Warm weather is here and the Toronto swimming beaches are open for the Summer season, and they’re free to enter! Did you know that our Lake Ontario beaches are regularly listed on The Swim Guide Blue Flag Beach list for exceptional environmental standards? However, it’s still a good idea to check the beach water quality rating before you head out, particularly early in the season and/or after a heavy rainfall. So, take a dip in our Guide to Swimming Beaches in Toronto…

When are Toronto Beaches Supervised for Swimming?

Lifeguard supervision and beach maintenance times:

  • June 6 — August 9, 2026: 10:30 AM – 7:30 PM
  • August 10 —  September 7, 2026: 10:30 AM – 7:00 PM (reduced hours due to shorter daylight time)

Note: Swimming without supervision is not recommended. Learn more about beach safety to find out how to reduce the risks so you and/or your family can enjoy swimming.

Downtown/Toronto Islands

Centre Island Park Beach
Location: Outer south side of Centre Island (Toronto Islands)

  • Take the ferry to Centre Island, walk past Centreville and stay straight at fountains
  • Park also includes bike trail, picnic areas, playground, pond, splash pad and washrooms

Gibraltar Point Beach 
Location: Outer south-west tip of Centre Island (west of Centre Island Park Beach)

  • Take the ferry to Centre Island and head west from Centre Island Park Beach

Hanlan’s Point Beach
Location: Outer west Side of the Toronto Islands

  • Take the ferry directly to Hanlan’s Point or walk/bike from Centre Island or Ward’s Island
  • Park includes bike trails, ball diamond, fire pits, lighthouse, volleyball court, picnic site, playground and washrooms
  • Note: A section of this beach is clothing-optional!

Ward’s Island Beach
Location: Outer south-east Side of Ward’s Island (Toronto Islands)

  • Take the ferry directly to Ward’s Island or walk/bike from Centre Island or Hanlan’s Point
  • Park includes bike trails, ball diamond, gazebo, outdoor table tennis, picnic site, playground and washrooms

East End

Balmy Beach
Location: South of Queen St. East, Central and East Beach areas

  • Parking is available in Balmy Beach Park
  • Park includes off-leash dog area, bike trail, bowling greens, gymnasium, outdoor table tennis and playground

Cherry/Clarke Beach
Location: Foot of Cherry Street, South Portlands Area

  • Parking is available
  • Park also includes bike trail, off-leash dog area, picnic areas and washrooms

Woodbine Beach
Location: Foot of Woodbine Avenue, West Beach area

  • Parking is available
  • This beach has an accessible path leading all the way to the water’s edge, near the Donald. D. Summerville Pool entrance. It’s particularly handy for extra-hot days when the sand burns your feet!
  • Park includes restaurants, bike trails, two playgrounds, outdoor pool, beach volleyball courts, reservable picnic shelters, water bottle refill station and washrooms

West End

Sunnyside Beach
Location: Parkside Drive, South of Lakeshore Blvd. West

  • Parking is available (but limited)
  • Park also includes bike trail, picnic areas, playground and washrooms

Scarborough

Bluffer’s Park Beach
Location: Foot of Brimley Road, Scarborough Bluffs Area

  • Parking is available but limited. Lots fill up very quickly on weekends! When the lots are full, visitors must walk into the park along Brimley Road from Barkclene Hills Road
  • Park includes bike trail, picnic site and washrooms

Etobicoke

Marie Curtis Park Beach
Where: 42nd Street, South of Lakeshore Blvd. West

  • Parking is available
  • Park also includes bike trails, picnic areas, playground, splash pad, wading pool and washroom

Get out into nature with our list of Park events here!