Nothing says summer quite like a day at the beach. And in Toronto, we’re lucky to have so many of them! Whether you’re looking for a day soaking in the sun, a little afternoon swim, or a job down a boardwalk, there’s a little something for everyone! So get outside and take advantage of one (or all) of these amazing Toronto-area beaches. And remember, keep your distance and stay safe!
Here are 10 of the best beaches in and around Toronto.
WOODBINE BEACHES
Gotta start with the classic, right? This beach is known for its boardwalks and massive surface area. 15.2 hectares to be exact. Torontonians from all over the city flock to Woodbine Beach in the summer to enjoy things like picnics, swimming, waterfront volleyball, and more. This popular spot can sometimes get a little crowded though. So make sure you have room to social distance if you decide to stop by.
Where: 1675 Lakeshore Blvd E
MARIE CURTIS BEACH
And if Woodbine’s got too many people around for you, just hide away at this lesser-known Toronto location. It’s one of the quieter beaches in the city, but it’s still definitely one of the best. You can enjoy uninterrupted waterfront relaxing when you pay a visit to this gorgeous spot.
Where: The Foot of 42nd St, South of Lakeshore Rd W
CHERRY BEACH
This Toronto hotspot is definitely one of the city’s favourites beaches. It’s located right at the end of, you guessed it, Cherry St. And the vibe here is just as bright and fun as its name suggests. Plus, you can bring your pooch and take advantage of the dogs off-leash area of the park.
Where: 1 Cherry St
SUGAR BEACH
This beautiful spot is probably the most Instagramable beach in the city. It’s famous for its bright pink umbrellas and it’s the perfect little oasis in the middle of the hustle and bustle of downtown. Fun fact, it’s located right next to the Red Path Sugar Factory. Which is likely where it got its super sweet name.
Where: Foot of Lower Jarvis Street, South of Queens Quay
WARD’S ISLAND BEACH
Hop on over to the Islands for this gorgeous Toronto beach. You can take a ferry straight here from the Queens Quay Terminal (just make sure you book your tickets in advance during COVID-19). Then spend the day at a beautiful away-from-but-still-technically-in the city getaway. You can stare at the gorgeous views of the city skyline. Or you can rent a bike and do a little exploring around the island.
Where: Ward’s Island, Toronto Islands
HANLAN’S POINT
And also on the islands but on the opposite side, we’ve got Hanlan’s Point. This beach is a little different than the others. How? It’s clothing-optional! Yup, you don’t have to get tan lines laying in the sun at this spot. We don’t recommend bringing children to the area. But if you do stop by, you can expect gorgeous views of the sunset over some floating boats in Lake Ontario. Oh, and probably a bare bottom or two as well.
Where: Hanlan’s Point, Toronto Islands
ROUGE PARK BEACH
This quiet beach is tucked away in Scarborough. And it’s the perfect place to hit if you’re looking for a more peaceful and serene day in the sun. The beach is located at the mouth of Rouge River, which flows into Lake Ontario. And here’s a fun little fact. The reason it’s called Rouge River is because of red clay found in the river banks that gives the water a unique colour. Hmm. The more you know.
Where: 195 Rouge Hills Dr
SAUBLE BEACH
So you’ll have to travel out of the city for this one, but we promise it’s worth it. This gorgeous little beach town is a go-to spot for a sunshine-filled day trip. It’s so popular, in fact, that for a hot minute it actually closed because of Torontonians overcrowding it during COVID-19. So, if you do go to this spot and you get there and it’s packed, maybe pick another day. But as long as you’re not contributing to the problem, this place is definitely a must-see.
Where: Sauble Beach, Ontario
TINY BEACH
Looking for a little town, with a little beach getaway? This place’s name says it all. They’re the quiet beach town that nobody’s talking about. But we know they’d get all the hype if people knew about them. You can head here for a peaceful getaway that’ll have you feeling like you’re a lifetime away from the city, instead of the only 1 and a half-hour drive away.
Where: Township of Tiny, Ontario
LONG POINT BEACH
And last but not least, we’ve got a provincial park! This beautiful beach stretches along 1 and a half acres of Lake Erie’s waterfront. It’s perfect for those of you looking for a day trip. And for those of you looking for a spot for overnight camping. Either way, the gorgeous sand and bonfire smells are pretty darn irresistible.
Where: 350 Erie Blvd, Port Rowan, Ontario
So pack up that sunscreen and hit the road. These incredible Toronto beaches calling your name!
