Beaches in Toronto may not rival those found at more southerly destinations around the globe, but throughout the summer months they're a more-than-adequate substitute for those who find themselves city-bound and in need of a little sand and sunshine.
LessWoodbine Beach is undoubtedly the most popular beach in Toronto, and for good reason. The largest of the four beaches that line Lake Ontario, this stretch of sandy waterfront pulses on hot summer days, playing host to frolicking children, gleaming sunbathers, barbecuers, and volleyball players galore.
As human beings, we all like options, and the beach at the Island's Hanlan's Point offers the best choice of all: to go full-frontal, butt-naked nude. This little strip of sand is Toronto's only clothing-optional beach, so bring your umbrellas and your swimming suits—or not.
This beach lining Humber Bay is a lot quieter than it used to be in its heyday, when it played a huge part in Toronto's culture in the 50s. That being said, it still gets super busy with sunbathers and people travelling the boardwalk on a scenic toward the Humber Bay Arch.
The water at Cherry Beach is some of the coldest in the Toronto area, but this is a great beach for watching windsurfers skim through the water or to have a barbecue on the grassy area. The old lifeguard station is one of the city's most photographed sites.
While people are being warned to stay off the top of the Bluffs, the beach is now partially open and supervised by lifeguards. There's not quite as much sandy area thanks to high water levels, but it's still one of the most ample in the city.
Just a short walk away from its more popular neighbour, Woodbine Beach, is this stretch of secluded sand that's way better for relaxing. It's just as rocky as Woodbine, and the shoreline is closer to the boardwalk, but it's much quieter, with better areas for lounging near the water.
Head to this massive urban park in Scarborough for this wild escape. Soft sand, reddish waters (hence its name), and the beautiful river that runs through it makes this marshy piece of land an ideal nature getaway.
Enjoy the kitschy pink umbrellas, but don't expect to go swimming at this Toronto beach.
Surely the most under-appreciated of Toronto's official beaches, Marie Curtis Park is a breath of fresh air if you're used to crowds that flock to Woodbine and the Scarborough Bluffs in the summer. It's a relatively short stretch of sand, but it's nicely secluded from the rest of the city.
This beach on the Toronto Islands faces away from the city skyline, so you'll truly feel like you've escaped here.