Ian CheesemanThe Best Toronto Beaches for Cyclists
Nothing beats cycling along a beautiful beach, with the ocean breeze grazing your skin and the sound of waves crashing in the distance. It’s a great way to keep yourself fit while enjoying the beauty of nature.
Looking for a beach you can bike to? Here are some of the best options you should consider:
Sunnyside Beach
Address: 755 Lakeshore Blvd. W Toronto, ON M6S 5A3
Sunnyside Beach is a popular urban beach located on the south shore of Lake Ontario at the west end of the city. The beach is part of Sunnyside Park, a 33-kilometre-long strip of parkland along the lakeshore.
This beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking. It’s also a popular destination for cyclists and pedestrians since it’s situated on the Martin Goodman Trail, a multi-use trail that runs along the Toronto waterfront.
To bike your way to the beach, cycle through the Martin Goodman Trail until you spot the pool and the arches of the circa-1922 Sunnyside Bathing Pavilion.
Pro tip:
There is a paddle board and kayak rental, so don't worry if you didn’t bring your own. Just make sure to book a reservation in advance.
Cherry Beach
Address: 275 Unwin Avenue, Toronto, ON M5H 2N2
Located at the foot of Cherry Street just south of Unwin Avenue, Cherry Beach is a lakeside beach park that was once connected with Toronto Islands as part of the former peninsula. There was a time when it was referred to as Fisherman’s Island.
The beach is known for its industrial past, as it was once home to a number of factories and warehouses. However, the area has been cleaned up in recent years and is now a popular spot for recreation.
To bike your way to the beach, cycle through the Martin Goodman Trail until you reach Cherry Street. From there, ride south until you spot the lake.
Pro tip:
There’s a nearby food truck that makes great skin-on french fries, and if you prefer your fries extra-crispy, just ask!
Sugar Beach
Address: 25 Dockside Dr, Toronto, ON M5A 0B5
Sugar Beach is an urban beach park located across from Redpath Sugar Refinery in Toronto’s East Bayfront. The beach functions as a waterfront public space for relaxation, leisure, and social activities.
The beach often hosts the Toronto Port Authority’s Sail-In Cinema event, where an inflatable movie screen is mounted on a custom-built barge that’s approximately 50 metres south of the beach.
To bike your way to the beach, cycle through the Martin Goodman Trail until you reach the intersection of Lower Jarvis Street and Queens Quay East. You’ll know you’re there once you spot pink beach umbrellas by the shore.
Pro tip:
You’re not allowed to swim on this beach, so you’ll have to settle for other activities such as sunbathing or playing volleyball.
HTO Beach
Address: 339 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5V 1A2
HTO Beach is an urban beach park located west of Harbourfront Centre on Lake Ontario. The park is built on quays once used by ships berthing in Toronto’s Inner Harbour, and it consists of two sections, HTO Park West and HTO Park East.
The beach is known for its unique design, which features a series of stepped terraces that lead down to the water’s edge. The terraces are made of concrete and are lined with Muskoka chairs and umbrellas.
To bike your way to the beach, cycle through the Martin Goodman Trail until you reach the intersection of Rees Street and Queens Quay West.
Pro tip:
There are no restaurants in the area, so bring your own food and drinks for the day.
Woodbine Beach
Address: 1675 Lake Shore Blvd E, Toronto, ON M4L 3W6
Contact details: +1 416-338-4386
Woodbine Beach is a popular beach located at the east end of the city, at the foot of Woodbine Avenue. It’s part of the 15.2-hectare Woodbine Beach Park, which includes a boardwalk, a playground, and a picnic area.
The beach is wide and sandy, and the water is clean and clear. It’s a great place to spend a sunny day with family or friends and is a popular spot for sunbathing, playing beach volleyball, cycling, picnicking, and swimming.
To bike your way to the beach, cycle through the Martin Goodman Trail until you reach the base of Woodbine Avenue.
Pro tip:
The lifeguards on duty are always diligent and strict to ensure everyone’s safety. It’s a great place for children who are still learning how to swim.
Kew-Balmy Beach
Address: Lee Ave Silver Birch Ave, Toronto, ON M4E
Part of the Scarborough Bluffs, a series of cliffs that rise up from Lake Ontario, Kew-Balmy Beach is known for its unique rock formations, clear blue water, and laid-back atmosphere.
The beach is a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, picnicking, and fishing. To bike your way to the beach, cycle through the Martin Goodman Trail until you reach Beaches N’ Cream or the historic Leuty Lifeguard Station.
Pro tip:
The boardwalk offers stunning views of the lake and is great for strolling or cycling.
Centre Island Beach
Address: 9 Queens Quay W, Toronto, ON M5J 2H3
Centre Island Beach is a wide sandy beach with clear blue water located on Centre Island. It’s the most popular of the Toronto Islands, which is a group of islands located in Lake Ontario just offshore from downtown Toronto.
You can also visit the Centreville Amusement Park, which is a great place for children looking to have some fun away from the busy streets of the city.
To bike your way to the beach, you need to bring your ride onto the ferry at the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal on Queens Quay West. Once you reach the Centre Island Ferry Dock, biking to the beach should only be a couple of minutes.
Pro tip:
Watching the sunset from the island is an amazing experience. Relax and enjoy some barbecue on the shore while you wait for sundown.
Hanlan’s Point Beach
Address: Lakeshore Ave, Toronto, ON M5J 2W2
Contact details: +1 416-392-8196
In 2002, a 1 kilometre-long part of Hanlan’s Point Beach was officially recognized by the city to be clothing optional. Canada’s first Gay Pride celebration was held on the beach in 1971, and it continues to be a popular meeting place for Toronto’s gay community.
The beach is known for its relaxed and inclusive atmosphere. It’s a great spot for nude sunbathing, swimming, and picnicking.
To bike your way to the beach, ride an island ferry at Jack Layton Ferry Terminal and disembark at Hanlan’s Point. From there, bike south until you reach the beach.
Pro tip:
Buy your ferry tickets online to avoid waiting in line at the terminal. The ride itself takes about 10 minutes.
