Visit Leslie Lookout Park: Toronto’s Newest Park and Beach
Welcome to Leslie Lookout Park, Toronto’s newest park located in the Port Lands. This small but unique urban beach and park officially opened in September 2024.
I recently visited and found it to be an exciting addition to Toronto’s east end. If you’re wondering whether it’s worth visiting, I’ve got all the details you’ll need to plan your visit.
Address: 12 Leslie St, Toronto, ON
What Makes Toronto’s New Leslie Lookout Park Special?
Leslie Lookout Park spans 1.9 acres in an active industrial area, creating a unique blend of the urban environment and the park’s design.
The park features an artificial beach and interesting views of Toronto’s Shipping Channel. From here, you can also take in dramatic views of the Toronto skyline.
The 13.5-metre (44-foot) lookout tower provides even more impressive views. Benches and picnic tables are scattered throughout the park, making it a great spot for a break.
Designed by the team behind Sugar Beach and Berczy Park, it’s an exciting new space that’s worth checking out if you’re looking for something different in Toronto.
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.
The park is about 2.5 km from Woodbine Beach, easily accessible via the bike trail. As part of the Port Lands revitalization, it’s a fresh addition to Toronto’s evolving industrial waterfront.
Is There Parking at Leslie Lookout Park?
- 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.
Features of Leslie Lookout Park
Toronto’s. newest park combines unique design elements, offering visitors an urban beach, a tall lookout tower, picnic spots, and stunning skyline views.
Leslie Lookout Beach
Leslie Lookout Beach features 1,200 cubic metres of white silica sand, imported from Ohio. 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 want to add Leslie Lookout Beach to your list of great Toronto beaches to visit!
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 in Toronto or capture nighttime 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 honor 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.
Miyawaki-Inspired Forest
Leslie Lookout Park is 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.
Preparing for Your Visit to Lookout Park
- 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 can visit the nearby Cherry Beach Children Ports Parks at the Cherry Beach sports fields that has a fun pirate climbing structure and swings.
What Else Is Close to the Park?
If you’re headed to Leslie Lookout Park, there are plenty of other great spots 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.
- Woodbine Beach is also close at just 2.5 km away. Just a short drive to bike ride away.
- Close to the both the Beaches neighbourhood and Leslieville. Both areas are full of boutique stores, cafes, and restaurants.
Final Thoughts: Is Leslie Lookout Park Worth Visiting?
Leslie Lookout Park is a unique addition to Toronto, and I think it will be popular with cyclists, photographers, and those seeking a relaxing space in the city’s east end.
With plenty of bike parking, it’s a great pit stop for cyclists as they visit Woodbine Beach, Tommy Thompson Park, or Cherry Beach.
It’s an interesting spot to watch the sunset over Toronto. While it’s not a playground or swimming destination, I think it’s a park worth visiting if you’re nearby and want to enjoy a different side of the city.
Personally, I really enjoyed my visit here and encourage you to come and check it out for yourself.