Ian CheesemanI still remember the first time I stepped onto a paddleboard last year. With my nonexistent balance (and confidence), my knees wobbled quite a bit, and I fell not-so-gracefully into the water right away.
But something about the challenge hooked me. Soon, I got the hang of it, and now, I can’t get enough—there’s nothing like gliding across calm waters, soaking in the views.
Since that first tumble, I’ve paddled my way through some of the most breathtaking paddleboarding spots in Toronto, each offering a unique charm. Here are the absolute best places to paddleboard in the city, so you can enjoy them too!
Kew Balmy Beach
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Website: https://www.openwaterdata.com/site/kew-balmy-beach
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kew-balmy-beach/
Address: East of Toronto
Hours: Mon – Fri: 9 AM – 8 PM
Sat – Sun: 7 AM – 8 PM
Kew Balmy Beach is located only 20 minutes from downtown, nestled along the city’s eastern waterfront. With beautiful shoreline views (and some local wildlife, too), this Blue Flag-designated spot is perfect for paddleboarding newbies.
It offers a balance of calm waters with a tiny bit of action to keep it interesting. Just be mindful of swimmers in the designated areas.
If you have your own board and are bringing a vehicle, park along Hubbard Blvd.—there’s a launch spot nearby. But, if you’re on your bike, use the Martin Goodman Trail, which runs right along the waterfront. You can also rent a paddleboard there.
I recommend aiming for an early morning or evening paddle. These times offer the best light (hello, golden hour!) and also help you avoid bigger crowds during peak hours.
Pro Tip:
Kew Balmy Beach is also an awesome spot for dogs to splash around. Bring a waterproof leash, and let your pup cool off with a swim after your paddling session.
Scarborough Bluffs
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Website: https://www.toronto.ca/scarborough-bluffs/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/scarboroughbluffsofficial/
Address: East of Toronto
Hours: Open 24 hours
Scarborough Bluffs is hands down one of the most breathtaking paddleboarding spots in the city. Just 30 minutes from downtown, this dramatic cliffside spot offers towering rock formations and calm waters.
Accessing the Bluffs is pretty straightforward, with public beach entry points and a designated boat launch at the end of Brimley Road and Bluffers Park Road. Just keep in mind that parking fills up fast in the summer, so arriving early is a must.
From the parking area, it’s about a 1-kilometer walk to the water, so I recommend using an inflatable paddleboard. Trust me, carrying a solid board that far is NOT fun.
On a good day, paddling here is almost surreal—the water is typically calm along the shoreline. On a safety note, do not get close to the cliffs as they’re prone to erosion and rockfalls—chunks might literally start breaking off!
Pro Tip:
At Scarborough Bluffs, there are no food or drink options nearby. Make sure to pack plenty of water and snacks—you’ll thank me for this after an intense paddling session.
Humber Bay Arch Bridge
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Website: https://www.toronto.ca/Humber-Bay-Park-West
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/humber-bay-arch-bridge/
Address: Martin Goodman Trl
Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact: (416) 392-2489
The Humber Bay Arch Bridge is one of the more peaceful paddleboarding spots in the city since it’s slightly removed from the downtown chaos. The bridge is an architectural beauty, and paddling underneath its arch feels like something out of a movie!
For beginners, we recommend launching from Sunnyside Beach, which is only an easy 500 meters to the bridge. This area, however, is popular during summertime, so expect a crowd on warm weekends.
If you’re up for a challenge, launch from the parking lot just north of King’s Mill Park. This route stretches around 3 km from the bridge, doubling to 6 km for the round trip.
Note that amenities around the launch areas are limited, so we suggest packing a picnic. There are many spots around the riverbank where you can relax after a paddle.
Pro Tip:
If you’re paddling just west of the bridge near Humber Bay Shores, you’ll see a unique public art installation created by local artists, Thelia Sanders-Shelton and Julie Ryan.
Marilyn Bell Park
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Website: https://www.toronto.ca/parks-and-recreation-facilities/location/?id=471
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marilyn-bell-park/
Address: 1095 Lake Shore Blvd W
Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact: (416) 392-2489
Just 15 minutes from downtown lies Marilyn Bell Park, which is perfect if you’re looking for a mix of open water adventure and safe flat water conditions. This area also hosts dragon boat races during the summer.
The best way to get there is by launching from Budapest Park, near Sunnyside Beach, and paddling east about 1.5 km from the park. You can even extend your session past the park for about 3 km to get to Ontario Place.
Another option is to take a detour toward Humber Bay Shores Estate—a gorgeous Insta-worthy Gothic Revival-style mansion that you can capture as a cool backdrop.
Water conditions here vary, depending on water and wave direction. While the break wall provides some protection, choppy waves could develop on windy days, making this spot better suited for intermediate paddlers.
Pro Tip:
After your paddle, Marilyn Bell Park is a great place to unwind. We recommend grabbing a bite at a nearby restaurant while enjoying the waterfront views.
Ontario Place
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Website: https://ontarioplace.com/en/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ontarioplace/
Address: 955 Lake Shore Blvd W
Hours: Mon – Sun: 6 AM – 11 PM
Contact: (416) 314-9900
Ontario Place is a beginner-friendly paddling spot that’s only half an hour from downtown by car or transit.
If you love city skyline views while paddling, this location is for you. From the water, you’ll get panoramic views of the Toronto skyline, offshore islands, and even the Canadian National Exhibition grounds.
Plus, the protected harbor keeps the water relatively flat, making it perfect for first-timers or beginners. There are also several public docks along the West Island, including a convenient launch point near the Cinesphere.
Just be mindful of boat traffic in the area, especially during busy summer weekends.
Pro Tip:
Ontario Place has plenty to offer after your paddling session. You can take a break in the green spaces, grab a bite from seasonal food vendors, or even rent a bike to explore the island’s walking paths.
Cherry Beach
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Website: https://www.toronto.ca/Cherry-Beach-Clarke-Beach-Park
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cherry-beach-toronto/
Address: Southeast of Toronto
Hours: Open 24 hours
Drive 15 minutes from downtown, and you’ll find yourself on Cherry Beach. It’s one of my favorite paddling places in the afternoon—its golden sunset view never gets old.
You can also access this area using your bike via the Martin Goodman Trail, which runs right past the beach. Fun fact: this is actually one of the best beaches in Toronto that you can bike to!
This Blue Flag beach’s shoreline makes for an easy launch, but I recommend wearing water sandals since the area can be a bit rocky in spots. The shallow waters near the beach are great for beginners, but keep an eye on the wind as it can pick up quickly.
There are plenty of lifeguards during summer, and as a bonus, it hosts several summer festivals, too. It’s pretty awesome to watch live performances and vibe with the crowd after a paddling sesh.
Pro Tip:
Did you know that Cherry Beach is one of the most dog-friendly spots in the city? You can bring them along for a paddle or let them splash around in the designated off-leash area before or after your paddling session.
The Toronto Islands
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Website: https://www.toronto.ca/toronto-island-park/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/toronto.islands/
Address: Lake Ontario
Hours: Open 24 hours
The Toronto Islands are just a quick 15-minute ferry ride from downtown. This little island escape has gorgeous waterways, quiet lagoons, and who knows? Maybe you’ll even spot a rogue peacock from Centreville Farm!
Hanlan’s Point and Centre Island are great launch spots, with public washrooms and concessions nearby. We just love grabbing a bite at one of the seasonal food vendors!
You can choose from a variety of paddling spots that the area offers. Beginners can visit the calm, sheltered lagoons for a stress-free ride, while expert paddlers can head out into the open waters of Lake Ontario.
If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of a tall ship like the Kajama sailing by!
Pro Tip:
For a unique experience, we suggest checking out the Toronto Island SUP’s guided night paddles. There’s nothing quite like paddling through the quiet island waters under a starry sky (with glowing LED lights on your board).
Rouge Beach
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Website: https://parks.canada.ca/pn-np/on/rouge/visit/directions/beach
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rouge-beach-park/
Address: Lake Ontario
Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact: [email protected]
Perched at the edge of Rouge National Urban Park, Rouge Beach offers two totally different paddling experiences.
First, you can go up the calm Rouge River, a prime spot for wildlife sightings (e.g. herons, turtles, beavers, etc.). I love going here during fall—that’s when the riverbanks are lined with trees that turn into a lovely mix of reds, oranges, and yellows.
Another option is paddling on Lake Ontario, and there’s a designated launch area on the beach near the Rouge Beach Park Visitor Centre. This spot is great for beginners on calmer days but is geared for experts on windy ones.
After your paddle, you can explore the hiking trails of Rouge National Urban Park, or if you’re all tapped out, simply relax on the sand and enjoy the view.
Pro Tip:
If you’re new to paddling on Lake Ontario, we suggest heading up the Rouge River first. This will help you get comfortable on your board before deciding whether you want to take on the open lake.
Tommy Thompson Park
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Website: https://tommythompsonpark.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tommy_thompson_park/
Address: 1 Leslie St
Hours: Mon – Fri: 4 PM – 9 PM
Sat – Sun: 5:30 AM – 9 PM
Contact: (416) 661-6600
Tommy Thompson Park is a man-made peninsula, also known as the Leslie Street Spit, which extends into Lake Ontario. Sure, paddling here might be a tad difficult, but I think the gorgeous downtown skyline makes every stroke worth it.
While some parts are sheltered by a breakwater, much of the water is exposed, meaning waves and winds can make conditions tricky. Be sure to check the weather before heading out.
As you paddle, keep an eye out for awesome bird species like cormorants, herons, and even the occasional bald eagle. If you’re an avid birdwatcher, make sure to pack your binoculars!
Watch out for rocks near the shoreline—they can be a hazard if you’re not careful.
Pro Tip:
While there are some public washrooms and parking available, amenities at Tommy Thompson Park are a bit limited. We recommend packing everything you need, such as water, snacks, and safety gear.
Etienne Brulé Park
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Website: https://www.toronto.ca/Etienne-Brule-Park
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/etienne-brule-park/
Address: 10 Catherine St, York
Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact: (416) 338-4386
Etienne Brulé Park sits along the Humber River, which offers calm, protected waters. I recommend this spot for beginners who are looking to build confidence on their boards.
The launch point is located at the public beach area on the park’s south side. There are washrooms and concession stands available, as well as public parking for a small fee.
If you’re bringing gear, an inflatable paddleboard is a great choice since it’s easier to carry through the short-marked paths to the water. But if you prefer a hard board, you can still manage the walk without too much hassle.
Wildlife lovers would love paddling through the Humber Bay marshes, where you can spot herons and turtles. You can even try fishing while on your paddleboard since the area is known for various fish species like bass, perch, and carp.
Pro Tip:
Etienne Brulé Park offers plenty of open space, so we suggest bringing your family or friends (furry or human) along and making a day of it.
