4 beaches near Toronto: Where to go for sun, sand, and surf
Toronto, Canada's biggest city, is such a cultural powerhouse that it is often disparagingly referred to as the Center of the Universe by Canadians from elsewhere. But it's true that if you want to enjoy the best theaters, museums, restaurants, and shopping in this vast country, Toronto is probably the best place to do it. What often gets forgotten is that Toronto is also a great place to spend some time on the beach.
Toronto is nowhere near the coast, but it sits on the shores of Lake Ontario. Don't let the name for you; as one of the Great Lakes, Lake Ontario is so big, that it can feel more like a sea than a lake. Water temperatures here peak around 22°C in August, which makes for a refreshing swim on the hot and humid days you'll encounter during an Ontario summer.
There are tons of Lake Ontario beaches to check out, including Hanlan's Point Beach, with the famous Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, Cherry Beach, with some of the coldest yet cleanest water in the area, and Sunnyside Beach with Sunnyside Gus Ryder Pool for when the water isn't suitable for swimming.
The 4 best beaches near Toronto
Toronto's public transport network means that you can reach some of these beaches right from the heart of the city by bus. For others, you may need to drive. But whatever beach you choose to visit, you'll find it a great way to beat the heat and enjoy the city like the locals do.
Centre Island Beach
Centre Island Beach is one of the most popular and beautiful beaches in Toronto, found on Centre Island, part of the Toronto Islands. It’s easily accessible by ferry from downtown Toronto, with ferries departing from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal near the Harbourfront. The ferry ride takes about 15 minutes, offering scenic views of the Toronto skyline as you cross Lake Ontario. Once on the island, it’s just a short walk or bike ride to the beach.
Centre Island Beach is known for its clean, soft sand and clear waters, making it a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing during the summer months. The beach is well-maintained and has earned Blue Flag status, meaning it meets high environmental standards for water quality and safety. The waters are generally calm, so anyone can take a dip here.
This Toronto beach is versatile. With summertime lifeguard-supervised swimming areas and large picnic spots equipped with BBQ pits, it’s perfect for family gatherings. Nearby, the Franklin Children’s Garden offers interactive fun for kids, while bike rentals during the summer make it easy to explore the island’s scenic trails. You can also grab a bite at Ward’s Island Café or cool off with snacks from nearby stands. For those looking for adventure, rentals for paddleboarding, kayaking, and canoeing add excitement to the visit. Accessible paths and facilities ensure everyone can enjoy this beachside escape, framed by stunning views of the city skyline.
One of the highlights of Centre Island Beach is its proximity to other attractions on the Toronto islands. After spending time on the beach, visitors can explore Centreville Amusement Park, a family-friendly park with rides and attractions for kids, or take a leisurely walk or bike ride around the island’s scenic paths. Centre Island's car-free environment adds to its peaceful charm, making it feel like a true escape from the bustling city.
The island also rewards its visitors with fantastic Toronto skyline views (you won't have to look very hard to find the CN Tower), especially at sunset, so if you're into photography or simply enjoying the natural beauty and cityscape spend the evening here after your beach day.
You can easily spend a whole day or more enjoying the attractions of Centre Island. And you can make things much easier on yourself by leaving your heavy bags behind with a Bounce luggage storage facility in Toronto. We provide convenient luggage storage throughout the city so that you can leave your items behind and visit the beach more easily.
Woodbine Beach
Woodbine Beach is one of Toronto’s largest and most popular beaches, located along the eastern waterfront in the Beaches neighborhood (between Victoria Park Avenue, Kingston Road, Queen Sreet East, and Coxwell Avenue). It’s easily accessible by car, bike, or public transportation, with several streetcar and bus routes running from downtown Toronto to the beach. The best route is to catch the 303 tram from King Street East to Queen Street East and then walk for about 10 minutes.
Once you get here, you'll find a wide stretch of soft, golden sand and a vibrant, family-friendly atmosphere. The sandy beach spans nearly three kilometers along the shore of Lake Ontario, and the beach's Blue Flag designation means it has clean waters for swimming. It's safe, too, with lifeguards on duty during the summer.
One of the standout features of Woodbine Beach is its excellent amenities. The beach has washrooms, changing facilities, and picnic areas with BBQ pits, making it a great spot for gatherings with family and friends. The Donald D. Summerville Olympic Pool, located just off the beach, offers a large outdoor pool, diving boards, and a children’s pool, adding to the variety of activities available here.
Woodbine Beach is a hotspot for beach sports, particularly volleyball. There are numerous volleyball courts set up along the sand, and on warm days, the beach is filled with both casual and competitive games. You can join a pickup game or just watch the action while relaxing on the beach. The beach also has plenty of room for frisbee, soccer, and other beach games.
For outdoor enthusiasts, Woodbine Beach is connected to the Martin Goodman Trail, a scenic multi-use path that runs along Toronto’s waterfront. Get active by cycling, jogging, or rollerblading with views of the lake. You can rent bikes or rollerblades nearby, making it easy to explore the trail and other nearby beaches.
Alongside the beach, there are several snack bars, food trucks, and cafes that serve tasty snacks and ice cream, perfect for a quick bite between swims. The nearby Beaches Boardwalk is a favorite for a peaceful walk along the water with benches and gardens along the way.
Woodbine Beach is also known for hosting various events and festivals throughout the summer, including beach volleyball tournaments and outdoor concerts, adding to its lively atmosphere. The annual Canada Day celebrations and Victoria Day fireworks draw large crowds to the beach on holiday weekends.
Even if you're heading out of Toronto on a late flight, you can still squeeze in one last trip to the beach thanks to Bounce. Leave your heavy bags behind with us, and you can spend the day enjoying Woodbine Beach, then pick up your bags and take public transport to Toronto's Pearson Airport.
Kew-Balmy Beach
Kew-Balmy Beach is also located in the Beaches neighborhood, east of downtown, and is one of the most serene and scenic beaches along Toronto’s waterfront. The drive here takes about 15 minutes from Toronto Union Station, but you don't need a car at all. Hop on tram 301 at Adelaide Street West and head toward Queen to Neville Park. Get off at Queen Street East at Wineva and walk a short distance. In all, the trip using public transportation takes about 40 minutes.
Kew-Balmy Beach has a peaceful, laid-back atmosphere and natural beauty. The beach spans about 1.5 kilometers along the shore of Lake Ontario, with soft sand and clear waters, so prepare for some epic swimming, sunbathing, or just relaxing. This is another Blue Flag entry on our list and also has on-duty lifeguards in the summer.
Unlike busier Woodbine Beach to the west, Kew-Balmy Beach is a quieter spot with fewer crowds and a more relaxed setting. The beach is lined with mature trees, providing shaded areas for those who want to escape the sun while still enjoying the lakefront. The long stretch of sand and adjacent grassy areas make it an ideal spot for picnics, and there are designated picnic tables and BBQ pits available for public use.
Bluffer's Park Beach
Bluffer's Park Beach is one of Toronto’s most stunning natural beaches, located in Scarborough, east of the city center. It’s nestled at the base of the dramatic Scarborough Bluffs, towering limestone cliffs that provide a breathtaking backdrop to the beach. The beach is easily accessible by car, with about a 30-minute drive from downtown Toronto. There is parking available at Bluffer's Park, though it can fill up quickly during peak times, especially on weekends. Public transportation is also available via bus routes that connect to the beach from various parts of the city, though you should be prepared for multiple transfers and a two-hour journey time from downtown.
The main attraction here is the eye-catching bluffs that frame the beach, creating a unique and picturesque setting. The bluffs rise over 90 meters (300 feet) above the beach, offering dramatic views and photo opportunities. Many visitors come not just for the beach but also to explore the Bluffer's Park area, which includes hiking trails, scenic lookouts, and lush green spaces. The park's trails lead to panoramic viewpoints, where you can take in sweeping views of Lake Ontario and the surrounding cliffs.
Bluffer's Park Beach also has ample picnic areas, BBQ pits, and grassy spaces where families and groups can enjoy outdoor meals with views of the lake. There are washrooms, changing facilities, and snack bars available, so you can easily spend your whole day here. The nearby marina adds to the beach's charm, with sailboats and yachts often dotting the horizon, creating a tranquil, seaside atmosphere.
If these beaches don't fit the bill, you can always head a little further afield and try hotspots like Sauble Beach on Lake Huron, Wasaga Beach on Georgian Bay, and Port Stanley on Lake Erie, which are all worth the drive. And wherever your beach plans near Toronto take you, Bounce is available to store any extra or non-essential items to make travel and beach days so much easier.