Summer is sweet but fleeting in Canada, and one of the best things to do this season is hit up one of the city’s beaches to beat the heat.
Toronto surprisingly has a large number of beaches suitable to swim at, and we’ve rounded up some of the best to visit this summer.
1. Cherry Beach
Typically achieving annual blue flag status, the water at Cherry Beach has some of the cleanest swimming water in the city. You’ll find the beach on the north shore of the Outer Harbour at the base of Cherry Street. It’s also a popular destination for kite boarders. Each Sunday, it also hosts Promise at Cherry Beach, weekly electronic dance parties with live sets by some of Toronto’s hottest DJs.
Where: 1 Cherry Street, Toronto
2. Bluffer’s Park
You’ll feel like you’ve been transported far away from Toronto when arriving at Bluffer’s Park, which has almost Caribbean-blue waters surrounded by the striking bluffs. There are also plenty of picnic areas, trails, lookouts, and a boat launch. If you get hungry, grab a bite at Bluffer’s Restaurant, a waterfront gem featuring Mediterranean-inspired fare.
Where: 1 Brimley Rd S, Toronto
3. Sunnyside
The 3-km sandy strip along Humber Bay was once home to an iconic amusement park, but is now a nice stretch of sand to sunbathe at after walking along the boardwalk. If you’re hoping to swim, look for the green flags or check online for the beach’s water quality in advance.
Where: 1755 Lake Shore Blvd W, Toronto
4. Hanlan’s Point
Found on the Toronto Islands, Hanlan’s Point is reached via a ferry or water taxi from Queens Quay. The beach is clothing optional, and was recently named one of the best nude beaches in the world. Hanlan’s is also Canada’s oldest queer space, home to the city of Toronto’s first-ever Pride celebration back in 1971.
Where: 9 Queens Quay W (ferry), Toronto
5. Ward’s Island
Also found on the Toronto Islands, Ward’s Island is on the east side and typically achieves annual blue flag certification, meaning the water is clean and safe to swim in. Typically much quieter than Centre Island or Hanlan’s Point, the area has plenty of picnic and BBQ sites.
Where: 9 Queens Quay W (ferry), Toronto
6. Woodbine Beach
This expansive beach is one of the most popular in Toronto, found at the foot of Woodbine Avenue. A great destination for beach volleyball, there is also a recently renovated bathing station here, with change rooms, accessible washrooms, water bottle refilling stations, and a beach shower. Nearby, you can also take a dip at the Donald D. Summerville Outdoor Olympic Pool, which is finally reopening after a two-year closure.
Where: 1675 Lake Shore Blvd E, Toronto
7. Kew-Balmy Beach
Much quieter and more secluded than Woodbine Beach, you’ll find Kew-Balmy just a quick walk away. Spanning 1.2 km, you can take the boardwalk or the paved Martin Goodman Trail from Woodbine to get there. Just above the beach, you can also explore Kew Gardens, home to a beautiful botanical space with over 50,000 living plants.
Where: 1 Beech Ave, Toronto