Cherry Beach Toronto Guide 2024
Cherry Beach is a small beach located on the shores of Lake Ontario, just south of the Toronto Port Lands. Also known as Clarke Beach, Cherry Beach is the perfect location for a quiet stroll along the beach, a place to stop while riding your bike along the Martin Goodman Trail, and a large off-leash dog park.
Cherry Beach is a much smaller beach than Woodbine Beach Park and is in a somewhat isolated area of the waterfront. This Toronto beach is particularly appealing for those looking for a quiet spot to go swimming, kite-surfing, kayaking, paddle boarding, windsurfing, or perhaps play in the sand and build sandcastles.
Cherry Beach also offers beautiful panoramic views of Lake Ontario and the Toronto skyline, making it a popular spot for photography and viewing the sunset or sunrise.
I do want to be clear, however, that if you are looking to spend a day at the beach, Cherry Beach is not the beach you are looking for in Toronto. Instead, I would highly recommend that you head over to Woodbine Beach Park in the Beaches neighbourhood, Sunnyside Beach in the west end, or Scarborough Bluffs Park further east, where there are large, beautiful beaches with more amenities and facilities.
Cherry Beach is very small and quiet and consists of the lake, a small beach, and a fabulous dog park!
Where is Cherry Beach Located?
Cherry Beach, also known as Clarke Beach Park, is located on the southern shore of Lake Ontario at 1 Cherry Street. It is just south of the Toronto Port Lands, an industrial area of Toronto that is currently being revitalized.
It is very close to Rebel Nightclub, Cabana Pool Bar, Polson Pier, and the Docks Driving Range.
Cherry Beach is also close to a number of other Toronto attractions, including:
- The Distillery District (2.5 km)
- Tommy Thompson Park (2.75 km)
- Woodbine Beach (4 km)
- Downtown Toronto (5 km)
- Cherry Beach Sports Fields (500 m)
Seasonal amenities at Cherry Beach include free public parking, public washrooms, a food truck, BBQs, and a large off-leash dog park.
Cherry Beach does not, however, have a boardwalk, beach volleyball, or a children’s playground. If you are looking for a beach with many beach amenities, I would highly recommend you travel about 10 minutes further east and check out all there is to do at Woodbine Beach.
Cherry Beach Toronto Directions
Although Cherry Beach is not very easy to get to on foot, there are various transportation options to reach the beach, including driving, cycling, and taking the bus.
Driving and Parking at Cherry Beach
It is easy to drive to Cherry Beach. Located at 1 Cherry Street, there are free public parking lots at the park with lots of spots. The recently repaved parking lot is usually sufficient for visitors who want to walk along the trails, enjoy the water sports, or visit the off-leash dog park.
Of course, any kind of special event can impact how many parking spaces are available, and the weekends in the summer are definitely busier!
Many visitors use the Cherry Beach parking lot to park and then travel to other locations, such as paddle boarding to the islands or riding their bikes along the bike path.
Cycling to Cherry Beach
Many cyclists also visit or pass through Cherry Beach, as it is located on the Martin Goodman Bike Trail.
Completed in 2022, the Cherry Street South Bridge is a brand new bridge that includes separate paths for cyclists, pedestrians, and traffic. The bridge is not only a beautiful design; it also offers spectacular views of the Toronto skyline, particularly at sunset.
Taking the Bus to Cherry Beach
NOTE: Due to construction on a broken bridge, the beach is not accessible by bus. Travelling to Cherry Beach by TTC is not recommended at the moment. (June 2024)
There is also an option to take the bus to Cherry Beach. The 202 Cherry Beach bus runs seasonally seven days a week from early May to October each year. The bus runs from Union Station, along Queen’s Quay and stops right at the beach.
Things to do at Cherry Beach, Toronto
Cherry Beach is ideal for a relaxing day at the beach, water sports, and spending time with family.
The park has recently undergone some improvements, including a renovated washroom and changing facilities. This area is continuing to undergo revitalization, and significant traffic congestion will continue in the area in 2023.
Enjoy a Swim at Cherry Beach
Cherry Beach is on the shores of Lake Ontario, and swimming is possible in the lake. Cherry Beach is considered a Blue Flag beach, which means that it passes strict water quality and safety criteria.
That being said, you are swimming in a lake! The bottom is quite rocky, and the water is cold (at least in my opinion). It is ideal for a refreshing dip or to wade your feet in. Water sports here are also very popular!
There are lifeguards on duty from 10:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. from June to September, making it one of several beaches in Toronto for swimming. Swimming without the supervision of a lifeguard or outside designated swim areas is not recommended.
Participate in a Variety of Water Sports
Popular water sports at Cherry Beach include kayaking, canoeing, SUP, kiteboarding, and windsurfing.
Lots of locals also bring their kite boards, kayaks, canoes, or stand-up paddle boards to Cherry Beach, as it is one of the less crowded beaches (and parking lots). It is a popular spot to launch your canoe or kayak, as Cherry Beach provides safe, easy access to the water with free parking very close by.
For those that don’t have their own equipment, stand-up paddle boards and kayaks are available to rent June 1–September 30 right on the beach with Toronto SUP & Kayak. The Toronto Windsurfing Club is also located in the area, and they offer adult lessons and youth camps.
Ride Your Bike Along the Martin Goodman Trail
The Martin Goodman Trail is part of a network of over 300 kilometres of trails in Toronto. This area of the bike trail can take you from Woodbine Beach to Tommy Thompson Park, through Cherry Beach, and then on to Harbourfront.
You can cycle as much or as little as you would like. This area of the trail will take you across the brand new Cherry Street South Bridge.
Bring Your dog to the Cherry Beach Dog Park
Located at the west end of the beach, Cherry Beach has one of the largest off-leash dog parks in Toronto and is located close to downtown. This enclosed space is a great location for dogs to run and play and also offers access to the water.
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.
Photograph the Historic Cherry Beach Lifeguard Station
The historic Cherry Beach Lifeguard Station is one of only two remaining lifeguard stations in Toronto. While the more popular Leuty Lifeguard Station, located close to Woodbine Beach, is one of the most photographed landmarks in Toronto, the Cherry Beach station was built around the same time.
It too offers a reminder of the history and popularity of the Beaches in Toronto for over 100 years!
Take in the Sunrise or Sunset
Cherry Beach is an ideal location to capture the sunrise or sunset in Toronto. With stunning views of the Toronto skyline, this is a great location to capture the setting sun in Toronto. For the best view, walk through the dog park and all the way to the very end.
About a 15-minute walk from the beach, you will also find one of the best unobstructed views of the Toronto skyline at Polson Pier, a very popular place to view the sun set.
Grab a Snack at the Food Truck
There is a food truck located at Cherry Beach for those who want to grab a quick snack or drink. All forms of payment are accepted, and it’s a good option for those looking to grab a snack at the beach.
Kick a Ball at Cherry Beach Sports Field and Children’s Playground
About 500 meters from the beach are the Cherry Beach Sports Fields and Children’s Playground. There is also a paid Green P parking lot (243). The sports fields include regulation-size soccer and lacrosse fields.
The children’s playground is large, with slides and swings. A short walk or bike ride from the beach, the sports field and playground are a great place to run and play close to the beach.
Dance on the Beach
Every Sunday (or holiday Monday) evening in the summer, Promise Cherry Beach holds electronic dance parties from 4 p.m. to 11 p.m. on the beach. These all-ages beach parties do require a ticket. There is also a fully licensed Beach Bar for those 19 and older.
Final Thoughts: Cherry Beach
Cherry Beach is a small, picturesque beach on Lake Ontario, located just south of the Port Lands in Toronto. It’s close to downtown Toronto and features a sandy beach, unlike Sugar Beach or HTO Beach.
Cherry Beach is a particularly excellent location for water sports as there is free parking, a parking lot close to the beach, a sandy entry to the water, washrooms, and a changing station.
Cherry Beach Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Cherry Beach is located at 1 Cherry St. just south of Unwin Ave. There is a free public parking lot at Cherry Beach.
Yes. There are washrooms at Cherry Beach that are in operation on a seasonal basis. Cherry Beach washrooms are open May-October, 9 a.m.–10 p.m.
The Keating Channel Pub & Grill and Cherry Street Bar-B-Que are two restaurants located near Cherry Beach.
Yes! There are two free parking lots with many parking spots available for visitors to Cherry Beach.
Yes! Cherry Beach is a lovely beach in Toronto. It is ideal for water sports, dog walking, and a quiet time at the beach. The amenities are limited at this beach.
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