Explore east-end Toronto’s waterfront community—it’s beautiful any time of year!
The Beaches’ idyllic setting sells itself: a quaint main drag of shops and restaurants with a small-town feel, steps from a wooden boardwalk and bike path that run parallel to Lake Ontario… and actual sandy beaches.
This stretch of lakefront also provides the perfect series of venues for outdoor events. Hop onto the TTC 501 streetcar or bus which provide scenic rides along Queen Street East, or borrow a bikeshare and take the mostly car-free Martin Goodman Trail along the waterfront.
Fall walks, birding & leaf viewing
Autumn is a relaxed time to visit the Beaches. Traffic is slower, temperatures are mild, and if you’re an intrepid swimmer, you can still go for a dip or wade at Balmy Beach or Woodbine Beach in September.
But the main attraction is walking the breezy lakeside boardwalk—and the great Canadian pastime of autumn leaf viewing.
A great vantage point to take in the fall colours is from within the Glen Stewart Ravine with its elevated boardwalk. It’s also a birding hotspot, and under the vibrant tree canopy, you may even forget you’re still in the city!
Grab a latte afterwards and stroll around with the fam.
Winter art & ice skating
Fight the urge to hygge on a frosty winter’s day, since there’s so much to do outdoors.
It’s always worth bundling up to admire the Winter Stations art installations along Woodbine Beach. These eye-catching temporary art projects contrast the stark seasonal surroundings and are the result of an annual international design competition.
And plan for some ice time at the outdoor rink at Kew Gardens—weather permitting. You can lace up and do your laps—or double axles—on this sizable outdoor rink.
Warm up afterwards at a local restaurant or go on a hot chocolate crawl across town.
Spring hanami and crafts
Skip the crowds at High Park and Trinity Bellwoods and head to Woodbine Park for cherry blossom viewing (“hanami,” or flower viewing, in Japanese). Bloom times vary, but they typically occur in late April or early May.
Local makers and artisans take centre stage at the annual Beaches Arts and Crafts Show, held at Kew Gardens. The sprawling marketplace of handmade goods includes vendors of clothing, jewelry, art, children’s toys, eco-friendly items, artisanal food products, and more.
Grab a bite at Yumei Sushi or Kyouka Ramen to fortify you for more sightseeing.
Summer arts & culture
Spread across multiple neighbourhood sites including parks and Queen Street East, the month-long Beaches International Jazz Festival in July has been a must-attend Toronto music festival since 1989.
Visitors come from all over to boogie to established and up-and-coming talent on multiple outdoor stages; past performers include Jane Bunnett, Matt Dusk and Molly Johnson.
Prepare to be entertained for four days by an eclectic collection of performers at Toronto International BuskerFest in August. From comedy to music, and acrobatic feats to sleight of hand, this annual event can be enjoyed at multiple stages within Woodbine Park—complete with your fave street foods.
Soak in the Beaches vibe with a patio meal at local mainstays the Stone Lion, Outrigger or Breakwall BBQ & Smokehouse.
Getting to the Beaches
Take the TTC’s Line 1 to Queen subway station, then transfer to the eastbound 501 Queen streetcar or bus to Coxwell Avenue or beyond, up to Victoria Park Avenue
