Categories: Travel

This beloved Toronto spot has some of the best sky-high lake views

Image via Helen Filatova/Shutterstock

If you’ve lived in Toronto for a while, then you’ve certainly heard of the Scarborough Bluffs, but have you visited them? It took me years of living in the city to make a trip out to this gorgeous spot finally, and it’s true what they say, it really doesn’t feel like you’re in Toronto when you’re taking in the views there. All of that to say, this is your sign to make a little day trip to the bluffs.

Getting to Scarbrough Bluffs

One of the best parts about the Scarborough Bluffs is that it’s easy to get to from downtown Toronto. The escarpment is about 17 km east of the city and there are several ways to get there.

If you’re taking TTC, there are a handful of bus routes, but one of the easiest ways to take the GO Train from Union Station to Scarborough Go Station, and from there, the bus to St. Clair Avenue East at Brimley Road. On weekends, there is a seasonal 175 bus from Kennedy Station which will take you right to Bluffers Park.

If you plan on driving, it should take you around 30 minutes from downtown with a few parking options including the two parking lots at Bluffer’s Park and one at Bluffer’s Beach. Street parking is also available.

Exploring Scarborough Bluffs

“The Scarborough Bluffs are a significant geological feature resulting from the accumulation of sedimentary deposits over 12,000 years ago. They were formed by the natural processes of wind and water erosion from Lake Ontario,” shares the City of Toronto.

Today, the peak of the bluffs overlooks Lake Ontario but the views along the entire stretch are worth the visit. Over 10 parks make up the 15 km span including:

Bluffer’s Park
Cathedral Bluffs Park
Cudia Park
East Point Park
Grey Abbey Park
Guild Park and Gardens
Scarboro Crescent Park
Scaborough Heights Park
South Marine Drive Park
Sylvan Park

Wondering where to catch the best sky-high sights? Cathedral Bluffs Park and Scarborough Crescent Park are the spots to make note of. City of Toronto does warn that anyone visiting must stay away from the edge of the bluff’s edge.

“The Bluffs’ edge is unstable. Stay behind the fences and use your common sense. Do not approach the edge of the bluffs,” shares the city.

Have fun, be safe, and take lots of photos!