The 7 Best Beaches in Toronto

Ward's Island Beach is the quieter, more secluded beach on the Toronto Islands, accessible via a short ferry ride from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. It has a soft sandy shore, calm swimming waters, and a genuinely peaceful atmosphere far removed from the city buzz — the views of the downtown skyline from the water are spectacular. The ferry costs a few dollars and lines can be long on summer weekends, so plan accordingly. It's a true escape that feels worlds away from the mainland.

Cherry Beach is a beloved sandy lakefront spot tucked into the Port Lands, popular with locals who want to avoid the busier Beaches strip. It has a dog-friendly off-leash area, a volleyball court, and a relaxed, slightly gritty atmosphere that feels authentically Toronto. The water quality can be inconsistent — check the city's beach water quality reports before swimming. It's also a hub for windsurfers and kitesurfers on breezy days.

Hanlan's Point is Toronto's only clothing-optional beach, located at the western tip of the Toronto Islands and designated as such since 1999. Beyond the naturist section, it also has a conventional sandy beach with some of the best swimming and least crowded shores on the islands. It requires a ferry to Ward's Island or Centre Island followed by a bike or walk, making it a bit of an adventure to reach — which is exactly why it stays quieter. The beach has a genuinely free-spirited, inclusive atmosphere unlike anywhere else in the city.

Toronto's big, sandy east-end beach on Lake Ontario, Blue Flag certified and lifeguard-supervised in summer, with a long boardwalk connecting the Beaches neighbourhood. Free and genuinely good on a warm day; water is tested daily and usually swimmable. Parking fills early on sunny weekends.

Sunnyside Beach sits along the western lakefront and is anchored by the historic Sunnyside Bathing Pavilion and an outdoor pool — one of the city's great summer institutions. The beach itself is sandy and well-maintained, with the Martin Goodman Trail running alongside for cyclists and joggers. It gets busy on hot summer weekends and parking can be a challenge, so arriving early or cycling in is wise. The surrounding Sunnyside Park adds picnic space and a festive atmosphere.

Kew-Balmy Beach is a quieter, more residential stretch of the Beaches neighbourhood east of the main Queen Street strip, favoured by locals who want a calmer lakefront experience. The boardwalk here is scenic and less crowded than the central Beaches area, with mature trees providing shade and a gentler community vibe. Water quality varies by season so check city advisories before swimming. The nearby Kew Gardens park adds green space and occasional community events.

Centre Island Beach is the most expansive and family-friendly beach on the Toronto Islands, with wide sandy shores, calm Lake Ontario waters, and proximity to Centreville Amusement Park for families with young children. The beach is well-serviced with washrooms and food concessions, making it a comfortable full-day outing. It gets very crowded on hot summer weekends and the ferry queue can be lengthy — weekday visits are significantly more relaxed. The skyline backdrop makes for unforgettable photos.