Riverdale Sunset Vista
Rating
Price
Free
Duration
30-60 minutes
Best Ages
All ages
About
Riverdale Sunset Vista is a viewpoint in Riverdale Park East, on Broadview Avenue in Toronto's east end. The spot sits on a grassy hill that slopes down toward the Don Valley, with an unobstructed view of the downtown Toronto skyline to the west. At sunset, the CN Tower and the cluster of skyscrapers light up in golds and pinks — it's one of the most photographed views in the city.
For families, this isn't a destination you'd plan a whole day around, but it's a perfect 30-60 minute stop, especially in the evening. The grassy hillside gives kids tons of room to run, roll, and play. There's no playground equipment here — it's just open green space — but that's part of the appeal. Kids entertain themselves on the slope while parents take in the view.
In winter, this same hill becomes one of the most popular tobogganing hills in Toronto. Families bring sleds and spend hours sliding down. The slope is steep enough to be fun but not so steep that it's dangerous for younger kids.
The hill has some grade to it, so strollers are manageable but require effort going up. There are no washrooms directly at the viewpoint, though Riverdale Park has facilities further into the park. The closest food options are on Broadview Avenue, where you'll find a mix of cafes, Chinese restaurants, and takeout spots.
Parking on Broadview can be tricky in the evening, especially on summer weekends when the sunset draws crowds. The Broadview subway station on the Bloor-Danforth line is a short walk away. If you're driving, look for side-street parking east of Broadview.
This is a genuinely beautiful Toronto experience that costs nothing. Pair it with dinner on the Danforth or Broadview for a solid family evening out.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Limited
Nursing / Changing
Not Available
Kid Meals
N/A
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
30 minutes before sunset for the full colour show over the skyline
Wait Times
No wait
Nearby Food
Broadview Avenue has several options within a 5-minute walk — Chinese restaurants, cafes, and takeout. The Danforth (a short streetcar or walk north) offers Greek restaurants, pizza, and family-friendly pubs.
Why Kids Love It
The wide-open hill is perfect for rolling down, running around, and playing while the sky changes colour behind the CN Tower. Kids love the sense of being on top of the city. In winter, the hill becomes a popular tobogganing spot.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Come 30 minutes before sunset and bring a picnic blanket
- In winter, bring toboggans — the hill is one of Toronto's best sledding spots
- Take the Broadview subway station to avoid parking headaches
- The best photos are taken from partway up the hill, not the very top
- Combine with a walk through Riverdale Farm (free) just south of the park
What to Bring
- Picnic blanket
- Camera for skyline photos
- Takeout dinner or packed snacks
- Toboggan in winter
- Bug spray in summer evenings
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$0 — completely free.
Grab takeout from nearby Broadview restaurants for a sunset picnic ($30-$50 for the family).
Tips to Save
- Totally free.
- Bring a blanket and packed dinner for a sunset picnic on the hill.
Hours & Contact
Hours
- Friday
- Open 24 hours
- Monday
- Open 24 hours
- Sunday
- Open 24 hours
- Tuesday
- Open 24 hours
- Saturday
- Open 24 hours
- Thursday
- Open 24 hours
- Wednesday
- Open 24 hours
