How to get to the Scarborough Bluffs, the best lookout points, Bluffer's Park Beach, hiking trails, and the views most Toronto visitors completely miss.
The Scarborough Bluffs are one of the most dramatic landscapes in Ontario and most tourists never make it there. That's partly because they're in Scarborough — about 40 minutes by transit from downtown — and partly because most visitors fill up their schedule with the downtown highlights. That's a mistake. The Bluffs are free, genuinely spectacular, and offer a view of Toronto you can't get anywhere else.
The Bluffs are a 15km stretch of steep clay and sand cliffs along the north shore of Lake Ontario, ranging from 25 to 90 metres high. They were formed by glacial lake erosion over 12,000 years and continue to erode (which is why some viewing areas are gated). The white and amber-streaked cliff faces are genuinely beautiful — frequently compared to the White Cliffs of Dover.
The Bluffs are easiest to reach by car (parking at Bluffer's Park is $5–10). By transit, take the 501 Queen streetcar to Kingston Road, then the 12 Kingston Road bus east — allow 45–60 minutes from downtown. Cycling is possible via the waterfront trail, though the final approach involves some steep roads. There is no subway access.
Safety warning Do not approach the cliff edge. The clay is unstable and there have been fatalities from cliff collapses. Stay behind all barriers and on marked paths. The base of the cliffs at Bluffer's Park beach is safe — it's the top edge that requires caution.
Best Parks in Toronto → — See more of Toronto's natural side
Day Trips Guide → — Plan a full Toronto day trip
WTF Toronto creates guides using independent editorial research, official sources, local knowledge and firsthand experience where available. Commercial relationships are disclosed where applicable.