Visit Leslie Lookout Park: Toronto’s Newest Park and Beach
Toronto just opened a park with skyline views, beach vibes, and barely anyone knows about it – yet.
Most people don’t expect to find a quiet beach park tucked between industrial lots and shipping containers – but Toronto just pulled it off.
Leslie Lookout Park, the city’s newest urban beach, quietly opened in the Port Lands in September 2024. It’s small, scenic, and honestly feels like one of the most underrated green spaces in the east end.
I visited recently and was surprised by how peaceful it was – even on a sunny afternoon. If you’re wondering whether this hidden gem is worth your time (and what to expect before you go), here’s everything you need to know to plan your visit.
Address: 12 Leslie St, Toronto, ON
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What Makes Toronto’s New Leslie Lookout Park Special?
Tucked between Toronto’s shipping channels and industrial silos, Leslie Lookout Park makes the most of its 1.9-acre footprint. What it lacks in size, it makes up for in charm – and some seriously cool views.
The artificial beach has an industrial, yet scenic vibe, with views of cargo ships moving past. Look north and you’ll spot the Toronto skyline rising in the distance – a photo-worthy contrast of concrete and nature.
Climb the 13.5-metre (44-foot) lookout tower for even more jaw-dropping views. With benches, picnic tables, and wide-open space, it’s the kind of spot you’ll want to linger.
Designed by the same team behind Sugar Beach and Berczy Park, this park blends playfulness with industrial grit – and it’s perfect if you’re craving something off the typical Toronto tourist trail.
☞ Looking for even more cool views? Read my post about the best places to see the Toronto skyline across the city.
Where Is Leslie Lookout Park Located?
Leslie Lookout Park is in Toronto’s east end, just north of Tommy Thompson Park. It’s located along the Martin Goodman Trail, making it ideal for cycling or walking.
I often pair a visit to this urban beach with a bike ride along the Beaches Boardwalk, through Woodbine Beach, and on to Cherry Beach. It’s an ideal resting spot along this scenic bike route.
As part of the Port Lands revitalization, it’s a fresh addition to Toronto’s evolving industrial waterfront.
☞ Looking for even more beach options in the city? Read my guide to the best beaches in Toronto for a helpful overview.
What to Expect at the Park
So Toronto’s newest park worth visiting? I think so! It combines unique design elements, an urban beach, a tall lookout tower, picnic spots, and stunning skyline views. This is not your typical park!
Check Out Leslie Lookout Beach
The park’s beach features 1,200 cubic metres of white silica sand, imported from Ohio. It’s a really soft, white sand, perfect to sit on or play games.
Several newly planted trees provide some shade, and 25 Muskoka-style chairs are scattered across the beach.
While swimming isn’t allowed here, the beach continues the tradition of Toronto’s urban beaches, similar to HTO Park and Sugar Beach. You will definitely want to add Leslie Lookout Beach to your list of great Toronto beaches to visit!
Climb Lookout Tower
The tall Lookout Tower is one of the standout features of Leslie Lookout Park. Fully accessible, this concrete tower offers impressive views of the CN Tower and Toronto skyline.
It’s also one of the newest spots to watch the sunset or capture evening photos of the city.
The tower’s design was inspired by the industrial structures surrounding the area. Its openings to the sky and the four cardinal directions honour Indigenous culture.
At the base, you’ll find a free bike repair station, as well as a water fountain and bottle refill station, adding convenience for cyclists and visitors.
There’s a Miyawaki-Inspired Forest
The park is also home to Canada’s largest Miyawaki-inspired forest, the first of its kind in a Toronto park. This Japanese botanical technique creates a dense green space using native plants.
The forest features roughly 5,000 plants from 45 different species, adding a rich layer of biodiversity to the park’s landscape.
☞ Looking for even more unique things to do? Check out my local guide to more than 40 hidden gems in Toronto worth exploring.
Preparing for Your Visit to Lookout Park
If you are coming the the park, here are some things to keep in mind:
- Shade: There’s limited shade right now, but this will improve as the trees and vegetation mature.
- Facilities: A porta-potty is available, but there’s no permanent washroom on site.
- For Kids: There are no play structures here. For families, you may want to include a visit the nearby Cherry Beach Children Ports Parks at the Cherry Beach sports fields with it’s large pirate climbing structure and swings.
Is There Parking at Leslie Lookout Park?
There are a couple of parking options:
- Weekends: Free street parking is available on Leslie Street beside the park.
- Weekdays: Park at the free parking lot at Tommy Thompson Park or at the nearby shopping centre at Lakeshore and Leslie.
What Else Is Close to the Park?
If you’re headed to Leslie Lookout Park, there are plenty of other great spots worth visiting close to the nearby:
- Tommy Thompson Park is just steps away. Tommy Thompson extends 5 km into Lake Ontario and is a natural habitat perfect for biking, hiking, and birdwatching (no dogs allowed).
- Cherry Beach is just 3 km from the park. It’s easy to cycle or drive there passing the new Cherry Street Bridges and Polson Pier – one of the best spots in Toronto to see the skyline.
- Woodbine Beach is an awesome Toronto destination – especially if you are looking for some fun summer activities. It is just a short drive or bike ride away.
- Close to the both the Beaches neighbourhood and Leslieville. Both areas are full of boutique stores, cafes, and restaurants.
Is Leslie Lookout Park Worth the Trip? Here’s My Take.
Leslie Lookout Park might not have a splash pad or sandy swimming beach – but what it does offer is something uniquely Toronto: cool skyline views, an industrial backdrop, and a peaceful place to pause in the east end.
It’s already become a low-key favourite among cyclists, photographers, and locals looking for a quiet alternative to busier waterfront spots like Harbourfront. With plenty of bike parking and a front-row seat to the sunset, it’s a perfect detour if you’re already exploring the area.
Personally, I loved my visit. If you’re looking to see a different side of the city – or just need a chill spot to watch the world go by – this underrated park is well worth a stop.
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