Pack your bathing suits and get out the sunscreen, Toronto. It\u2019s time for a beach day!<\/p>\n
With blue skies and warm temperatures in our midst, there\u2019s no better time to take a load off on the sandy shores of a beautiful beach. And lucky for us here in the city, there\u2019s no shortage of shore around us.<\/p>\n
Cherry Beach<\/p>\n
Cherry Beach is one of the cleanest in the city, as noted by Waterfront Toronto.<\/a> It is located at the foot of Cherry Street in the bustling Port Lands.<\/p>\n Back in 1912, when a Toronto Harbour Commission Plan transformed much of this area into an industrially focused district, it also set aside a portion of its south side for a beach, according to Heritage Toronto.<\/p>\n Now, aside from the beach, guests will also find a park, seven bike trails, two picnic sites and a dog off-leash area.<\/p>\n Address: 1 Cherry St.<\/p>\n Woodbine Beach<\/p>\n Woodbine Beach is part of a popular 15.2-hectare park and the \u201cgateway to three kilometres of sandy waterfront stretching eastward along the Lake Ontario shoreline,\u201d according to the City of Toronto.<\/a><\/p>\n Located near the Donald D. Summerville Outdoor Olympic Pool (also a great summer destination), Woodbine Beach is not only a popular spot for swimming and sunbathing, but also for picnics. So, be sure to pack a lunch.<\/p>\n Address: 1675 Lake Shore Blvd. E.<\/p>\n Toronto Islands Beaches<\/p>\n Heading to a beach on the Toronto Islands feels like a getaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. On the islands, you\u2019ll find three beaches \u2014 Ward\u2019s Island Beach, Hanlan\u2019s Point Beach and Centre Island Beach.<\/p>\n To get to the islands, you must take a ferry (or a private water taxi) to begin your journey. And that fresh boat air is a great way to start your beach day.<\/p>\n Ferry Terminal Address: 9 Queens Quay W.<\/p>\n Sugar Beach<\/p>\n Sugar Beach is the first public space you\u2019ll see when travelling along Queens Quay from the central waterfront.<\/p>\n This spot is located at the foot of Lower Jarvis Street adjacent to the Redpath Sugar Factory.<\/p>\n Tucked inside a two-acre park, Sugar Beach \u201creminds us that Toronto\u2019s waterfront is a playful destination,\u201d Waterfront Toronto states.<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cThe beach allows visitors to while away the afternoon as they read, play in the sand or watch boats on the lake.\u201d<\/p>\n Address: 11 Dockside Dr.<\/p>\n Bluffer\u2019s Beach<\/p>\n In Scarborough\u2019s Bluffer\u2019s Park, you\u2019ll find not only a sandy beach, but also picnic areas, lookouts, outdoor volleyball courts and a boat launch.<\/p>\n Originally owned by the Borough of Scarborough, the mainland at the base of the bluffs was transferred to the Metropolitan Toronto and Region Conservation Authority in 1960.<\/p>\n Since then, the park was designed to improve access to the Scarborough Bluffs.<\/p>\n Address: 1 Brimley Rd. S.<\/p>\n Balmy Beach<\/p>\n The historic 7.3-hectare Balmy Beach Park was created in 1903 and is home to the Balmy Beach Club.<\/p>\n The Martin Goodman Trail also runs through the park, parallel to the boardwalk and beach, along the shore of Lake Ontario.<\/p>\n Plus, you\u2019ll also find a playground and outdoor fitness equipment.<\/p>\n Address: 1 Beech Ave.<\/p>\n Cobourg Beach<\/p>\n If you\u2019re looking for a day trip outside of the city, Cobourg Beach is a treasured secret for the locals that\u2019s located just under an hour and a half from Toronto.<\/p>\n In fact, this spot is actually two beaches, according to Destination Ontario.<\/a> While most head to the main beach, known as Victoria Park Beach, there\u2019s also a slightly quieter alternative called West Beach.<\/p>\n To access this lesser-known secret, head west from Victoria Park Beach.<\/p>\n Address: 138 Division St., Cobourg<\/p>\n Wasaga Beach<\/p>\n Wasaga Beach<\/a> is the province\u2019s \u201cquintessential summer spot for sun, sand and surf,\u201d as per Destination Ontario.<\/a><\/p>\n And not only is it an ideal place to spend a day soaking up some rays, but it is also known as the longest freshwater beach in the world, stretching 14 kilometres across the south Georgian Bay shoreline.<\/p>\n After you\u2019re done in the water, grab a scoop from a nearby ice cream shop for the ultimate beach trip.<\/p>\n Address: 119 Mosley St., Wasaga Beach<\/p>\n Grand Bend Beach<\/p>\n Featuring sandy shore, a scenic boardwalk and epic sunsets, Grand Bend Beach is one of the liveliest beaches in Ontario.<\/p>\n It is located just under three hours from Toronto on the shores of Lake Huron in Lambton County.<\/p>\n \u201cThis expansive sandy beach provides the perfect summer backdrop for relaxation and adventure,\u201d Destination Ontario said.<\/p>\n Address: Main Street West, Grand Bend<\/p>\n Port Stanley Main Beach<\/p>\n As one of the few beaches in Canada to have earned Blue Flag status for its excellent water quality and safety measures, Port Stanley Main Beach<\/a> is situated in southwest Ontario about two and a half hours from Toronto. It hugs the north shore of Lake Erie at the mouth of Kettle Creek.<\/p>\n