Categories: Travel

10 of the best Toronto beaches for swimming

Summer is here and we’re making the most of it! That means beach days are in order and thankfully we don’t have to travel far to enjoy one. These Toronto beaches are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and hanging out with friends.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day out in the sun or want to cool off and dip your toes in the lake, grab your swimsuit and enjoy a carefree day at these Toronto beaches.

And make sure to check The online Swim Guide to ensure water quality levels.

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Bluffer’s Park Beach

Not only are the Bluffs a sight to see but its beach serves as a lovely escape. Especially on a hot summer day.

Where: 1 Brimley Road South

Centre Island Beach

Located on the Toronto Islands, this popular beach is a hit in the summer! If you have yet to visit the island, add this to your bucket list.

Where: Toronto Island Park, 9 Queens Quay West

Cherry Beach

Cherry Beach is usually one of the cleanest beaches in mainland Toronto. It has received various upgrades over time as part of the City’s Waterfront Redevelopment Project.

Pup parents will love Cherry Beach as a large section of it is an off leash paradise for dogs.

Where: 1 Cherry Street

Gibraltar Point Beach

This hidden gem beach on the Islands is an Environmentally Significant Area for the rare species that inhabit the area.

The picturesque landscape of the last-remaining Gibraltar Beach Sand Dunes also makes for some great photo ops.

Where: Between Hanlan’s Point and Centre Island

Hanlan’s Point Beach

Bordered by vegetated sand dunes, this popular spot is Toronto’s only clothing-optional beach and was once named one of the world’s best places to sunbathe in the nude.

Beach-goers enjoy wading into the waters of Hanlan’s Point, which meets the Blue Flag standard for strict water quality and safety criteria.

Where: Hanlan’s Point, Toronto Islands

Kew-Balmy Beach

This beach has a long history of being one of Toronto’s most popular beaches for events, attractions, and festivals.

Where: Balmy Beach Park, 1 Beech Avenue

Marie Curtis Park East Beach

Make your way to Etobicoke and spend a day at Marie Curtis Park East Beach. This beach is more low-key than the rest so it’s the perfect escape from the city.

According to the Great Lakes Guide, it’s located on the east bank of the Etobicoke Creek where the water flows out to meet Lake Ontario. Sounds serene!

Where: 2 Forty Second St

Sunnyside Beach

South of High Park, just off of Lakeshore Blvd is where you’ll find Sunnyside Beach. It surrounds parts of Humber Bay but don’t let its location fool you, it’s a fan favourite in the summer. Enjoy a relaxing summer day along the sandy shore, play some rounds of volleyball and fuel up at the Sunnyside Café.

You can also rent a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard from the Sunnyside Paddling Club.

Where: Off Humber Bay

Ward’s Island Beach

This beach on the Toronto Islands is slightly sheltered by the Leslie Spit, which creates calm waters that are perfect for swimming.

Where: Ward’s Island, Toronto Islands

Woodbine Beach

Easily the busiest and most popular beach in Toronto, Woodbine is always busy throughout the summer months for its beach volleyball courts, boardwalk, sandy shoreline, and water quality standards.

Where: 1675 Lake Shore Boulevard East