Toronto might not exactly be known as a tropical paradise. But you might pinch yourself when you see some of our glorious sand beaches. Thanks to our enviable location on Lake Ontario, no expensive flights are necessary for fun in the sun!
Just grab your bike, hop on a bus or subway, or take a quick car (or ferry) ride, and you can be at a gorgeous waterfront shore that proves we can hold our own when it comes to beach life.
Most Toronto beaches have Blue Flag certification, which means the water quality is monitored consistently. Usually, they pass with flying colours, but it never hurts to check before heading out for the day.
This summer, let’s reconnect with nature and head down to some of the city’s finest waterfront destinations.
The Toronto Island Beaches
A quick ferry ride takes you to Toronto Island (or more accurately, 15 separate islands all connected by a series of bridges and pathways). As the largest car-free area in North America, Toronto Island Park is a picturesque getaway from the city. It’s also where you’ll find some of the best beaches.
Centre Island
When you think of the Toronto Islands, Centre Island Beach could very well be the first one to pop into your mind. It’s by far the most popular of the Island beaches, thanks to amenities that include lockers, change rooms, bike rentals.
Even if you’re not there to swim or sun-bathe, there’s still plenty to do, such as visit the beautiful nearby gardens, sit down for a picnic or rent a bike and cruise. Centreville Amusement Park is just metres away, making this a must-visit summer attraction.
Gibraltar Point
Visitors have reported that the sand here is the softest of all the island beaches, and the swell of the waves can create a real, ocean-like feel.
This area is located between Hanlan’s Point and Centre Island, and is covered in the remains of the Gibraltar Beach Sand Dunes that once spanned the entire southern shore of the island. It’s still a pretty cool sight today, and is technically classified as an Environmentally Significant Area.
Hanlon’s Point
Perhaps most famous for its clothing-optional policies, Hanlon’s Point faces away from the mainland, which means it frequently features excellent water quality. You can enjoy pristine views of the skyline from the lagoon at the park, as well as outdoor volleyball and several bike trails.
Ward’s Island
Ward’s Island Beach is more of a residential area and less touristy overall. This means fewer stores and restaurants, but what it lacks in retail opportunities, it more than makes up for with beautiful surroundings and a stunning skyline.
A small playground provides a safe and fun place for children, and visitors also have access to a baseball diamond, a pickleball court, and a bike trail. Can anyone find a more picture-perfect afternoon escape?
Just talking about the scenery and the waterfront may be enough to make you want to move to Toronto. The next step is choosing a neighbourhood, and the posts below can help:
- All Eyes on King West Village!
- Loving Life in Toronto’s Church-Yonge Corridor
- For the Love of St. Lawrence Market
Cherry Beach (East End)
Back on the mainland, you’ll find even more fantastic beaches, including Cherry Beach. Perhaps unsurprisingly, this popular summertime destination is named after its location at the end of Cherry Street.
This is the spot to be if you want to go swimming, kite boarding, stroll the Martin Goodman Trail, or let the beat take you away at an underground music festival. (Or all of the above, because why not?)
Everything is better by the waterfront, and there’s a reason Cherry Beach is a local’s choice for swimming, wading, and sandcastle-building! Known for some of the cleanest water in Toronto, it is also accessible by public transit.
Kew-Balmy Beach (East End)
As you might expect with any destination with the word “balmy” right in the name, Kew-Balmy Beach is a stunning place to spend an afternoon. With an expansive boardwalk, you can get from here to Woodbine Beach and back again.
Alternatively, you can enjoy the scenery with the Martin Goodman Trail and a quiet residential area on one side, the sandy shore on the other. If you feel ambitious, you can put the outdoor fitness equipment to work. If not, set down your beach blanket and umbrella and relax as you watch the waves.
Most important of all, be sure to say “hello” to all the adorable doggos walking by with their people. As home to an off-leash area, there’s bound to be one or two that will steal your heart.
Woodbine Beach (East End)
An East End favourite, Woodbine Beach is the longest beach in Toronto, and as anyone who has visited in the summer can tell you, one of the most popular! Unsurprisingly, it is also located in the Toronto neighbourhood simply known as “The Beaches.” (Can you guess why?)
Flanked by both the cool waters of Lake Ontario and a lengthy boardwalk, it’s the perfect place for leisurely summer strolls. While it might get busy during the summer, the beach is wide enough that you’re likely to find a spot anyways. Besides, the “people watching” here is the main attraction.
Sugar Beach (Downtown)
Do you prefer sunbathing over swimming? Sugar Beach is a great option for those who want the best of the beach, without getting wet. This urban park has some serious Miami vibes, and sits right across from Redpath Sugar’s iconic refinery. Watch the sugar-loaded ships come into the harbour, while soaking up some sun under charming pink parasols.
Marie Curtis Park (Etobicoke)
This beach is truly a hidden gem. Right in between Toronto and Mississauga, Marie Curtis Park retains a small-town charm – even when it’s bordered by urban giants. The beach is quaint, secluded, and there’s even a lookout which stretches your gaze out across Lake Ontario. Bonus points if you hike alongside the picturesque Etobicoke Creek to get to this charming lakeside retreat!
Sunnyside Beach (West End)
Sunnyside Beach has a romantic and nostalgic vibe that is so addictive. It’s no surprise that this used to be the spot for Toronto beachgoers in the 1920s.
There’s a waterfront trail, a public pool, green space, lots of sand, and a more relaxed vibe than other beaches in the city. Water quality can sometimes be an issue here, so stay up to date before you go for a dip.
Are you on the hunt for the right house in Toronto? The posts below can help:
- Beyond the MLS®: Creative Ideas to Find the Right Home
- Living Your Loft Life in Toronto
- How the Government is Helping First-Time Buyers in Toronto
Bluffer’s Park (Scarborough)
Have you been living in Toronto for a while now, and still haven’t made your way to the Scarborough Bluffs? Now’s your chance to view this natural wonder, while also getting your daily dose of vitamin D.
Bluffer’s Park is a stretch of sand that sits in the shadows of the bluffs, and features some of the finest, white, glistening sand in the city. Don’t want to swim? Pack a picnic and simply enjoy the view!
Rouge Beach (Scarborough)
As part of Rouge National Urban Park, Rouge Beach offers a completely different atmosphere than some of Toronto’s other waterfronts. Here, it’s less about party central, and more about engaging in the pristine beauty of one of the largest urban parks in North America, located north of Scarborough.
This is where you can explore lush, provincially significant wetlands and marshes, bask in the white sands on the expansive beach, and explore 10,000 years of human history on a free guided walk, all in the same day. Yet somehow, you’ll come home well-rested and recharged. Spending time immersed in nature can have that effect on you!
Nothing compares to an afternoon at the waterfront so why not treat yourself to that pleasure every chance you get? Living in Toronto means your favourite beach can be a regular hotspot to visit at your leisure.
Are you ready to make the move to Toronto? We are happy to help you find the right home and neighbourhood. Get in touch today at erica@ericareddy.com or call 416.443.0300 with any questions.
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