Toronto
Woodbine Beach. Photo Credit: Benson Kua Flickr
Dreaming of splashing around in the cool waters of the Great Lakes? With Lake Ontario and Lake Simcoe (not a Great Lake) only minutes from your backyard, a trip to the beach is as easy as packing that beach towel and rounding up kids into the car! And if you are searching for swimming spots near your home, we have listed designated swim beaches in Greater Toronto area with amenities, directions, parking information, life guard presence, and other pertaining details.
Blue flag certified beaches are highlighted. Blue flag certification is an internationally recognized program that awards blue flags to communities committed to maintaining high standards for water quality. These beaches are great to visit with toddlers and young kids for a worry free water play.
Links for water safety and beach swim are listed at the end of each region. It is not recommended to swim if you can’t see your feet when standing in waist deep water and/or it has rained two days prior to swimming.
Help keep beaches clean by:
Not feeding animals or birds, Pick up after your pet, Practice pollution-free boating by disposing of human waste properly.
Contents
- Durham Region Beaches
- York Region Beaches
- Toronto Beaches
- Peel Region Beaches
- Halton Region Beaches
For beaches in Ontario Provincial Parks – Provincial Parks near GTA
Beaches in Durham Region
Lakeview Park Beach, Oshawa
Located in Lakeview Park which is connected to the Joseph Kolodzie Oshawa Creek Bike Path and the Waterfront Trail, the beach is a great visit during summer. The park features Basketball Court, Splash Pad, Sports Field, Beach Volleyball, and Playground in addition great views of Lake Ontario. The park has two beaches – on the west and the east sides of the Park. The water quality may not be always great for swimming.
Details
Features: Change room Facilities, Concession Stand, Picnic facilities, Life guard on duty from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. from mid June to Labour Day, Beach volleyball courts
Beaverton North & South Beaches
Located on the side of Beaverton River mouth across from the Beaverton Harbour & Harbour Park.
Features: Picnic facilities, Portable washrooms.
Bowmanville East
Located in Port Darlington East Beach Park. A long pathway along the waterfront connects the park to the sandy beach. Details
Features: Nautically themed playground, Splash pad, Washrooms
Bowmanville West
Bowmanville Harbour Conservation Area provides great hiking trails and opportunities to connect with nature. Details
Features: Sandy beach, portable washrooms.
Whitby Beach
Located across from the Port Whitby Harbour, the beach that is part of Iroquois Beach Park, has a lengthy sandy shoreline and plenty of green space for walking, enjoying a picnic or throwing a frisbee.
Features: Washrooms in Iroquois Beach Park, Playground, Picnic facilities.
Kinsmen Beach Scugog
Part of Palmer Park. Details
Features: Palmer Park has playground, waterpark, and washroom facilities, Boardwalk, Marina, Cafes nearby.
Elgin Pond Beach
Located in Veterans Memorial Park.
Directions: How to get to Elgin Pond Beach?
Paradise Beach, Ajax
Located on Waterfront trail. Details
Features: Washrooms, Playground.
Directions: How to get to Paradise Beach?
Frenchman’s Bay East Beach
Located in Beachfront Park. Enjoy long walks along waterfront trail, and concerts at Millenium square. Details
Features: Washroom Facilities, Picnic Facilities, playground, splash pad, volleyball courts, restaurants at the Nautical village.
Frenchman’s Bay West Beach
Located in Rotary Frenchman’s Bay West Park. The park is characterized by a barrier beach, sand bar coastal wetlands, meadows, and climax forest. Details
Features: Access to waterfront trail.
Darlington Provincial Park
Long sandy beach along Lake Ontario, long hikes and enjoy hiking along the many trails, fishing, canoeing and more! Details
Features: Change room Facilities, Picnic facilities, Camping at the Provincial Park.
Victoria Beach, Cobourg
Enjoy a weekend getaway to this historic town 62 kilometres east of Oshawa. Cobourg is also a Heritage Conservation District. The beach is located in Victoria Park. Details
Features: Blue Flag Certified. Change room Facilities, Picnic facilities in the park, Life guards on duty, playground, splash pad.
Water Safety Durham Beaches: To find out if your favourite beach is safe for swimming or for more information about the Beach Sampling Program contact DURHAM REGION HEALTH DEPARTMENT, Environmental Help Line at 1-888-777-9613 or 905-723-3818
Beaches in Toronto
Rouge Beach
Part of the Rouge Park, this is the eastern most beach in City of Toronto. You can also launch a canoe and explore Rouge Marsh from the River mouth. Details
Features: Change room Facilities, Life guard on duty from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. from first week of June to Labour Day.
Bluffer’s Park Beach
This beach, situated on the park that offers great views of the famed Bluffs, a 5000 year-old escarpment formed by the erosion. The park also has paved trails for long leisurely walk along Lake Ontario shore. Details
Features: Blue Flag Certified. Change room Facilities, Picnic facilities, Life guard on duty from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m from first week of June to Labour Day. Wheel Chair accessible.
Kew-Balmy Beach
1.2-kilometre set of sand pocket beaches has the Martin Goodman Trail runs though the park parallel to the boardwalk and beach, along the shore of Lake Ontario. Details
Features: Blue Flag Certified. Change room Facilities,Wheelchair accessible, Life guard on duty from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. from first week of June to Labour Day.
Woodbine Beach
This mixed use beach, situated adjacent to Ashbridge’s Bay Park is a popular destination for people of all ages. It is also the place to watch fireworks during Victoria Day and Canada Day. Details
Features: Blue Flag Certified. Change room Facilities, Wheelchair accessible, Playgrounds for kids, Volleyball, Restaurant, Life guard on duty from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. from first week of June to Labour Day.
Cherry Beach
Located along Martin Goodman trail, this beach is situated in Portlands .
Features: Blue Flag Certified. Change room Facilities, Picnic facilities, Life guard on duty from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. from first week of June to Labour Day. Designated off-leash dog area along the beach’s western boundary. Wheelchair accessible.
Ward’s Island Beach
Situated on Toronto Island’s, this family beach is the one that is most removed from the hustle and bustle of the city. Enjoy a long trek along the board walk. Details
Features: Blue Flag Certified. Change room Facilities, Snack bar, Playground, Life guard on duty from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. from first week of June to Labour Day. . Wheelchair accessible.
Centre Island Beach
Toronto’s summer destination, Centre Island has attracted families from all over GTA. Details
Features: Blue Flag Certified. Change room Facilities, Picnic facilities, Life guard on duty from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. from first week of June to Labour Day, and all the great attractions at Centre Island from the Far enough Farm to Amusement park.
Gibraltar Point Beach
Established in 2007, this secluded beach on Toronto Islands is located on the southwestern shore. Gibraltar Arts Centre is located just after the entrance to the beach. Details
Features: Blue Flag Certified. Change room Facilities, Life guard on duty from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. from first week of June to Labour Day.
Directions: Take the Centre Island ferry from The Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, that is located at the foot of Bay Street at Queens Quay, just west of the Westin Harbour Castle hotel. How to get to Gibraltar Point Beach?
Hanlan’s Point Beach
Hanlan’s Point Beach is situated on the western shore of Toronto Islands. The beach has a clothing mandatory area and a one kilometre-long clothing optional beach that was desinated in 2002. It is the only clothing optional beach in Canada. Details
Features: Blue Flag Certified. Change room Facilities, Picnic facilities, Life guard on duty from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. from first week of June to Labour Day. Ball Diamond, Outdoor Tennis Court, Volleyball Court, Drinking Fountain
Directions: Take the Hanlan’s Point ferry from The Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, that is located at the foot of Bay Street at Queens Quay, just west of the Westin Harbour Castle hotel. How to get to Hanlan’s Point Beach?
Sunnyside Beach
Located in Etobicoke, Sunnyside beach has access to boardwalk and Martin Goodman Trail. It is also a great destination for paddlers as offshore breakwall provides calm water. Details
Features: Change room Facilities, Picnic Facilities, Life guard on duty from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. from first week of June to Labour Day.
Marie Curtis Park East Beach
This little beach in Etobicoke, is the westernmost designated swimmable beach in City of Toronto. Located at the mouth of the Etobicoke Creek on Lake Ontario in the Long Branch neighbourhood, Marie Curtis Park East has access to waterfront trail. Details
Features: Change room Facilities, Picnic facilities, Life guard on duty from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. from first week of June to Labour Day, Splash Pads, Wading Pool.
Toronto Beaches Water Quality. To hear a recorded message with up-to-date beach water quality results, please call 416-392-7161. The phone line is operational from first week of June to the Labour day weekend.
Beaches in York Region
Cedar Beach
Shore of Musselmans Lake in Whitchurch-Stouville. Not a public beach. Part of Cedar Beach resort- an overnight camping and trailer resort. Details
De La Salle Park Beach
Long sandy beach with shallow water for swimming located in De La Salle Park on Lake Simcoe shore in Georgina. Details
Features: 1 full size and 2 junior size soccer fields, picnic tables, picnic shelter, drinking water, washrooms, playground, swimming, parking, and beach volleyball. Hours of operation: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m
Holmes Point Park
Located in Holmes Point Conservation Area Long on the shores of Lake Simcoe. Shallow water great for young kids. Details
Features: Picnic Tables, Playground. Open dawn to dusk.
Bonnie Park Beach
Located on Jackson’s point harbour on Lake Simcoe shore.
Features: Picnic facilities, playground, shelter, drinking water, washrooms. Hours of operation: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
North Gwillimbury Park Beach.
Sandy beach along Lake Simcoe.
Features: Picnic facilities, portable washrooms, playground. Hours of operation: 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Willow Beach Park
Located in Willow Beach Conservation Area. Half a kilometer of sandy beach along Lake Simcoe with large open grass areas for picnicking. Details
Features: Picnic facilities, portable washrooms.
How to get to Willow Beach Park?
Willow Wharf Dock
Sandy beach on Lake Simcoe.
Features: Picnic facilities, portable washrooms.
Claredon Beach
Located in Claredon Beach Park on Lake Simcoe’s Cook’s Bay.
Features: Picnic tables, a playground and Portable washrooms.
Franklin Beach
Small sandy beach on Lake Simcoe located in Franklin Beach Conservation Area. Details
Features: Grassy areas for picnics, Portable washrooms
York Region Beaches: York Region Health Connection at 1-800-361-5653 or TTY 1-866-252-9933. Beach water test results are updated online 3 times daily during the summer at 11am, 2pm, and 5pm.
Beaches in Peel Region
Professor’s Lake
Professor’s Lake: This 65 acres spring fed lake manmade lake has a large area with deep and shallow points for swimming.
Fee: General: $4.10, Adult 55+ (55-69 years) : $3.10; Senior (70+ years): Free; Youth (13-) : $2.65 Details
Features: Lifeguards on duty, Water slide, Volleyball, Tennis, Boathouse, picnic areas and food concession stands, Changeroom facilities, Rentals on site and fishing spots. Open daily July 1st- September 5th 2016 from 10:00am-7:00pm
Jack Darling Memorial Park
Hike the trails to/of Rattray Marsh, waterfront trail and enjoy the views of Toronto skyline as you take a cool dip in the refreshing waters of Lake Onatrio. Details
Features: splash pad, picnic areas, washrooms, bicycle paths, a wind surfing launch pad, tennis courts,
Richard’s Memorial Park Beach
This lakefront park has 170m of sandy beach with access to water front trail, rock garden, and children’s playground.
Features: Washroom facilities, picnic areas with barbecue, and playground
Lakefront Promenade Park Beach
Lakefront Promenade Park Beach is located in one of the largest waterfront developments in Ontario with more than 40 hectares of parkland dedicated to outdoor recreation and the protection of wildlife habitat. The swimming area is inland, fed by Lake Ontario. Details
Features: Playground, Splash Pad, a marina, Washrooms, and a licensed patio and grill.
Peel Region:Beaches are inspected and the water is tested at a minimum of once per week during beach season from June. Phone Peel Public Health: 905-799-7700.
Beaches in Halton Region
Bronte Beach
Nestled in the picturesque Heritage Waterfront Park of Bront village, Bronte beach offers hours of fun in the sun with access to harbour, boardwalk and pier, lighthouse, parklands, cycling and walking trails, and more!
Features: Washroom facilities,Picnic facilities, playground and all other facilities of the Bronte Village within walking distance.
Coronation Park East & West Beach
Coronation Park is Oakville’s busiest summer park. Enjoy free summer concerts at the bandshell, explore waterfront trail, read a book or just relax at this beautiful park. The beaches (east and west) water are sampled separately are posted separately. See link below.
Features: Washroom facilities, picnic areas, splash-pad, beach volley, and a playground. West end beach is more rocky.
Beachway Park Beach
A great beach family beach with shallow water, this 2 km sandy beach situated on the sand dune that encloses Burlington Bay is a fun place to be for a day out in the sun.
Features: change room facilities, outdoor showers, beach rentals (including paddle boats), seasonal concession facilities (Snack Shack), water refill, and year round washrooms and a playground.
Brant Street Beach
Small beach beside Brant Street Pier. Enjoy views of Lake Ontario from Brant Street Pier, stroll the promenade at Spencer Smith Park.
Features: Washroom facilities, Splash Pad (of Spencer Smith Park)
Kelso Conservation Area Beach
The beach is part of a 35-hectare Kelso lake (man-made reservoir) in Kelso Conservation Area. There is plenty of space to splash around with the kids, go hiking the many trails,and camp out under the stars! Details
Fees: Adult (15-64)$6.75, Senior (65 & over)$5.75, Child (5-14)$5.00, Child (4 & under)Free
Features: Life guards, Washroom facilities, Concession, Boat Rentals, Camping.
Prospect Park Old Beach
Beach on the shore of Fairy Lake (man-made Lake) in Prospect Park.
Features: Washroom facilities, splash pads, picnic areas with barbecue, playground, canoe rentals.
Halton Region: Health Department staff collect a minimum of 5 water samples from each beach once a week to assess water quality. Phone: 905-825-6000/ 905-827-9833/toll free 1-866-4HALTON (1-866-442-5866)
Headed to the beach this weekend? Check out the Beach Water Quality to see if it’s safe to swim in #HaltonON https://t.co/M2wQradx6f
— Halton Region (@RegionofHalton) June 30, 2016