The 7 best beaches in Toronto

Yes, there is a beach in Toronto. On the shores of Lake Ontario, Canada's largest city has dozens of sandy strips near the centre and on its islands. In summer, with maximum temperatures above 25°C in June, July and August, they are the best way to cool off. If you choose the right place to stay in Toronto, you can walk to some of them. Find out here which are the best beaches in Toronto.

I arrived in Toronto at the end of September, when it's already spring in the northern hemisphere. With the weather cooling down, I found few people on the beaches. But it was worth it to observe the structure and evaluate the style of each one. I also checked other rankings of the best beaches in Toronto, as well as many photos and videos, to make an even more reliable list.

Except in winter (December, January, February and March), it is worth visiting them at any time of the year, as the look is always beautiful and peaceful. But only in summer is it possible to face the icy water. Anyway, check out other tips on what to do and itineraries in Toronto.

Where to stay?

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One such standout among the 5-star offerings is the Doubletree By Hilton Toronto Airport Hotel. Located conveniently near Toronto Pearson International Airport, this hotel seamlessly combines convenience with luxury. You'll find elegant and spacious rooms, exceptional dining options, and top-notch amenities that cater to both leisure and business travelers.

Staying at a 5-star hotels in Ontario on www.ontariocahotel.com ensures that you're not only close to the province's attractions but also indulging in an experience that mirrors the exceptional beauty and sophistication that Ontario has to offer. Whether you're visiting Ontario for business or pleasure, choosing a 5-star hotel is a surefire way to make your trip memorable and truly special.

1. Bluffer's Park Beach

Away from the centre, it's next to the marina of the same name, hidden between the lake and one of Toronto's highest hills. Almost always suitable for swimming and classified as "Blue Flag", its water and sands are among the cleanest in Toronto. It's a good place for hiking.

2. Hanlan's Point Beach (including nude beach)

Located on the Toronto Islands, this fine sandy beach is long and has a particularity: in the southern part of the beach, wearing clothes is optional. As Toronto's only nude beach and one of only two in Canada, it's often crowded in the summer. Even in spring, when the cold starts to arrive, don't be surprised if you pass by and see someone naked on the beach. I just cycled by on my way to the Toronto Islands and saw some nudists lying on the sand. The water quality is good, being classified as "blue flag.

3. Chelsea Beach

Also on Toronto Island, Chelsea Beach has easy access and a wide stretch of sand, ideal for setting up an umbrella and spreading out your towel. Its long deck, the Centre Island Pier, is a good place for photos. It has good infrastructure, with a snack bar, public toilets and a shower to wash the sand off your feet. It's a great place to take children, especially if you combine it with a trip to Centreville Amusement, an amusement park just a few metres from the beach.

Lighthouse near Chelsea Beach

View in garden near Chelsea Beach

Signs indicating Toronto Island beaches

Ferry to Toronto Island, where the beach is located

Chelsea Beach, Toronto

4. Cherry Beach

Located in Lower don Lands, a former industrial area that is being revitalised, Cherry Beach is one of Toronto's most classic beaches. With a barbecue area and dog run, it's popular with kite-surfers and is classified as Blue Flag, which means it's swimmable.

5. Woodbine / Kew / Balmy beaches

This beach is so long that it ended up being divided into three areas with different names. The Woodbine part is the closest to the centre of Toronto, and has a large strip of sand with beach volleyball nets. This is also home to Donald D Summerville, one of Toronto's largest public pools, which is open only in the summer. At the other end, Balmy Beach is much quieter, even during the summer. Midway, Kew Beach is moderately busy. Historic, this region known as The Beaches even has a Wikipedia page in English, for those who want to know more details.

6. Sugar Beach

If you like urban interventions like Highline Park in NYC, you will also like this stylish Toronto beach. It was built in an industrial area where a car park used to be. Sugar Beach has a beach-like atmosphere, with a large deck overlooking Lake Ontario, and an area full of parasols in an artificial sandy space. In winter, under snow and icy wind, look how it looks there:

Sugar Beach under snow in Toronto's icy winter.

7. Sunnyside Beach (beautiful, but not suitable for swimming)

Close to High Park, you can easily combine the two tours. It's one of Toronto's beaches with the best infrastructure. Although the water quality is not the best, it makes up for it with the wooden boardwalk and the beautiful view in front. There's one thing I've never seen in Brazil: free sunscreen. The beautiful Sunnyside Beach Pavillion building is the biggest local attraction. And if the water is unsuitable, take a dip in the public pool right next door, the Gus Ryder Outdoor Pool (open only in summer).