10 Best Beaches in Toronto

Woodbine Beach curves along Lake Ontario in east Toronto. It’s one of the city’s largest and liveliest beaches. You can stroll along the boardwalk here, then enjoy a picnic whilst taking in the magnificent views over the water. There’s also supervised swimming during the summer months, which is ideal for cooling off during the hot summers in Toronto.

Beach volleyball is very popular here, and both locals and visitors line the courts daily to watch the exciting games. Then, as the sun begins to set in the evening, you’ll see lots of photographers arriving to take spectacular photos of the orange glow descending over the huge, shimmering lake. It’s a stunning sight.

Kew-Balmy Beach stretches over 1 km of soft, golden sands. Head east from the bigger and busier Woodbine Beach and you’ll reach this hidden gem. It’s actually two small beaches in one, separated by a boardwalk. Kew-Balmy is much less crowded than its neighbour, Woodbine, and it’s mostly used by locals who come here to unwind and escape the bustle of the city.

It’s also popular with sports enthusiasts who spend their morning playing baseball and tennis in the adjacent Kew Gardens before heading here to sunbathe on the beach. If you’re looking for a relaxing afternoon sitting by the water taking in amazing views over the lake, then this is the beach for you.

Sugar Beach is an urban paradise of soft sands and pink umbrellas, named after the nearby sugar refinery. It’s amazing to think that you’re just 1 km from Union Station and city centre Toronto here. It’s easily accessible from the city, so it’s always busy here with people escaping the hectic pace of life for a chance to unwind on this popular beach.

You can’t swim here, but there’s a splash pool for kids who want to cool off and play in the water. People come to this original, triangular-shaped beach for the loungers and parasols, and to relax, and you’ll see families, couples, and even people in their workwear taking a break under the pastel-colored parasols.

Bluffer’s Park Beach is a spectacular mix of beige bluffs, shallow water, and soft, golden sands. It’s easy to see why this is often called Toronto’s most beautiful beach. Locals come here for scenic walks through the park and along the sands. There’s a barbecue section right next to the beach area, so you can enjoy a picnic with magnificent views. Then relax on the soft sands and watch people setting off from the boat launch.

Nine parks are dotted along The Scarborough Bluffs, but this one is the only one with a beach, so it’s very popular. On weekends, it’s a good idea to arrive early if you want to secure a parking spot before the crowds arrive.

Sunnyside Beach was once a sought-after destination for bathers coming to enjoy an upmarket resort and its amusement park. The park is long gone, and nowadays the beach is used mostly by locals who head to the Humber Bay area for weekend activities. You’ll see lots of joggers on the boardwalk here, as well as cyclists enjoying the trails and younger crowds engaged in exciting games of volleyball.

If you love being out on the water, this is a great spot for you. You can rent paddleboards and kayaks here, and the water is calm as it’s protected by a breakwater. You can swim here too, but check the green flags are up first.

Hanlan’s Point Beach stretches down the western shoreline of Centre Island, one of the Toronto Islands. Many locals catch the ferry from here for a weekend break from the city. There’s a lovely laidback feel to Centre Island, and Hanlan’s Point Beach is a great place to relax, swim or enjoy a game of volleyball. It’s the easiest beach to access when you leave the ferry, making it a popular choice.

At the top end of the beach, you’ll find a nudist area where clothing is optional, and it’s clearly signposted. The highlight of this beach is the amazing view of the city centre skyline. You can take stunning photos of the horizon and the skyline at sunset.

Ward’s Island Beach has long been considered the hidden gem of the Toronto Islands. The beach and park here are mostly used by residents of this eastern island. You’ll find vibrant playgrounds, beautiful picnic tables, and even table tennis tables dotted around the area. The beach itself has a friendly, laidback vibe to it, and you’ll see lots of families playing on the sands.

If you like quiet hiking trails, the Ward’s Island Boardwalk is a perfect choice for an early morning walk. It’s also a popular spot for birdwatchers, especially at the calmer times of the day. You can also rent bikes and get refreshments in the café so it’s a great family-friendly beach.

Gibraltar Point Beach lies next to a towering grey and red lighthouse, which is said to be haunted. The beach is the southernmost of the islands, open and exposed to the elements. This means you’ll get a lovely breeze if you’re looking to escape the heat and humidity of the city. The water is also deep, and with the waves here, you’ll feel as though you’re staring out into an ocean, not a lake.

Visitors to the islands usually head to the bigger and busier, neighbouring beaches, so you’ll find Gibraltar Point is less crowded and a lovely, romantic spot. Protected by small sand dunes and offering amazing views over the water, people come here for tranquility and relaxation.

Cherry Beach is the beach for you if you love lively spots, dance music, and lots of action. This is a popular venue for paddleboarders, windsurfers, and kiteboarders, and the water sparkles with the reflection of their colourful designs. Locals and tourists head here for the great sunbathing, vibrant atmosphere, and food trucks. There’s also a fantastic, fenced area where dogs can be let off the leash to run on the sand and cool off in the water.

The music events are the real highlight here. Sunday afternoon DJ sessions are legendary and people come from all over the city for the catchy music and great crowds. Regular events and dance parties are scheduled all throughout the summer too.

Rouge Beach lies on the eastern outskirts of Toronto, in Rouge National Urban Park. This is the place to come to escape the hustle and bustle of life and get back to nature. You can stroll along the boardwalk of the Rouge Marsh Trail and take in the unspoiled scenery. You can also rent a kayak at the beach and paddle gently along the water towards the marshes of the Rouge River.

This area is very popular with nature lovers and it’s known to have some of the best birdwatching spots in Toronto. You’ll love the serenity of the beach as you lie on the soft sands and take in the calming view.