How to Spend a Day at the Scarborough Bluffs

Sandy beaches, towering cliffs, and lush hiking trails are a few things you can expect when exploring the Scarborough Bluffs. 

Head east for out-of-this-world vistas at the Scarborough Bluffs. 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.

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 formed by sedimentary deposits over 12,000 years ago!

How to get here: Take the 175 Bluffer’s Park bus from Kennedy subway station on the Number 2 Bloor-Danforth line. Check route info beforehand, as this is a seasonal route

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. 

How to get here: Take the 201 Bus from Kennedy subway station on the Number 2 Bloor-Danforth line.

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. 

How to get here: Take the 12C Kingston Road East bus from Victoria Park subway station on the Number 2 Bloor-Danforth line. 

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. 

How to get here: Take the 175 Bluffer’s Park bus from Kennedy subway station on the Number 2 Bloor-Danforth line. Check route info beforehand, as this is a seasonal route.

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 in SUP.

Bluffer’s Park will be their second location. They plan to run Fridays to Mondays during the summer months, so make sure to book a spot well in advance. I can’t wait to go on a SUP tour to get a different perspective of the bluffs from Lake Ontario!

How to get here: Take the 175 Bluffer’s Park bus from Kennedy subway station on the Number 2 Bloor-Danforth line. Check route info beforehand, as this is a seasonal route.

Dinner at Bluffers Restaurant & Event Centre

For dinner with a view in the Scarborough Bluffs, there’s no better spot than Bluffers Restaurant & Event Centre. Located in the middle of Bluffers Park Marina, dining surrounded by boats and the sparkling lake is a treat. Added bonus: these guys proudly support Canadian producers and use local, sustainable ingredients, so the food is always fresh!

How to get here: Take the 175 Bluffer’s Park bus from Kennedy subway station on the Number 2 Bloor-Danforth line. Check route info beforehand, as this is a seasonal route.

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! 

How to get here: Take the Kennedy 201 bus from Kennedy subway station on the Number 2 Bloor-Danforth line.