Scarborough Bluffs (Bluffer's Park)

Dramatic white cliffs rising up to 65 metres above Lake Ontario, with Bluffer's Park and a beach at the base. Genuinely stunning and free, one of the city's great natural sights. The catch: access is awkward, transit is limited and summer-weekend parking is a nightmare.

Key facts

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit the Scarborough Bluffs?

A weekday any time, or early morning on a weekend, to beat the parking chaos and crowds. Late summer and fall offer great light and fewer people; sunny July and August weekends are the hardest for access.

How do I get to the Scarborough Bluffs by transit?

On weekdays, take Line 2 to Kennedy Station, then the 12A bus toward Brimley and walk down. On weekends and holidays from about early May to early October, the seasonal 201 bus runs directly from Kennedy Station to the Bluffer's Park loop, much easier.

Are the Scarborough Bluffs free?

Yes, the bluffs, Bluffer's Park and the beach are all free to visit, you only pay for parking if you drive. It's one of the best free natural sights in Toronto.

How much time do I need at the Scarborough Bluffs?

A half day is plenty to walk the beach, take in the cliffs from a couple of vantage points, and have a picnic. Serious hikers can link up multiple parks along the top for a longer outing.

Where do I park at the Scarborough Bluffs?

The main paid lot is at Bluffer's Park, 1 Brimley Road, but it's first-come, first-served and fills by late morning on sunny weekends, and a 2025 project cut dozens of stalls. Police sometimes close access when it's full, so arrive early or take transit.

Can you see the Bluffs from the top?

Yes, spots like Scarborough Bluffs Park and Cathedral Bluffs Park up top give sweeping cliff-edge views. Stay well back from the edge, the sandy cliffs erode and there are no railings in many places, so it's genuinely dangerous to get too close.

Can you go down to the beach at the Bluffs?

Yes, Bluffer's Park at the base has a beach, a marina and picnic areas right on the lake. The dramatic cliff views from below are the real reward, but note there's a big elevation change between the top and the shoreline.

Is the Scarborough Bluffs walk safe for kids?

The beach and park at the bottom are family-friendly, but keep kids well away from cliff edges up top, the sandy bluffs are unstable and unfenced in places. Supervise closely and stick to marked paths.

Nearby in Ask Toronto

• Kew-Balmy BeachBeach6.66 km · 83 min walk
• Woodbine BeachBeach7.79 km · 97 min walk
• Aga Khan MuseumMuseum8.55 km · 107 min walk
• LeslievilleNeighborhood9.61 km · 120 min walk
• Scarborough Town Centre Farmers MarketMarket9.65 km · 121 min walk