Skyline View
Rating
Price
Free
Duration
15-30 minutes
Best Ages
All ages
About
Skyline View on Olympic Island is one of the most stunning vantage points of the Toronto skyline, and it's completely free to visit. Located on the Toronto Islands, this scenic spot looks directly north across the harbour toward the city, giving you an unobstructed panorama that includes the CN Tower, Rogers Centre, and the full wall of downtown skyscrapers reflected in the water.
Getting here requires taking the ferry from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to one of the island docks, then walking or biking over. Olympic Island is accessible via paths from Centre Island. The walk is flat and paved, making it manageable with strollers.
There are no facilities directly at the viewpoint — no washrooms, no food vendors, no benches in some spots — so treat it as a stop along a larger island outing rather than a standalone destination.
For families, the best approach is to combine this with a trip to Centre Island or Ward's Island. Stop at Skyline View for photos, let the kids run on the grass, and then continue to the beach or Centreville. The viewpoint is especially spectacular at sunset when the buildings glow orange and pink.
Photographers and families looking for a Toronto skyline family photo should come here rather than fighting for space at more crowded spots like the Harbourfront. The open grass gives you room to set up a tripod or take group shots without strangers walking through. On a clear day, the reflections in the harbour water are remarkable.
There's no cost to visit beyond the ferry ticket. It's a quick stop — most families spend 15-30 minutes here — but the views are genuinely worth the detour.
Age Suitability
Parent Logistics
Stroller-Friendly
Yes
Nursing / Changing
Not Available
Kid Meals
N/A
Setting
Outdoor
Rainy Day
Not ideal
Plan Your Visit
Best Time to Visit
Sunset for the most dramatic skyline photos, or clear mornings for sharp visibility
Wait Times
No wait
Nearby Food
No food at this exact spot. The nearest vendors are at Centreville Amusement Park on Centre Island, about a 10-15 minute walk. Pack your own snacks.
Why Kids Love It
Kids are wowed by seeing the entire Toronto skyline spread out in front of them across the water. It's the kind of view that makes them point and shout 'I can see the CN Tower!' The open grassy area gives them room to run while parents take photos.
Pro Tips from Parents
- Visit at sunset for the best skyline photos
- Combine with a Centre Island or Ward's Island trip — it's not worth a standalone ferry ride
- Bring a tripod or phone stand for family photos against the skyline
- The spot is exposed — bring a windbreaker on breezy days
What to Bring
- Camera or phone with a good camera
- Windbreaker or light jacket — it's breezy on the island
- Snacks and water (no vendors nearby)
- Sunscreen
Cost Info
Free Admission
Estimated Cost (Family of 4)
$0 (free viewpoint).
Only cost is the ferry to the islands — about $28 round trip for a family of 4.
Tips to Save
- Completely free to visit.
- The only expense is getting to the islands via ferry.
- Pack your own snacks.
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
