The Best Sunrise Spots in Ontario

There’s something about watching a sunrise that fills you with a sense of adventure. Maybe it’s the stillness of those early hours, or the way the world feels like it’s just waking up with you. As a lover of the outdoors and a self-proclaimed “sunrise chaser,” I’ve found that starting the day with a golden sky is one of the best ways to soak up the beauty of nature. And if you’re lucky enough to be in Ontario, you’ll know that this province is home to some seriously spectacular sunrise spots. What The Best Sunrise Spots in Ontario you know?

From the calm of the Great Lakes to the rugged cliffs of the Bruce Peninsula, Ontario offers a range of breathtaking locations where you can catch the first light of the day. Whether you’re a local or visiting for the first time, trust me, a sunrise here is worth the early wake-up call.

In this post, I’m excited to share with you some of my favorite places to watch the sunrise across Ontario. I’ll include a bit of my own experiences, tips on the best times to visit, and what makes each spot special. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful moment by the water or a dramatic cliffside view, there’s something for everyone. So, grab your camera, set your alarm, and get ready to start your day with a little magic.

Here is The Best Sunrise Spots in Ontario:

1. Algonquin Provincial Park – Canoe Lake

• Address: 1958 ON-60, Whitney, ON K0J 2M0
• Best time to visit: Spring and Fall
• Tips: Algonquin’s wilderness is unlike anywhere else in Ontario. In the early morning, the lakes are often covered in mist, which makes for a magical sunrise experience. You can either watch from the shore or, if you’re up for an adventure, rent a canoe and paddle out into the calm waters for an unforgettable view.
• Personal note: One of my fondest memories is paddling out onto Canoe Lake in the early morning, just as the sky started to turn pink. The air was crisp, and the mist rose from the lake like a scene from a dream. By the time the sun broke through the trees, it felt like I was the only person in the world. If you’re looking for a true escape into nature, this is it.

2. Scarborough Bluffs – Toronto

• Address: Bluffers Park, 1 Brimley Rd S, Scarborough, ON M1M 1A3
• Best time to visit: Summer
• Tips: If you’re in the Toronto area but still want to experience nature, the Scarborough Bluffs are an ideal spot for catching the sunrise. The cliffs provide sweeping views of Lake Ontario, and there’s something special about watching the city wake up from this quiet vantage point.
• Personal note: The first time I went to the Bluffs for a sunrise, I wasn’t expecting much—I mean, it’s just outside the city, right? But I was blown away. The cliffs, the water, and the soft morning light made it feel like I was miles away from Toronto’s hustle and bustle. If you get there early enough, you’ll have the place almost entirely to yourself, which is a rarity in the summer.

3. Bruce Peninsula – Lion’s Head Lookout

• Address: 1 Bruin St, Lion’s Head, ON N0H 1W0
• Best time to visit: Summer and Fall
• Tips: Bruce Peninsula is famous for its dramatic cliffs and crystal-clear waters. The hike to Lion’s Head Lookout isn’t too difficult, but if you’re heading up for the sunrise, you’ll want to start early. The view from the top is breathtaking, especially when the sun rises over Georgian Bay, casting soft light on the cliffs and water below.
• Personal note: There’s something about standing on a cliff at dawn, with the wind in your face and the whole world stretching out below you. I remember hiking up to Lion’s Head with a group of friends one summer, the stars still visible as we made our way through the forest. By the time the sun peeked over the horizon, the sky was ablaze with color. It’s one of those moments that stays with you.

4. Prince Edward County – Sandbanks Provincial Park

• Address: 3004 County Rd 12, Picton, ON K0K 2T0
• Best time to visit: Late summer, early fall
• Tips: Sandbanks is known for its stunning beaches and expansive dunes, making it one of the best places in Ontario to watch the sunrise. The key here is to arrive early, as the park can get busy later in the day, especially in the summer. Bring a camera to capture the soft glow of the sun on the sand dunes.
• Personal note: There’s a certain stillness to Sandbanks in the early morning that I love. It’s just you, the waves, and the endless stretch of beach. One morning, I arrived just before sunrise, and it felt like the whole park belonged to me. As the sun came up, the sky shifted through shades of pink, orange, and gold, casting a magical light over the dunes.

5. Lake Superior Provincial Park – Old Woman Bay

• Address: 96 Broadway Ave, Wawa, ON P0S 1K0
• Best time to visit: Summer and Fall
• Tips: If you’re looking for a more remote and wild sunrise experience, head to Old Woman Bay in Lake Superior Provincial Park. The rugged shoreline and towering cliffs provide a dramatic backdrop for the sunrise, and because it’s farther north, you’ll have a good chance of solitude.
• Personal note: I’ll never forget my first sunrise at Old Woman Bay. The waves crashing against the rocky shore, the cliffs looming overhead, and the sun slowly creeping up over the horizon. It was like nature putting on a show just for me.

6. Thousand Islands National Park

• Address: Mallorytown Landing Visitor Centre, 1121 Thousand Islands Pkwy, Mallorytown, ON K0E 1R0
• Best time to visit: Spring and Summer
• Tips: The Thousand Islands region is known for its picturesque landscape of small islands scattered throughout the Saint Lawrence River. For the best sunrise views, consider taking a boat tour, or find a quiet spot along the shoreline to watch the islands emerge from the mist as the sun rises.
• Personal note: There’s something magical about the Thousand Islands at dawn. The river is calm, and as the mist lifts, the islands seem to float on the water. I’ve watched the sunrise here from both a boat and the shore, and each experience was uniquely beautiful.

7. Thunder Bay – Mount McKay

• Address: 1000 Chippewa Rd, Thunder Bay, ON P7J 1B6
• Best time to visit: Summer
• Tips: Mount McKay offers panoramic views of Thunder Bay and Lake Superior. Drive up to the viewing platform, or if you’re up for it, hike to the summit for an even better vantage point. As For me it’s one of The Best Sunrise Spots in Ontario!
• Personal note: Share how the early morning hike, though challenging, felt worth it as soon as the sun crested over the horizon.

8. Muskoka Lakes

• Address: Various spots around the lakes region
• Best time to visit: Summer and early fall
• Tips: Muskoka’s lakes are iconic, and the reflection of the sunrise in the calm waters is unbeatable. Rent a cottage or camp out for a night, and be sure to head to the dock just before the first light.
• Personal note: Mention a cozy morning wrapped in a blanket, coffee in hand, sitting on a dock while the sky turned shades of pink and purple.

9. Niagara Falls – Horseshoe Falls

• Address: 6650 Niagara Pkwy, Niagara Falls, ON L2E 3E8
• Best time to visit: Spring and Fall
• Tips: Niagara Falls is a world-famous destination, and catching a sunrise over the falls is a unique experience. Be prepared for mist and chilly air, but the sight of the sun rising over the thundering water is unforgettable.
• Personal note: Share the excitement of seeing this natural wonder in the early hours, with fewer crowds and the falls bathed in the soft morning light.

10. Rattlesnake Point Conservation Area – Milton

• Address: 7200 Appleby Line, Milton, ON L9E 0M9
• Best time to visit: Spring and Fall
• Tips: Rattlesnake Point offers a quieter alternative to some of the more popular spots. The cliffs provide an excellent vantage point for sunrises, and the surrounding forest gives the whole experience a magical feel.
• Personal note: Talk about the serenity of standing on the cliffs, feeling the cool morning air, and watching the forest come alive with the sun’s first rays.

Ontario’s landscape offers a diverse array of beautiful locations to witness a sunrise, each with its own unique charm. From the rugged cliffs of the Bruce Peninsula to the tranquil waters of Muskoka. There’s no shortage of places to start your day with a breathtaking view. As someone who’s spent many mornings chasing the sun across this province. I can confidently say that each of these spots offers something special.

Also read our blog post – The Best Sunset Spots in Ontario: 15 Must-Visit Locations

So, whether you’re an early riser by nature or setting that alarm for a one-time adventure. I hope this list inspires you to seek out the beauty of a sunrise on your next Ontario adventure. And if you have a The Best Sunrise Spots in Ontario that didn’t make the list, I’d love to hear about it in the comments!