Sandy beaches, towering cliffs, and lush hiking trails are a few things you can expect when exploring the Scarborough Bluffs.
Yes, the Scarborough Bluffs is open. Sound like a far-flung destination? It can often feel like one! With 11 parks dotting approximately 15 km of shoreline, it’s where many Torontonians head for a dose of nature and a welcome change of scenery. Here’s what a perfect day at the Bluffs looks like to me.
Note: Pay special attention to signage and follow directions on areas you can access for your safety.
Catch the sunrise at Bluffer's Park
Serene mornings at Bluffer’s Park
I like to kick the day off with a quiet stroll along a small stretch of beach on the west side of Bluffer’s Park. There’s no signage so it’s a bit hidden but if you go to the northwest corner of the first parking lot on your right, you’ll see a dirt path. Follow it and you’ll arrive at one of my favourite spots in the city.
It’s incredibly serene before 10 a.m. and is a great place to admire the magnificent bluffs which formed as a result of sedimentary deposits over 12,000 years ago! 1 Brimley Rd. S.
How to get here: Take the TTC 175 Bluffer’s Park bus
Scenic hike at Cudia Park
Next up: a mid-morning hike. If you’d prefer to stay at Bluffer’s Park, there are several easy trails to explore (Bluffer’s Park Trail, Crescent Trail, and Cathedral Trail) with no shortage of photo-ops.
Tip: Bluffer’s Park Lookout offers some of the best views. Want a change of scenery? Pop over to Cudia Park. There you’ll find shaded trails, a bit of wildlife, and views of Lake Ontario and Cathedral Bluffs Park. It may look unassuming at first, but keep walking and you’ll soon be surrounded by nature and feel like you’re miles away from a bustling city. 70 Meadowcliffe Dr.
How to get here: 102 TTC bus to Pine Ridge Drive then walk south to Cudia Park on Meadowcliffe Drive
Picnic lunch at Rosetta McClain Gardens
I’m a huge fan of picnicking so I often pack a lunch (or pick up a picnic basket from one of my favourite spots) for an alfresco meal when exploring the bluffs. You’ll be hungry after all the hiking/walking so I recommend you do the same!
Rosetta McClain Gardens is my preferred spot for a relaxing picnic. Think fragrant rose gardens, a rock fountain, plenty of green grass and panoramic views of Lake Ontario. The park is fully accessible, features braille signage and has on-site washrooms and parking. 5 Glen Everest Rd.
How to get here: Kingston Road East bus 12 on the TTC
Afternoon dip at Bluffer’s Beach
This Blue Flag beach is an ideal spot for an afternoon swim. Located beneath the foothills of the Cathedral Bluffs, Bluffer’s Beach is much-loved by sun worshipers, families and volleyball players (there’s a public net on-site). The large, sandy beach can get very busy so avoid weekend visits if possible. There are washrooms, outdoor showers, change rooms, drinking fountains, and picnic areas on-site so your beach time will be both memorable and comfortable. 1 Brimley Rd. S.
How to get here: take the TTC 175 Bluffer’s Park bus
View the Bluffs from the water on a SUP
Stand-up paddleboarding at Bluffer’s Park
I have yet to try stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) in Toronto so when I found out Oceah Oceah will soon offer lessons, tours, rentals and SUP yoga at Bluffer’s Park I immediately added it to my bucket list. The company was founded by First Nations sisters Jenifer and Sharon Rudski and is a leader when it comes to SUP. Bluffer’s Park will be their second location. They only plan to run Fridays to Mondays during the summer months so make sure to book a spot well in advance as SUP will be a popular physically distanced activity. I can’t wait to go on a SUP tour to get a different perspective of the bluffs from Lake Ontario! 7 Brimley Rd. S.
How to get here: Take the TTC 175 Bluffer’s Park bus
Dinner at Bluffers Restaurant and Grill
For dinner with a view in the Scarborough Bluffs, there’s no better spot than Bluffers Restaurant and Grill. Located in the middle of Bluffers Park Marina, it’s a treat to dine surrounded by boats and the sparkling lake. Added bonus: these guys proudly support Canadian producers and use local, sustainable ingredients so the food is always fresh! 7 Brimley Rd. S.
How to get here: Take the TTC 175 Bluffer’s Park bus and follow the signs to the restaurant
Sunset at Scarboro Crescent Park
While you can stay at Bluffers Restaurant to enjoy the sunset with a glass of wine in hand, I prefer watching the sun dip from Scarboro Crescent Park. Perched high above Lake Ontario, you’re guaranteed spectacular sunset views if mother nature cooperates. You can either relax on the benches or go for a scenic walk overlooking the bluffs. Pay careful attention to fences and signs as the bluffs are unstable! 61 Undercliff Dr.
How to get here: Take the TTC eastbound Kingston Road 12 bus. Get off at the Kingston Road at Brimley Road bus stop and walk south on Brimley Road
