Welcome to our ‘fun in the sun’ list of the best beaches in the original City of Toronto!
In a city whose neighbourhoods and amenities are in a constant state of flux, how fortunate are we denizens to see our waterfront – dominated over the past 150 years as a centre for our industrial port economy – be reclaimed to include beaches for refuge and recreation. Sure, the entire downtown core’s waterfront as we know it is man-made, given the shoreline was originally on The Esplanade, but despite this, I really like how the City has made efforts to create man-made sandy sanctuaries, along with our existing beaches, that give us the opportunity to connect with the water. If you really want to be surprised, here’s a BlogTO piece on ‘What The Toronto Waterfront Used To Look Like“.
Check out this postcard from 1934 and all the sun-bathing hopefuls squeezing onto little Balmy Beach! Thankfully, after developing ‘urban beaches’, extending public transit to reach further outside the core, and increasing access to the Toronto Islands, we’re rarely facing crowds like this anymore, unless there are fireworks!
Wikipedia, Kew Beach – 1934
Moving East to West, here are our picks for fun in the sun on the water, in Toronto!
Kew Gardens / Balmy Beach
Perks:
• Extensive boardwalk
• Often slightly quieter than nearby Woodbine Beach / Ashbridges Bay
• Medium grade sand
• Plenty of space
• Connected to beautiful Kew Gardens
• Great off-leash dog park
Perfect For:
• Sunbathing
• Taking the kids or dog for a summer afternoon stroll
• Playing in the sand
* A romantic walk, as I shared in Louder And Prouder For Gay Pride And Canada
Woodbine Beach / Ashbridges Bay
Perks:
• Extensive Boardwalk connecting to Balmy Beach
• Medium grade sand near the water
• Fine grade sand at Ashbridges Bay volleyball courts
• Fire pits
• Bathroom/water/shower facilities
**No dogs off leash
Perfect For:
• Picnicking/Barbecuing
• Biking the paths/boardwalk
• Playing in the sand
• Playing beach volleyball or other sand sports
• Swimming (most of the time but look for advisory panels)
Cherry Beach
Perks:
• Medium grade sand
• Off-leash dog beach
• Walking trails
• Less manicured
** Can get crowded
Perfect For:
• Sunbathing
• Swimming
• Running the pooch!
• Great for water sport like windsurfing
• Campfires (when allowed) with s’mores
Perks:
• Fine grade sand
• Splash pad!!
• Man-made, designed by celebrated architect Claude Cormier, featuring three distinct components: an urban beach; a plaza space; and a tree-lined promenade running diagonally through the park.
• Centrally located (and easily accessed by transit)
• Great view
** No direct sand to water access
Perfect For:
• People watching
• Sunbathing
• Combining with other Harbourfront activities
• Relaxing after work or on a lunch break (very accessible)
Perks:
• Fine grade sand
• Man-made, designed by Claude Cormier as a sustainable ecosystem, cultural hub, and recreational destination.
• Centrally located (and easily accessed by transit)
• Great view
** No direct sand to water access
Perfect For:
• People watching
• Combining with other Harbourfront activities
• Watching fireworks
• Passing time while waiting for your boat rental!
• Relaxing after work or on a lunch break (very accessible)
Hanlan’s Point (Toronto Islands)
Perks:
• Fine grade sand (probably cleanest in the city!)
• Clothing optional section
• Peaceful West view
• Island biking/walking paths
• Washroom/shower facilities
• Intriguing history!!
Perfect For:
• Swimming
• Sunbathing nude (no tan lines!)
• Mooring your boat and taking a dip
• Playing water & sand sports
*** Access to Toronto Island delayed by flooding ***
Whether you have an hour or an afternoon, spending time at your neighbourhood beach – or exploring new beaches – is a great way to get some fresh air, soak up some much-needed Vitamin D, and even engage with your community!
*Before you head to the beach (whichever you choose) if you’re planning to swim, be sure to check if the water is Blue Flag certified (water quality barometer). This can change from day to day, especially after the Lake is stirred up by a storm! Check Swim Safe to see which beaches have the thumbs up for swimming! *
What if you could walk five minutes from your front door and find yourself with sand between your toes? Check out this enchanting lofty Tree House in perfect proximity to Kew Beach that we SOLD! We called it: A Hide ‘N Seek Sanctuary In The Beach.
If water is your elixir, you may enjoy these Urbaneer posts too:
Dear Urbaneer: What Are The Benefits Of Living Near Water?
Boating At Harbourfront In Toronto
Symphony Of The Senses At Harbourfront’s Toronto Music Garden
It’s Happening At Toronto’s Harbourfront Centre!
Canada Malting Silos On Toronto’s Harbourfront To Become New Arts Centre
Thanks for reading!
Courtesy of Toronto-Islands.ca
~ Steven
Steven Fudge, Sales Representative
& The Innovative Urbaneer Team
Bosley Real Estate Ltd., Brokerage – (416) 322-8000
– we’re here to earn your trust, then your business –
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