Toronto Beaches Boardwalk: A Hidden Gem in the City
Did you know that Toronto has one of the best boardwalk trails in Canada? Located in the east end of Toronto in the Beaches neighbourhood and alongside Woodbine Beach, the Beaches boardwalk is a hidden gem in the city of Toronto.
As a local, I walk the boardwalk frequently (almost daily) and in every season! It’s one of my absolute favourite places to visit in the city of Toronto.
A Local Guide to the Toronto Beaches Boardwalk
The Beaches boardwalk stretches 3 km along Lake Ontario from Ashbridges’ Bay to the R.C. Harris Water Filtration Plant. This wooden boardwalk is open year-round, and leashed dogs are always welcome!
It is ideal for friends, families, couples, and individuals looking for a stroll along the waterfront in this beautiful area of the city. Come and enjoy a walk, a day on the beach, or a visit to Queen Street and a meal on one of the Beaches awesome patio restaurants.
Overall, the walk along the boardwalk is flat and not too strenuous. You can choose to walk the entire length of the boardwalk or just stroll along a small section. Walking the entire length of the boardwalk in one direction takes approximately an hour.
All along the boardwalk, there are lots of benches to sit on and admire the stunning views. The Martin Goodman Trail runs parallel to the boardwalk for those who want to run, cycle, or rollerblade. Picnic areas and playgrounds are available all along the boardwalk.
As you walk along the boardwalk, you will walk past several of Toronto’s best beaches, including Woodbine Beach, Kew-Balmy Beach, and Silver Birch Beach.
Hanging out at the beach is also the perfect family-friendly summery activity that doesn’t cost a penny (except maybe an ice cream cone!).
☞ Looking for other summer activities in the city? Read my article of the best things to do in Summer in Toronto.
Where is the Beaches Boardwalk located in Toronto?
The Toronto Beaches Boardwalk runs all the way from Ashbridges Bay Park at the foot of Coxwell Avenue to Silver Birch Beach at the foot of Silver Birch Avenue in the east.
You can access the boardwalk from any of the residential streets in the Beaches, but popular spots include the foot of Woodbine Avenue at Lakeshore, the foot of Lee Avenue near Kew Gardens Park, and the foot of Victoria Park Avenue.
What to Do: Boardwalk Activities for Everyone
As you walk along the boardwalk, there are plenty of things to see and do.
Ashbridges Bay Park
Ashbridges Bay Park is located along the western tip of the boardwalk and at the bottom of Coxwell Ave. at Lakeshore. There is a convenient public parking lot available at this location. This is a popular spot for picnics, fishing and bird-watching.
Spring in Toronto is also an excellent time to visit the boardwalk. The flowers are in bloom, and if you want to see the Cherry Blossoms in Toronto head over to Woodbine Park.
There is also a 9-hole disc golf course in this area, and just off Lakeshore Blvd., Ashbridges Bay Skate Park is one of the best skateboard and scooter parks in the city.
☞ Read More: A Local’s Guide to the Ashbridges’ Bay Skatepark
Woodbine Beach
Woodbine Beach is one of Toronto’s most popular beaches to visit year round. Not only is the beach large, it has beach volleyball courts, cycling trails, and is a popular destination for swimming, and kiteboarding. There are also several children’s playgrounds, and the Donald D. Summerville outdoor swimming pool is located here.
Here you will also find the excellent Beach Club Restaurant, a cafe, and Booster Juice. The Beach Club is popular for dinner and brunch and has an outdoor patio with views of the lake.
Also located not far from Woodbine Beach is the HISTORY music venue. Lots of fantastic concerts are held in this intimate concert venue.
☞ Want to know even more about my favourite Toronto beach? Read my List of the Best Things to Do at Woodbine Beach for all the details.
Kew Gardens
As you walk along the boardwalk, you will approach Kew-Balmy Beach and Kew Gardens Park. Here you will find a large off-leash dog park, the historic Gardener’s Cottage, and a fantastic children’s playground and wading pool.
Picnic tables are also available here, making it an excellent location in Toronto for a picnic in the park. It’s also on my top list favourite Toronto gardens!
Stop here to admire the historic Leuty Lifeguard Station, one of the most photographed locations in Toronto. It is also my favourite place to view a Toronto sunset or sunrise any time of the year.
☞ Read More: A Guide to Kew Gardens Park in Toronto
Silver Birch Beach
As you continue further west, you will approach Silver Birch Beach. You will also notice the historic, members-only Balmy Beach Canoe Club. There is a lovely patio overlooking the beach, but you will need to visit with a club member.
The purple park is a favourite children’s playground, with a massive sandbox in this area. Here, you will also find another off-leash dog park on the beach. You may want to note that this dog park is not fenced.
R.C. Harris Water Filtration Plant
At the bottom of Silver Birch Avenue, the wooden boardwalk comes to an end. You can continue west along the beach for about 5 minutes, and you will come to the historic R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant at the foot of Victoria Park Avenue.
The Water Works (as we locals call it) is a popular Toronto Instagram spot as it offers spectacular views of Lake Ontario. It is a favourite photographer’s spot and has been featured in many movies and TV shows.
For those looking to explore the inside of this famous structure, you will want to plan your visit in the spring when Toronto hosts its Doors Open Toronto event.
Discover the Charm of this Toronto Boardwalk in Every Season
A walk along the boardwalk is not just a summer activity! There are lots of things to do year-round, during any season.
Summer Splendour Along the Boardwalk
Summer is the most popular time to visit the boardwalk in the Beaches. Obviously, you have access to some of the best beaches in Toronto to swim and relax on the sandy beaches.
Summer also brings several popular events in the area, starting with one of the best free festivals in Toronto, the Beaches Jazz Festival.
Summer also brings the Ashbridges Bay fireworks on Victoria Day in March and Canada Day in July. Woodbine Park also hosts many special events, such as Rib Fest, the Food Truck Festival, Afro Fest, and more!
Other popular activities on hot summer days include beach volleyball, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming in Lake Ontario, and cycling or running along the bike paths.
There are several children’s playgrounds located along the boardwalk. There is a splash pad in Woodbine Park and a wading pool in Kew Gardens Park.
Spring Scenes Along the Boardwalk
Spring in Toronto brings the opening of many fantastic outdoor patios in the Beaches, the popular Toronto Easter parade, and the blooming of many beautiful flowers.
The residential streets in the Beaches neighbourhood come alive with tulips, daffodils, cherry blossoms, and magnolia trees. The gardens in Kew Gardens are absolutely stunning in the spring.
If you are looking for cherry blossoms, head over to Woodbine Park (right across the street from Woodbine Beach) for some young, but very pretty, trees near the pond.
Winter Views at the Boardwalk
In the winter, visitors to the boardwalk can stop to admire the Winter Art Stations, enjoy ice skating at Kew Gardens ice rink, and see holiday lights throughout the neighbourhood.
During the winter months, dogs are also allowed to wander off-leash anywhere along the beach, south of the boardwalk.
Winter also brings some of the prettiest winter views of the beach. From frozen ice to stunning Toronto sunsets, visitors will want to bring their camera to snap some of the prettiest winter pictures in the city.
Autumn Beauty: A Colourful Escape
I also absolutely love walking along the boardwalk in the autumn. It is one of my favourite things to do in Toronto. The fall colours are spectacular, and I consider it one of the very best places in Toronto to see the fall foliage.
Kite flying is one of the most popular activities in the fall at Woodbine Beach. There have been several kite festivals over the years in the fall, making for a spectacular site on the beach.
Located not far from the boardwalk is the Glen Stewart Ravine. This small ravine also has a boardwalk and is another popular Toronto Instagram spot. It’s very pretty in the fall and is a spot worth visiting if you are already in the area.
As you can see, the boardwalk is an ideal destination in all seasons, and visitors will appreciate it’s beauty year-round.
☞ Read More: Glen Stewart Ravine in the Heart of the Beaches
Restaurants Near the Beaches Boardwalk on Queen Street East
Located just north of the boardwalk is Queen Street, where you can find cafes, restaurants, outdoor patios, and local shopping options.
Stop on Queen Street to grab a coffee before you head down to the boardwalk for a stroll and return to have a drink or a meal at one of the many excellent restaurants or outdoor patios in the Beaches.
There are also some local stores worth visiting, including the Running Room, Pippins’ Tea, and the Nutty Chocolatier.
☞ Looking restaurant recommendations? Here is my list of the best patio restaurants in the Beaches neighbourhood worth visiting!
Parking in the Beaches Neighbourhood
There are many places to park in the Beaches neighbourhood, close to the boardwalk. There are lots of residential street parking options close to the boardwalk.
Important Parking Tip: If you are visiting during popular events such as the Jazz Festival or fireworks displays, parking becomes very challenging with limited spots. Taking the TTC is a much better option during these celebrations.
Taking Public Transportation to Visit the Boardwalk
There are several public transportation options for your visit to the Beaches boardwalk in Toronto.
- 501 Queen Street Streetcar to Neville Park
- 22 Coxwell Bus south from Coxwell subway station
- 92 Woodbine Bus south from Woodbine subway station
- 64 Main Bus south from Main Street subway station
- Danforth GO Train Station & 64 Main Bus south
Where to Find Toilets in the Area
Washrooms are located in several locations along the boardwalk, including the changing rooms at the Woodbine Bathing Station and year-round public washrooms at the bottom of Kew Gardens, right beside the ice rink.
You can also always find washrooms along Queen Street at various coffee shops, such as Starbucks. The Beaches Library in Kew Gardens also has washrooms available to the public.
Where to Stay Near the Beaches Neighbourhood
If you’re hoping to stay right in the Beaches, here’s the honest truth: accommodations are pretty limited. Most hotels and even high-quality Airbnbs are hard to come by in this laid-back lakeside area.
Your best nearby option? The stylish and historic Broadview Hotel, located in trendy Leslieville. It’s just a scenic 15-minute streetcar ride away from the heart of the Beaches, making it a fantastic base if you want charm, convenience, and great local eats all in one spot.
☞ Boutique vibes, rooftop views, and unbeatable location – book your stay at The Broadview Hotel and explore Toronto like a local.
While there are some Airbnb listings scattered throughout the Beaches, they tend to book fast or don’t always meet the standards I’d feel confident recommending to visitors.
The silver lining? Toronto’s transit system makes the Beaches easily accessible from downtown. So even if you’re staying at a central hotel, you can be strolling the boardwalk or lounging in the sand in about 30 minutes via TTC.
Looking for more advice on where to stay? Read my article reviewing the Best Hotels near the Beaches neighbourhood, Toronto.
Attractions Near Toronto’s Beach Boardwalk
After your visit to the boardwalk, there are several other destinations worth visiting close by. Cherry Beach is a popular Toronto beach, located just a short drive away. Cherry Beach is a great spot for kitesurfing and has another large off-leash dog park.
Also close to Cherry Beach is Polson Pier, one of the best spots in Toronto to see the sunset. Here you can also see the newly opened Cherry Street Bridges – part of the revitalization of the Toronto Portlands.
For nature lovers and those who love walking trails, a visit to Tommy Thompson Park (also known as the Leslie Street Spit) is highly recommended. It’s an impressive 500-hectare park that aims to preserve the natural habitats and wildlife in the area.
It’s a popular spot for runners, cyclists, and bird-watchers. Please note that even leashed dogs are not allowed in this park.
Another beach option is Scarborough Bluffers Park and Beach. Many consider this location to have the best beach in Toronto. That being said, the bluffs parking lot always fills to capacity early on weekends in the summer. An alternative to the Scarborough Bluffs beach is the fascinating Guild Inn and Park.
Is the Toronto Boardwalk Worth Visiting?
Yes! The boardwalk is one of the prettiest and most accessible waterfront trail walks in Ontario. It is easy to get to by public transportation, and there are lots of parking locations in the area.
While downtown Toronto receives all the love from visitors to the city, if you are looking for an excellent alternative to the traditional tourist attractions in the downtown core, consider taking a walk along this must-visit destination in the heart of the city.
Before You Go: More Toronto Posts
Now that you’ve read this post about the Toronto boardwalk, you may be interested in knowing what else you can do close to the boardwalk.
Read about more things to do in the Beaches neighbourhood, my list of the Best Things to Do at Woodbine Beach, and my guide to the Toronto Islands.
