Cherry Beach Toronto: A Local’s Guide

When most people think of Toronto beaches, their mind jumps straight to the sandy shores of Woodbine or the island escape of Centre Island. But tucked away in Toronto’s Portlands lies Cherry Beach. This beach is a lesser-known but locally loved spot that offers a very different kind of water front experience.

I’ve lived in Toronto for years, and I can tell you that Cherry Beach (also known as Clarke Beach Park) isn’t your typical beach destination. Don’t expect soft sand and sunbathers lining the shore. It’s rocky, rugged, and one of the best places in the city for water sports like kitesurfing, kayaking, windsurfing and stand-up paddle boarding.

And if you’re a dog owner? You’ll love the massive off-leash dog park that’s basically puppy heaven, with trails, water access, and loads of space to roam.Whether you’re a local looking for an active afternoon outdoors or a visitor hoping to explore a quieter, more natural side of Toronto’s waterfront, this might be your new favourite Toronto beach.

What Sets Cherry Beach Apart?

Unlike the expansive sandy stretches of Woodbine Beach, this small beach boasts a more pebbled beach and shoreline. It’s ideal for water sports enthusiasts. On any given day, you can spot individuals kitesurfing, kayaking, or stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), taking advantage of the favourable conditions the area offers.​

Cherry Beach also offers beautiful panoramic views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto skyline, making it a popular spot for photography and those looking for beautiful sunrise or sunset views.

Cherry Street Dog Park

For dog owners, Cherry Beach is a dream come true. The expansive off-leash dog park provides lots of space for your furry friends to roam, play, and even take a dip in the lake. It’s one of the city’s larger off-leash parks with great lake views.​ 

With access to free parking, great views, and a large park, Cherry Street Dog Park is an excellent off-leash park in Toronto’s east end.

Seating is located throughout the park, and there is lots of shade. It also has a beautiful view of the Toronto skyline at the very west end of the park.

Where is Cherry Beach Located?

Situated at 1 Cherry Street, Cherry Beach lies just south of the evolving Toronto Port Lands. 

It’s in proximity to notable landmarks such as Rebel Nightclub, Cabana Pool Bar, and Polson Pier. While it’s a bit more secluded than other city beaches, this seclusion adds to its charm, offering visitors a peaceful retreat.​

Things to Do and Activities at Cherry Beach

• Water Sports: The beach’s conditions are ideal for activities like kite surfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding. For those without equipment, rentals are available during the summer months.
• Swimming: While the rocky shoreline isn’t the most inviting for swimmers, Cherry Beach consistently meets water quality standards, making it safe for those who do want a quiet swim in Lake Ontario.​
• Dog Park: The off-leash area is spacious and offers water access, ensuring your pets can cool off during warmer days.​
• Cycling: Cycle from Woodbine Beach to to Tommy Thompson Park, through Cherry Beach, and then on to Harbourfront.
• Photography: Cherry Beach and the surrounding area provides stunning panoramic views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto skyline, especially during sunrise and sunset.
• Dance on the Beach: Every summer, Promise Cherry Beach holds electronic dance parties on the beach every Sunday. These all-ages beach parties do require a ticket. There is also a fully licensed Beach Bar for those 19 and older.

Amenities and Facilities

Cherry Beach offers several seasonal amenities to enhance your visit:​

• Free Public Parking: The recently repaved parking lot provides ample space, though it can fill up during summer weekends and special events.
• Public Washrooms and Changing Facilities: Conveniently located near the beach for visitors’ comfort.​
• Food Trucks: Seasonal vendors offer a variety of snacks and refreshments.​
• BBQ Areas: Designated spots allow for picnics and barbecues, making it ideal for family gatherings.​
• Cherry Street Bar-B-Que: This is one of the best BBQ restaurants in Toronto and it’s located very close to the beach. People travel from all over to eat here, so check it out if you’re looking for a great place to eat near the beach.

From June to September, there are lifeguards on duty, making it one of several beaches in Toronto ideal for swimming.

However, it’s worth noting that Cherry Beach lacks certain amenities found at other city beaches. There are no boardwalks, beach volleyball courts, or children’s playgrounds. If those features are essential to your beach experience, Woodbine Beach might be a more suitable choice.​

☞ Looking for a more classic sandy beach? Here’s what to do at Woodbine Beach.

What’s Around Cherry Beach?

If you decide to visit this hidden gem, here are a few other attractions close to the beach.

• Polson Pier: Just minutes away, this pier is the best spot in the city for unobstructed sunset views of the Toronto skyline.
• The Distillery District: Approximately 2.5 km away, this historic area is a popular visitor destination with it’s restaurants, galleries, and unique shopping.​
• Tommy Thompson Park: Located about 2.75 km from Cherry Beach, it’s a great spot for bird-watching and nature walks.​
• Leslie Lookout Park: Located beside Tommy Thompson Park, Leslie Lookout is Toronto’s newest beach location. While you can’t swim here, this unique park has a sandy beach with unique views of the Toronto skyline.
• Woodbine Beach: Roughly 4 km away, this is Toronto’s go-to for traditional beach outing with a 3 km boardwalk, beach volleyball, and swimming.
• Harbourfront: About 4 km away, Toronto’s Harbourfront with its waterfront restaurants, ferry to the Toronto Islands, and harbour cruises is just a 15 minute bike ride.
• Cherry Street Bridges: Three new colourful bridges have been built in the Portlands. These bridges not only help traffic in the area, they are a photographer’s dream!

Driving and Parking at Cherry Beach

Getting to Cherry Beach by car is simple and straightforward, making it a convenient option for locals and visitors alike. The beach features a recently repaved, free public parking lot that generally has ample space for beachgoers and dog park users. You’ll likely find parking easy on most days.

That said, weekends in the summer and special event days (like concerts at Rebel) can fill the lot quickly. If you’re visiting during peak times, it’s a good idea to arrive early to secure a spot.

Many visitors also treat this waterfront park as a launch point for other activities –  parking here to paddle board to the Toronto Islands or cycle along the Martin Goodman Trail is quite common. The lot’s location near the water and trail access makes it a smart and scenic starting point for a full day of outdoor adventure.

Getting to Cherry Beach

Driving: Located at 1 Cherry Street, the beach is easily accessible by car. The free public parking lot is a bonus.

Cycling: Cherry Beach is situated along the Martin Goodman Trail, making it a great stop for cyclists. The recently completed Cherry Street Bridges offers separate paths for cyclists and pedestrians, enhancing safety and accessibility.​

Public Transit: From Union, you can also take the 114 Queens Quay bus to Commissioners Street and Cherry Street and then walk about 15 minutes south to the beach. Use the TTC trip planner to help you plan your visit by public transportation.

A Hidden Toronto Beach

Cherry Beach offers a distinct experience compared to Toronto’s more traditional sandy beaches. Its rocky shores, emphasis on water sports, and expansive dog-friendly areas make it a unique spot for both locals and visitors.

While it may lack some amenities found at other beaches, its serene environment and pretty views more than compensate.

Whether you’re an adventure seeker, a pet owner, or someone looking to escape the city’s hustle, Cherry Beach is well worth a visit.

Read More About Toronto

Now that you’ve got Cherry Beach on your radar, let’s expand your Toronto summer bucket list.

• Leslie Lookout Park: Toronto’s Newest Park and Beach
• Toronto’s Best Beaches: 16 Must-Visit Spots
• Toronto Beaches Boardwalk: A Hidden Gem in the City
• 25 Best Sunset Spots in Toronto
• Top Things to do in the Beaches Neighbourhood
• Things to do in Toronto in Summer
• Things to do in Toronto for First Time Visitors