Blue Flag beaches in Ontario

Greater Toronto Area

Bluffer’s Park Beach

Head to Bluffer’s Park Beach to escape the city and feel like you’re on a mini vacation.

Part of the Scarborough Bluffs, a 15-kilometre stretch of sandy cliffs along Lake Ontario, this large sandy beach is one of the top beaches in Ontario and offers beach lovers a fun day out. Take in the view of the towering bluffs and watch the sunset from the cliffs.

Fun and food at the beach

• Stand-up paddle board lessons and rentals from Oceah Oceah
• Go fishing (make sure to have a valid Ontario fishing licence)
• Pack a picnic or place your order at one of the ice cream trucks available on-site most days

Beach facilities and services

• Facilities include a change room, outdoor shower and washrooms
• Lifeguards are on duty daily from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. from June to the end of August

Getting there

Location: 1 Brimley Road South, Scarborough

• The beach is located in the northeast corner of Bluffers Park
• There are a limited number of paid parking spots at the Bluffers Park lot at Brimley Road
• If the beach is overcrowded, access to the beach by car may be closed; consider arriving at off-hours or taking transit
• The 201 Bluffers Park bus provides seasonal service to the beach from Kennedy Station

Cherry Beach

One of the cleanest beaches in Ontario, Cherry Beach is also a popular spot for local windsurfers and kiteboarders. And with a designated off-leash dog area, it’s a great place for humans and their four-legged friends to play, relax and cool off with a swim.

Fun and food at the beach

• Get out on the water with a rental from Toronto SUP & Kayak, located in the East Parking Lot
• Turn your beach day into a beach party with a community-hosted electronic music festival on select summer evenings
• Bring a picnic or grab some fries from the food truck parked near the entrance to the beach

Beach facilities and services

• Grilling stations are available; bring your coals for the BBQ
• Washroom facilities are available
• Lifeguard supervision is provided from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. from June through August

Getting there

Location: 1 Cherry Street, Toronto

• Two parking lots are available, but they can fill up quickly on the weekend
• A better option is to take the 72B Pape bus to Cherry Beach from Pape Station or take the 202 Cherry Beach bus from Union Station

Kew-Balmy Beach

Loved by locals for almost a century, Kew-Balmy Beach is quieter than most other Toronto Blue Flag beaches. The 1.2-kilometre stretch of sand makes for a great spot to relax and soak up the sun in Toronto’s laid-back Beaches community.

Fun and food at the beach

• Stroll along the well-maintained waterfront boardwalk or cycle the designated bike lane along the Martin Goodman Trail
• Reserve kayak rentals or book paddling lessons with Toronto Beach Kayak or enjoy a game of lawn bowling, tennis, baseball or basketball. There are also outdoor fitness equipment and playground facilities nearby
• Discover The Beaches neighbourhood along Queen Street East, you’ll find an assortment of great bars, bistros and restaurants. If you’re looking to indulge your sweet tooth, head to Beaches n’ Cream Gelato and Ice Cream Café

Beach facilities and services

• Lifeguard supervision is provided between 10:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. from June through August
• Accessible washrooms are available

Getting there

Location: 2075 Queen Street East, Toronto

• Limited parking is available at Balmy Beach Lot, or you may find free street parking nearby
• The most convenient way to get to Key-Balmy Beach is on the 501 streetcar that travels along Queen Street

Woodbine Beach

This Blue Flag Beach is Toronto’s most popular beach spot. Home to almost 100 beach volleyball courts and disc golf course, watch a game or start one of your own. Pack a picnic and view long weekend fireworks on Victoria Day, Canada Day and Labour Day weekends.

Fun and food at the beach

• Hike or bike portions of the Waterfront Trail or Martin Goodman Trail
• Rent kayaks with iPaddle Adventures, located at Ashbridges Bay Point
• Dine at the Toronto Beach Club, a full-service restaurant serving up a Mediterranean tapas-style menu with a patio close to the beach or grab an ice cream from GG’s on the Beach snack bar

Beach facilities and services

• The bathing station provides change rooms, accessible washroom facilities, beach shower with foot wash and water bottle filling stations
• There is lifeguard supervision from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. from June through August

Getting there

Location: 1675 Lake Shore Boulevard East, Toronto

• Parking is available at 30 Ashbridges Bay Park Road
• Both the 92 Woodbine bus and 501 Queen Street streetcar provide access to Woodbine Beach
• Find a Bike Share station to bike to the beach

Gibraltar Point Beach

Over a dozen connected, car-free islands are nestled along the city’s waterfront known as the Toronto Islands, and Gibraltar Beach may just be one of Toronto’s best-kept secrets.

It’s perfect for those looking for a quiet day of swimming and sunning.

Fun and food at the beach

• Discover Gibraltar Point Lighthouse. Built in the early 1800s, it’s the oldest standing lighthouse on the Great Lakes and is rumoured to be haunted by a murdered lightkeeper
• Explore the nature trails and bring binoculars for birdwatching
• Pack a picnic or visit one of the food locations

Beach facilities and services

• Lifeguard supervision is available from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. from June to mid-August and 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. into September

Getting there

Location: Toronto Islands, Toronto

• Board a ferry to reach the Toronto Islands. The city-operated ferries depart from Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, located at 9 Queens Quay West and provide regular service to and from Centre, Hanlan’s and Ward’s Islands. The ferry ride is approximately 20 minutes, and each ticket includes the return journey
• Ferry lineups may be long on hot summer days, so check the ferry schedule, get there early and book your tickets online
• Parking options are limited along the Harbourfront. However, the ferry terminal is a quick 10-minute walk from Union Station and just a few minutes from the Bay Street/Lake Shore streetcar stop. Plan your route using the TTC transit.
• Located between Centre Island and Hanlan’s Point beaches, take either the Centre Island or Hanlan’s Point ferry and follow the footpath to Gibraltar Point

Hanlan’s Point Beach

It’s beach season, so get your beach outfit ready–or not–a portion of Hanlan’s Point Beach was officially recognized as clothing optional. So, if you don’t want a tan line, you know which side of the beach to go.

The furthest west of the Toronto Islands beaches, it’s also one of the top beaches in Ontario to view magnificent sunsets. Hanlan’s Point beach was the site of Toronto’s first gay pride event and has been an LGBTQ+ welcoming environment ever since.

Fun and food at the beach

• Play a round of tennis, volleyball or baseball at nets and diamonds near the beach

Beach facilities and services

• Facilities include washrooms, change rooms, picnic spots and fire pits
• Lifeguards are on duty every day from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. from June through August

Getting there

Location: Hanlan’s Point, Toronto Islands, Toronto

• The Hanlan’s Point Ferry provides service between the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal and Hanlan’s Point dock. It’s about a 15-minute walk from the beach

Ward’s Island Beach

Located on the eastern side of the Toronto Islands next to the charming community of island residents, Ward’s Island Beach provides visitors a quiet, relaxed experience. And because it’s sheltered by the Leslie Split, the water is calm and safe for swimming. Stroll along the boardwalk and discover charming island homes, beautiful Lake Ontario views and watch sailboats float by.

Fun and food at the beach

• Discover the kid-approved Pirate Park
• Head to the Island Café patio for good food and refreshing drinks

Beach facilities and services

• Lifeguard supervision is available from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. from June through August
• Washroom facilities are available

Getting there

Location: Toronto Islands, Toronto

• Take the Ward’s Island Ferry to Ward’s Island dock; the beach is a five-minute walk away

Northeastern Ontario

Bell Park Beach

Sudbury’s largest urban park, Bell Park is a waterfront destination on the shores of Ramsey Lake that’s comprised of several beaches, along with pathways, gardens, playgrounds and picnic areas.

Bell Park’s Main Beach is a Blue Flag location that invites guests to swim, play, walk along the Bell Park Boardwalk or sit on the beach and enjoy the views of the lake.

Fun and food at the beach

• See a concert at the large amphitheatre which hosts special events such as the Northern Lights Festival Boréal
• Head a short distance down the boardwalk to one of Northern Ontario’s most popular attractions, Science North
• Enjoy a picnic at one of the two gazebos and beyond the Bell Park Concession Stand, you’ll find more dining options in downtown Sudbury

Beach facilities and services

• Floating wheelchairs can be reserved for visitors with disabilities to get out on the water
• Lifeguards are on duty at Bell Park Main Beach from 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. from June 14 to mid-August
• Accessible washrooms and change rooms on-site

Getting there

Location: Bell Park Boardwalk, Greater Sudbury

• Free parking is available at the Sudbury Canoe Club

Moonlight Beach

Situated on the east end of Ramsey Lake, Moonlight Beach is another popular urban beach in Sudbury, with over 200 metres (700 feet) of shoreline for swimming and sunbathing.

Fun and food at the beach

• Go for a hike between Lake Laurentian Conservation Area and Moonlight Beach, approximately 3.5 kilometres

Beach facilities and services

• Enjoy the playground and picnic benches
• Washrooms and change rooms are available
• Lifeguards are on duty daily from June 14 to mid-August, 11:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Getting there

Location: Moonlight Beach, Greater Sudbury

• Free parking is available
• Seasonal bus service to Moonlight Beach is available via Route 10 Minnow Lake

Spine Beach

Spine Beach is an inviting sandy beach overlooking Elliot Lake, just a short distance west of the town of Elliot Lake. With a designated dog water area and a kids’ playground, there’s something for everyone in the family.

Fun and food at the beach

• Walk the trail that connects Spruce Beach to Spine Beach
• Swim safely between the buoys, which create a safe swimming zone for children

Beach facilities and services

• Find picnic tables, washrooms and changing facilities
• Lifeguard service is provided daily from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in July and August

Getting there

Location: Spine Beach, Elliot Lake

• Free parking is available at the west end of Spine Road

Spruce Beach

Another great family-friendly spot along Elliot Lake, Spruce Beach features a supervised swimming area, a large rock for kids to swim to and jump off, a playground, a sandy area for relaxing or playing and lots of shaded space to enjoy a picnic.

Fun and food at the beach

• Hike the trail between Spruce Beach and Spine Beach
• Play at the playground and take the dog for a run at the dog-friendly area
• Swim safely, buoys indicate swimming depths that are suitable for children

Beach facilities and services

• Find washroom and playground facilities onsite
• Lifeguard supervision is provided in July and August from noon to 7:00 p.m.

Getting there

Location: Spruce Avenue, Elliot Lake

• Parking is available off Spruce Avenue

Southwestern Ontario

Grand Bend Beach

Grand Bend Beach is one of the liveliest beach destinations in Ontario.

Beachgoers and sun bathers gravitate to the spacious sandy beach and expansive Lake Huron views, while water sport activities, shops, restaurants, theatre, golf courses, a boardwalk for strolling and more means there is something for everyone and the fun is endless. And to top it off, Grand Bend Beach has been awarded the annual Blue Flag status for over a decade.

Fun and food at the beach

• Discover so many water sports to try, from parasailing with Grand Bend Parasail to jet ski rentals from Splash Watersports, speed boat charters from Xtreme Watersports for waterskiing and wakeboarding or join Grand Bend Fishing Charters for a few hours of fishing
• See a movie or two at the drive-in cinema
• Enjoy local wine and cider tastings at Shale Ridge Estate Winery and Dark Horse Estate Winery, both located a short distance from the beach

Beach facilities and services

• Find washrooms and change rooms as well as a splash pad and playground for kids
• Lifeguards and beach patrol are on duty from mid-June to the first weekend of September

Getting there

Location: Main Street West, Grand Bend

• Pay parking lots are located at the end of Main Street West.

Port Stanley Main Beach

Overlooking the north shore of Lake Erie, Port Stanley is a charming community and home to one of the loveliest stretches of sandy beach in Ontario that has earned a Blue Flag status for water quality and safety.

Fun and food at the beach

• Rent a canoe, kayak, paddle boat or standup paddle board from Bridgeveiw Marina
• Discover one of Ontario’s finest multi-use trails, The Waterfront Trail, which extends along Ontario’s Great Lakes, including Lake Erie
• Cool off with an ice cream treat from Broderick’s Ice Cream Parlour or a cold drink on the beachfront patio at GT’s on the Beach

Beach facilities and services

• Find accessible washrooms and change facilities, as well as rubber mats for beach access for wheelchairs and strollers
• Lifeguards are on duty from July to September

Getting there

Location: 348 Edith Cavell Blvd, Port Stanley

• Paid parking is available at the Main Beach Parking Lot at 332 Edith Cavell Boulevard

Port Burwell East Beach

It’s hard not to fall in love with Port Burwell East Beach. The beach is peaceful, pristine and its shallow waters offer an ideal swimming environment. With its Blue Flag certification for Ontario beach water quality, it’s no surprise that this spot has been referred to as the Jewel of Lake Erie’s north shore.

Fun and food at the beach

• Enjoy excellent bird watching at Port Burwell Provincial Park, Long Point Bird Observatory and the Long Point Birding Trail, located along migratory birding routes
• Set out for a day of fishing with Deep Secret Fishing Charters
• Climb the stairs to the top of Port Burwell Lighthouse, one of Canada's oldest wooden lighthouses or step aboard the HMSC Ojibwa, a Cold War era nuclear submarine at the Museum of Naval History
• Simply Scoops is a local tradition serving a variety of ice cream flavours as well as burgers, fries, hot dogs and poutine with a sit-in shop in town and a food truck at the beach

Beach facilities and services

• No lifeguard, so swim at your own risk
• Accessible washroom facilities are provided

Getting there

Location: Erieus Street, Port Burwell

• Free parking is available at the beach