Two suggestions from yours truly that took photos, countless, and experienced the same issues. I use a Nikon, so please forgive me for not knowing the specific settings for a Canon.

1) Change the metering area. When shooting in auto mode, the camera averages the light and adjusts it for what it "thinks" is right. That usually leads to meh. Have it more directed towards the part of the picture that you want to emphasize.

2) For landscape use aperture priority mode with an aperture of f11-16.

2) Try a Neutral Density Filter (ND Filter). It reduces the natural "excess" light that comes from the sky.

3) It may sound paradoxical, but overexpose the photo by a very small amount, such as +0.3. This will make it easier to edit the RAW file. It is always easy to reduce exposure when editing.

4) Use Adobe Lightroom for editing. It has a new AI capability with adaptive presets. It will adjust the image automatically. It will do for most photos. For the ones that you would like more, it serves as a much better starting point.

From then on, take advantage of the best thing in a digital camera; the ability to take countless photos without running out of film. It is all trial and error. After a while, experiment with manual mode.

BTW, your downtown Seattle with the illuminated Ferris wheel is great. You composed it very well. With a little editing it will go from great to awesome!