and bring your camera! From golden hour to beyond midnight, you’ll want to snap and share these eight scenic spots across Toronto.
 

The Toronto Sign at Nathan Phillips Square

An iconic landmark loved by locals and visitors alike, the Toronto Sign has been a social media staple since its 2015 installation commemorating the Pan Am Games. 

In September 2022, the 10-foot-tall 3D sign was updated with a new vinyl wrap titled Rekindle, in recognition of UNESCO’s International Decade of Indigenous Languages. The Toronto Sign lights up in different colours every night, which makes for epic evening shots.

The downtown skyline from the Toronto Islands

Torontonians have their own opinions on where the best spot is to view the skyline, but the view from the Toronto Islands is no doubt one of the top places to see it in all its glory. Take a ferry or water taxi over to Toronto Island Park and watch the sunset views turn into night views with all the twinkling city lights.

360-degree city views from the CN Tower

The CN Tower is a landmark you absolutely cannot miss when visiting Toronto! Standing at over 553 m (1,814 ft) above the city, its 360-degree views of Toronto are incredible, especially as golden hour hits. 

Like the Toronto Sign, the CN Tower has a commemorative lighting schedule, so you’ll want to take in the views from both inside and outside of the tower.

Helicopter views of Toronto

An epic Heli Tours helicopter ride over the city is another cool thing for your Toronto bucket list—and nothing beats the skyline views at golden hour! 

Book the private Romantic Interlude tour for two and fly a 35-km (21-mi) route over the city’s tallest buildings and iconic landmarks, taking in amazingly scenic views as the sun sets. 

You’ll get a bird’s eye view of every corner of downtown, from the Canadian National Exhibition grounds to the Don Valley. Bonus: only one twilight tour is available each evening, making it an especially unique and exclusive experience.

The nightlife of Yonge-Dundas Square

If you’re planning on visiting the CF Toronto Eaton Centre or the dynamic street scene of downtown Yonge Street, be sure to pass by Yonge-Dundas Square. This bustling downtown corner really comes alive after dark, as its many billboards and signs light up the night. 

It’s also a great people-watching spot, with crowds, buskers and food vendors galore. If you visit during the summer months, you’re likely to catch an outdoor festival, music concert or other bustling event.

The illuminated signs and storefronts of Chinatown 

The bright signs and neon lights of Chinatown make it the perfect spot to snap a series of dynamic night photos. 

Established in the 1800s, downtown Chinatown is home to a plethora of souvenir shops and food markets, plus a wide range of Asian restaurants serving up regional Chinese, Vietnamese and Korean cuisine. Stroll through the neighbourhood to enjoy its nighttime views, then hit up some of Toronto’s best Asian restaurants for a self-guided date night food crawl.

Victorian views and twinkling lights in the Distillery Historic District

You’ll definitely want to stop by the Distillery Historic District, one of Toronto’s most photogenic attractions. This pedestrian-only neighbourhood is filled with fantastic restaurants and cute boutiques, as well as plenty of Instagrammable photo opportunities—especially after dark. 


Snap a photo by the lit-up “LOVE” sign or under the hanging string lights on Trinity Street. Tip: return during the holiday season for The Distillery Winter Village, when the neighbourhood sparkles with picture-perfect festive lights.

Sunset views of the downtown skyline 

Take in a picturesque sunset as it descends into the Toronto skyline from Riverdale Park East, located in the quiet and cozy east side neighbourhood of Riverdale

This local-fave park is built over a century-old landfill and is a top destination for recreation, dog walking, swimming at the public pool in summer and sledding down the epic hill in winter. It’s also a top picnic spot for its city skyline views, so pack a blanket and snacks, or grab takeout nearby in East Chinatown.