A complete guide to Toronto’s Beaches neighbourhood

At the end of the 501 streetcar lies one of Toronto’s most vibrant and laid-back neighbourhoods — the Beaches (or, as some long-time locals call it, the Beach).

Surrounded by lush nature on the shores of Lake Ontario, this East End gem is like stepping into a completely new small town that’s nestled right in the most southeast corner of the city.

Filled with unique charm and character, along with plenty of Toronto history, regardless of what you call the area, there are plenty of ways to spend your time in the Beaches — no swimsuit required.

Shops

The Beaches is teeming with independent specialty shops that boast a wide variety of products that are mostly locally and ethically made.

Shop Maker’s only Toronto location is right on Waverley and Queen Street E., and always filled with trinkets and wares from local artisans. There’s also Ethical Local Market, which is always stocked with high-quality products made ethically in Canada.

Get your style together by shopping Canadian designs at Posh Boutique or hitting up The Pony Club for menswear.

Other recommendations:

• Find your next beach read at Book City
• Satisfy your sweet tooth at The Sweetest Thing
• Satisfy your inner child at Charlie Pickles

Restaurants

Forget your beach picnic and hit up the multitude of delicious restaurants that have withstood the test of time in a competitive city like Toronto.

Xola is a Beaches staple, having served up 12 years of the best authentic Mexican food, but if you’re just looking for a little taco hit, Holi Tacos is the place to be.

Whether you’re looking to warm up during the colder months or if you’re just craving a bowl of noodles, Kyouka Ramen is the spot to grab authentic Japanese ramen. 

There are plenty of restaurants that are still thriving over 20 years later, like The Beacher Cafe and Vi Vetha.

Other recommendations:

• Mira Mira Diner is an upscale spot with a retro-style diner feel
• Bodega Henriette is technically Upper Beaches, but too good not to include
• Get yourself a burger worth remembering at Bulging Burger

Coffee shops

Whether it’s a work-from-home office for the day or just a quick cup of joe, satisfy your caffeine cravings at one of the fine coffee shops in this neighbourhood.

A cozy spot to sit and drink a cup of coffee, Paper Route Cafe is a picture-perfect cafe that looks so good you can rent it out for photo shoots.

With a trendy vibe and some killer baked goods, Bud’s Coffee Bar is a local favourite with daily rotating pastries. The Haven Cafe has some more substantial food offerings, along with a retail pantry stocked with frozen meals, refrigerated items, and shelf-stable products.

Other recommendations:

• Morning Parade
• Remarkable Bean
• Simple Coffee
• Savoury Grounds

What to do in the Beaches

Obviously, you can’t speak about the Beaches without mentioning its namesake. Whether it’s Woodbine Beach, Kew-Balmy Beach, or Silver Birch Beach, you have about three kilometres of uninterrupted sand to dip your toes into. 

If you’re looking for a different kind of nature connection, the world-famous Kew’s Royal Botanic Gardens is definitely a must-visit in the area.

Fox Theatre is one of Toronto’s oldest theatres, having been around since 1914, and is always showing an interesting mix of box office flicks and cool cinema you won’t find screened anywhere else in the city.

Other recommendations:

• Hit the lake with Paddle Pirates
• Take a stroll through Ivan Forrest Gardens up to the Glen Stewart Ravine

So hit the Beaches and don’t forget your sunscreen!

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