Frequently Asked Questions
Are Toronto's beaches safe to swim in?
Toronto beaches are tested daily throughout summer by Toronto Public Health. Water quality is posted at each beach and on the city website. Most beaches pass most of the time, but heavy rainfall can temporarily close beaches due to stormwater overflow. Check toronto.ca/beach-water-quality before swimming. The Island beaches and Bluffer's Park are generally the cleanest.
What is the best beach in Toronto?
For swimming quality and atmosphere, Centre Island Beach and Hanlan's Point on Toronto Island are the best. For city-side convenience, Woodbine Beach (The Beaches) is the most popular mainland beach with excellent facilities. Bluffer's Park is the most scenically dramatic. Cherry Beach has the best off-leash dog area.
Is Toronto Island worth visiting?
Absolutely — Toronto Island is one of the city's great experiences. The ferry takes 13 minutes from downtown and lands you in a car-free, tree-lined paradise with beaches, trails, an amusement park, picnic areas, and unbeatable views back toward the city skyline. Centre Island and Ward's Island are the most popular. Go on a weekday to avoid ferry queues.
Can you swim at Cherry Beach in Toronto?
Cherry Beach has an off-leash dog area and is popular for walking and picnicking, but it's not the best swimming beach — the water quality can vary and there are no lifeguards. For swimming, Woodbine Beach (The Beaches) has lifeguards and is tested regularly. The Island beaches are better for a proper swim.
When are Toronto beaches open?
Toronto's supervised beaches (with lifeguards) are open from the Victoria Day long weekend in May through Labour Day in September. Lifeguard hours are typically 10:30am–7:30pm. Beaches are physically accessible year-round for walking, but swimming supervision only runs during the summer season.