14 Top Beaches in Toronto, Featuring Woodbine Beach

1. Best Beaches in Toronto – Woodbine Beach

Woodbine Beach is one of the top beaches in Toronto. I adore the lively atmosphere here. On a typical summer weekend, you’ll find sunbathers sprawled out on blankets and families with tents and umbrellas ready to spend the day soaking up the sun. The beach volleyball courts are filled with energetic music, while the boardwalk hosts people of all ages enjoying a stroll or jog. The lake temperature is pleasant in the summer, making it an inviting spot for swimming and water sports. If you’re keen on water adventures, you can rent kayaks and paddleboards at Kew-Balmy Beach, which is further up the boardwalk. While this beach can get quite crowded during peak season, there’s still ample space for everyone to enjoy.

The Martin Goodman Trail runs parallel to the boardwalk, perfect for biking, skating, or jogging. It stretches all the way from Ashbridges Bay to Silver Birch Beach, which I will mention later.

Woodbine Beach is also home to food trucks and a snack shack offering hot dogs, fries, onion rings, and more near the volleyball courts. Tim Hortons, Booster Juice, and the Beach Club are within walking distance. The Beaches neighborhood nearby offers plenty of restaurants and shops.

How to get to Woodbine Beach?

You can reach Woodbine Beach easily by car or public transit. Here’s how:

Woodbine Beach By Car

From downtown Toronto, drive along Lake Shore Blvd East until you arrive at Woodbine Beach, near Woodbine Avenue.

Parking at Woodbine Beach

There are three parking lots: Carpark 193 next to Lake Shore Blvd East, Carpark 194 near Ashbridges Bay Boat Launch, and one at Beaches Cinema on Eastern Ave near Coxwell Avenue. Click on the highlighted links for rate information. Additionally, there is plenty of street parking in the nearby neighborhoods.

Woodbine Beach By Subway

Take Line 2 towards Kennedy. Get off at Woodbine Station and catch the 92 bus from the subway station heading towards Woodbine Loop at Lake Shore Boulevard East. Disembark at the last stop and walk to the beach.

Woodbine Beach By Streetcar

Take the 501 streetcar to Neville Park, alight on Woodbine Avenue, and stroll down to the beach.

2. Best Beaches in Toronto – Kew Balmy Beach

Interestingly, it can be hard to tell where Woodbine Beach ends and Kew-Balmy Beach begins, as the sandy stretch runs continuously from Ashbridges Bay to Silver Birch Beach. The main distinction is in the ambiance. Woodbine Beach tends to be lively and more crowded, while Kew-Balmy Beach has a more residential and tranquil feel. As you move towards Kew Beach, the atmosphere shifts to a more peaceful and relaxing vibe.

Dog lovers will appreciate Kew Balmy Beach for its fenced dog park, where dogs can enjoy some leash-free time while you unwind on the beach. The park opens to the lake, allowing dogs to have a splash in the water.

Unlike Woodbine Beach, Kew-Balmy Beach does not have food trucks. However, you can indulge in a sweet treat at Beaches N’ Cream, an ice cream shop nearby that offers a delightful selection of flavors served in cups or cones. If you prefer something savory, they also have French fries, onion rings, and hot dogs.

If you’re looking to get on the water, there is a kayak and paddleboard rental shack next to the boardwalk by the tennis courts.

How to get to Kew Balmy Beach?

If you’ve read the section on accessing Woodbine Beach, the same directions apply to Kew-Balmy Beach, as it’s just a short distance away. One suggestion for streetcar passengers: instead of getting off at Woodbine Avenue, you can alight at Bellefair Avenue, adjacent to Kew Gardens, and then stroll through the gardens to reach the beach.

3. Best Beaches in Toronto – Silver Birch Beach

Silver Birch Beach sits at the end of the boardwalk that stretches from Ashbridges Bay through Woodbine Beach and Kew-Balmy Beach. This beach is entirely dog-friendly, meaning you can bring your pet along and let them roam off-leash. There are steps that lead to the historic RC Harris Water Treatment Plant, an iconic structure in Toronto. Additionally, some residential properties back onto the beach, providing a stunning view for those fortunate enough to call it their backyard.

How to get to Silver Birch Beach?

The easiest way to reach Silver Birch Beach is via the streetcar. Take the 501 streetcar to Neville Park and disembark at the last stop. From there, a short walk will lead you to the beach; just follow the road south from the RC Harris Water Treatment Plant.

Alternatively, you can make your way to either Woodbine Beach or Kew-Balmy Beach and stroll along the boardwalk until you arrive at Silver Birch Beach. The walk is approximately 2.5 km and may take around half an hour.

If you prefer biking, the Martin Goodman Trail also leads to this beach, and it ends at Silver Birch Beach. Should you choose to drive, street parking is available in the residential area near the beach.

4. Best Beaches in Toronto – Bluffer’s Beach

Bluffer’s Beach is situated next to the breathtaking Scarborough Bluffs, nestled in the shadow of the Cathedral Bluffs. This sandy beach is another favorite among locals in the Greater Toronto Area, particularly in Scarborough. It offers a wonderful combination of sun, sand, and stunning scenery, yet surprisingly, it’s not widely known among tourists. Despite this, it remains a popular spot for local residents in the summer.

Bluffer’s Beach is somewhat isolated from the amenities you’d typically find at a city beach. If you plan to spend the entire day here, it’s a good idea to bring a picnic, as dining options are quite limited. There are a few restaurants and food shacks, such as Dog Fish Pub and Curbside Dogs, near the marina, but many prefer to barbecue in the park.

How to get to Bluffer’s Beach?

Bluffer’s Beach can be accessed by both public transport and car. More detailed instructions can be found in a separate article about Scarborough Bluffs. If you’re driving, aim to arrive early, as parking spots are limited and there is no street parking near the beach.

5. Best Beaches in Toronto – Sugar Beach

Sugar Beach is a unique urban beach situated in the heart of downtown Toronto. Unlike the other natural beaches, Sugar Beach features a triangular strip of sand located right next to buildings and office spaces. Despite its urban surroundings, this beach manages to offer a delightful escape from the heat with whimsical pink umbrellas and a water feature where kids can cool off.

How to get to Sugar Beach?

Sugar Beach By Car

Sugar Beach is located on Queens Quay East at Lower Jarvis Street. You can reach Queens Quay E via Bay St, Yonge St, or any connecting street. Parking is available at 51 Dockside Dr., which is right next to the beach.

Sugar Beach By Bus

Sugar Beach is accessible via three bus routes: 19 heading towards Queens Quay and Sherbourne, 72 towards Pape Station via Queens Quay and Commissioners, and 172 heading to Cherry Beach via the Distillery District.

6. Best Beaches in Toronto – Cherry Beach

Cherry Beach is a fantastic spot if you’re looking for a quick getaway near downtown. The water here tends to be warmer than at other Toronto beaches, due to its shallow depth and protection from lake surges by the man-made Leslie Street Spit.

Although there are no designated picnic areas or a boardwalk, it’s a lovely place to enjoy a sunny day with friends or family. If you get hungry, there are fast-food trucks parked near the entrance of the beach.

The beach also offers access to the Martin-Goodman biking trail, which leads into Tommy Thompson Park. This scenic biking route provides exercise while allowing you to enjoy the great outdoors!

How to get to Cherry Beach?

Cherry Beach By Car

Cherry Beach is situated on Cherry Street, near the Distillery District. It’s easily accessible by car, with plenty of parking spots right next to the beach entrance.

Cherry Beach By Bus

The beach is serviced by bus route 172 heading towards Cherry Beach Loop, with a stop conveniently located right in front of the beach.

7. Best Beaches in Toronto – Sunnyside Beach

Located east of Humber River at its mouth, the beaches collectively known as Sunnyside beach include the main area south of the Sunnyside Beach Pavilion, which features a café with a tea garden and patio along the boardwalk. The Sunnyside boardwalk runs along all the beaches, making it easy to walk or bike from one beach to another along the Martin-Goodman Trail.

There’s a plethora of activities you can engage in at these beaches, from beach volleyball to paddleboard rentals on the beach nearest to Exhibition Place, where you can even try out SUP Yoga. Enjoy a family day at Sir Casimir Gzowski Calisthenics Park or Budapest Park, complete with picnic areas, playgrounds, and a wading pool. Don’t forget to grab a slice of pepperoni pizza from Pizza Pizza or an ice cream cone from Al Pa Cones!

How to get to Sunnyside Beach?

Sunnyside Beach By Car

To reach Sunnyside Beach, take Lake Shore Blvd West as shown on the map. There are multiple parking options: one at Humber Bridge Parking, another at Sir Casimir Gzowski Calisthenics Park, and a few more at Budapest Lot and Palais Royale. Choose the lot closest to your desired beach.

Sunnyside Beach By Public Transit

Take the Line 2 subway from Bloor-Yonge station to Kipling station, then get off at Dundas West Station. From there, catch the 504 C King replacement bus heading to Bathurst via Parkside, and disembark at Parkside Drive at The Queensway. Walk approximately 450 meters south towards Sunnyside Beach.

8. Best Beaches in Toronto – Rouge Beach

Rouge Beach is located within the Rouge National Urban Park, straddling the border between Scarborough and Pickering. With the park extending from Markham to Scarborough, the beach offers plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature. There’s a nearby marshland great for fishing, along with various hiking and biking trails, and even camping options at Rouge Beach. The Rouge National Urban Park is also a fantastic location for wildlife spotting, with black bears and coyotes sometimes sighted in the area. In the fall, you can even see salmon swimming up the Rouge River.

How to get to Rouge Beach?

By Car

To get to Rouge Beach, take the Ontario 401 Express or Lawrence Ave East, as indicated on the map. There’s parking available near the beach, but it fills up quickly during peak season. Alternatively, parking is available at the entrance near the intersection of Rouge Hills Drive and Lawrence Ave E. Street parking is also available but is limited to 3 hours.

By Public Transit

Take the LE – Union Station to Oshawa GO train from downtown Toronto and get off at Rouge Hill GO Station. From there, you can either walk 2.1 km to the beach along the waterfront trail or take the 54A bus, which stops at the beach.

9. Best Beaches in Toronto – Manitou Beach or Centre Island Beach

Centre Island Beach is one of four beautiful beaches on the Toronto Islands. Positioned centrally on Centre Island, this beach is a popular destination for island visitors.

Centre Island Beach is full of activity. The adjacent pier offers a scenic walk that extends into the water, and there’s a bike rental facility nearby where you can rent quadricycles and tandem bikes by the hour. The beach has readily accessible change rooms and restrooms right next to it, as well as various places to eat and drink to satisfy your cravings. The sandy area is spacious enough to accommodate visitors, even during crowded summer weekends.

How to get to Centre Island Beach?

To reach Centre Island Beach, take the ferry from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to Centre Island. You can also opt for a water taxi from Queen Quay terminal instead of the ferry to get to the Toronto Islands.

10. Best Beaches in Toronto – Ward’s Island Beach

Ward’s Island Beach is located on the eastern part of the Toronto Islands. While it’s smaller compared to the other beaches on the islands, it offers a tranquil escape, making it a great option for those looking to avoid crowds.

In addition to sunbathing, visitors can enjoy the scenic boardwalk leading to the beach, dine at the local licensed restaurants for a cocktail during lunch, or rent paddleboards and kayaks nearby to explore the waters.

How to get to Ward’s Island Beach?

You can reach Ward’s Island Beach from downtown Toronto in two ways: catch a ferry or water taxi directly to Ward’s Island, or take the ferry or water taxi to Centre Island, then walk or bike to Ward’s Island Beach. However, be prepared for a longer walk if you choose the latter option; it’s generally better to take the ferry straight to Ward’s Island.

11. Best Beaches in Toronto – Gibraltor Point Beach

Gibraltar Point Beach is another lovely spot on the Toronto Islands and serves as a great option for visitors seeking a quieter beach without the need to walk far. Close to the island’s center and opposite the famed “haunted” Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, this beach is definitely worth your visit.

While Gibraltar Point Beach is somewhat secluded and lacks facilities like restaurants, it offers stunning views and a peaceful ambiance—perfect for spending a serene Sunday afternoon away from city noise. Nearby, you can explore the Gibraltar Point Art Residences, an interesting spot for artists looking for inspiration.

How to get to Gibraltor Point Beach?

There is no direct ferry to Gibraltar Point Beach, so you’ll need to take a ferry from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal to Centre Island. From there, follow directions to the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, as the beach is located right across from it.

12. Best Beaches in Toronto – Hanlan’s Point Beach

Hanlan’s Point Beach is one of the few clothing-optional beaches in Canada. While this may deter some visitors, the beach itself is beautiful and offers fantastic views of the Toronto skyline. The clothing-optional section is limited to certain areas, so if that’s not your thing, you can always enjoy the parts of the beach where clothing is required.

There are some facilities nearby, including a licensed snack bar, although restaurant options are limited around this part of the island. Adjacent to the snack bar, you’ll also find a tennis court for some active playtime. Just a heads up, you need to leave the court every hour on the hour, regardless of how long you’ve been playing. You can watch planes taking off and landing at Billy Bishop Airport from Hanlan’s Point and learn about Ned Hanlan’s sports history through various plaques and a statue dedicated to him.

How to get to Hanlan’s Point Beach?

To access Hanlan’s Point Beach, hop on a ferry from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal directly to the western part of the island. From there, it’s a quick stroll to the beach. If you take the ferry to Centre Island, be aware that you’ll need to walk approximately 3 km to reach Hanlan’s Point Beach, which can take anywhere from 40 minutes to an hour, depending on your pace.

Best Beaches in Toronto – Marie Curtis Park East Beach

Marie Curtis Park East Beach is a small but lovely sandy stretch located at the border of Toronto and Mississauga. While it may not be expansive, it becomes a refreshing escape during hot summer days, particularly for those living in western Toronto who prefer not to travel far.

Surrounded mainly by residential areas, you’ll need to walk a short distance—about 10 minutes—to Lakeshore Rd E for snacks or drinks. The Etobicoke Creek flows through the park, providing a beautiful water feature alongside the lake. Additionally, there are walking and biking trails that lead you into Mississauga and the nearby Marie Curtis Park West Beach.

How to get to Marie Curtis Park East Beach?

By Car

Although not many would travel so far from downtown Toronto for this small beach since there are better options nearby, I’ll show you the route from downtown to Marie Curtis Park East Beach. Take Gardiner Expressway W and exit at the 139 exit for the beach. Parking is available in Marie Curtis Park but can fill up during peak weekend times.

By Public Transit

From Union Station, take the LW Union Station – Aldershot GO train and disembark at Long Branch GO Station. It’s a 10-minute walk to the beach from there.

Best Beaches in Downtown Toronto – HTO Beach

HTO Beach is an urban beach resembling Sugar Beach in concept and look. This artificial beach lies in downtown Toronto, set against the backdrop of iconic buildings like the CN Tower and the Rogers Centre. The shallow sandy area offers picturesque views of Lake Ontario, and patrons can enjoy shaded seating under yellow parasols.

Being located in the heart of the downtown core, you’ll find an abundance of nearby restaurants, hot dog vendors, and food trucks. Summer also sees food festivals celebrating diverse cuisines in close proximity to HTO Park.

While swimming is not permitted at HTO Beach, you can rent a canoe from the Harborfront Canoe rental. There’s also a Tiki Taxi nearby for those wanting to take a ferry to the Toronto Islands. The Jack Layton Ferry Terminal is a bit further away but still within walking distance.

How to get to HTO Beach?

By Car

HTO Beach is located on Queens Quay W, directly in front of the CN Tower and Rogers Centre as shown on the map. You can easily walk or bike from downtown. If you need to drive, there’s a parking option available at Rees Street Parking shown on the map.

By Public Transit

The 509 Harborfront to Exhibition streetcar line stops all along Queens Quay West. You can board the streetcar at Union Station and get off at Queens Quay West at Rees St. The beach is just across the street from the stop. The 510 A Spadina to Union Station also stops at Queens Quay West at Rees St.