Your Scarborough Bluffs, Toronto Guide: The City’s Secret Lakeside Escape

Created by nature over 12,000 years ago, the Scarborough Bluffs are a dramatic backdrop to some of Toronto’s best beaches, hiking trails and picnic spots. Spend the day with our curated ideas for things to do at Scarborough Bluffs.

The Scarborough Bluffs—a.k.a. “the Bluffs”—are one of Toronto’s most dramatic natural landscapes. They stretch for about 15 km (9.3 m) along Toronto’s Lake Ontario shore, from the east end Beaches, eastwards.

The Bluffs encompass 11 City of Toronto parks, including bustling Bluffer’s Park, Toronto (home to Scarborough Bluffs beach) and Cathedral Bluffs, which boasts the best viewpoints at Scarborough Bluffs from its perch high atop the sandstone cliffs, over 90 m (295 ft) above the lake.

The laidback, slow-paced Bluffs area is most easily accessed by car (it’s 30 minutes from downtown), but it’s also reachable by TTC public transit.

Top things to do in Scarborough Bluffs, Toronto

Natural attractions are the top draw here. Locals arrive early to grab the best parking spots at Bluffer’s Park (the competition can be stiff on summer weekends) and to maximize their beach, hiking trail or lake time.

Bluffer’s Park is the place to go for peak #summervibes with beach volleyball, picnic spots, washroom and change room facilities, plus the jaw-droppingly beautiful Blue Flag-certified beach (so designated for its water quality, safety and environmental education). Its waters are perfect for kayaking near Scarborough Bluffs (Oceah Oceah rents solo and tandem kayaks—including requisite life jacket and safety kit—by the hour), not to mention stand-up paddling and swimming, too.

Note: Be aware that not all of Bluffer’s Beach is lifeguard supervised; stick near the lifeguard stations if you’re venturing out.

Photographers, hikers and birdwatchers flock to Cudia Park. It has some of the best photography spots at Scarborough Bluffs, with ample space to stroll among the trees and escape into city-adjacent wilderness. Dense vegetation, lake and forest views with lots of shade cover, multiple trails and abundant wildlife beckon! Keep your eyes peeled, and you may just glimpse a native white-tailed deer (the same adorable breed as Bambi).

Architecture lovers, sculpture fans and garden enthusiasts should visit Guild Park and Gardens, a sculptural sanctuary and a year-round top photography spot at Scarborough Bluffs.

Where to eat & drink in Scarborough Bluffs, Toronto

Bluffer’s Restaurant & Event Centre is a sure bet with its lakeside views and Greek-inspired menu. Downstairs, the Dogfish Pub & Eatery is another lakeside option, one where you can chow down on wings, burgers and other bar-food classics.

For more food options, you’ll have to head back to street level (unless you packed a picnic).

Len Duckworth Fish & Chips is a 20-minute drive away, but worth it for what many locals consider Toronto’s best fish and chips.

The up-and-coming neighbourhood of Birch Cliff is a mere 10 minutes away by car, and offers an array of restaurant and café options, plus quaint local shops in a sleepy (in the best way!) part of east-end Toronto.

Shop local in Toronto’s Scarborough Bluffs

Scarborough Bluffs is also your best option when it comes to Toronto shopping. The neighbourhood’s Kingston Road strip has several unique shops selling antiques and locally made products.

You’ll find second-hand treasures at Vintage & Antiques. Whether you’re into Victorian-style tchotchkes or mid-century modern furniture, this shop stocks well-loved pieces from all decades.

Family-run City Cottage Market carries locally sourced gourmet finds from handcrafted hot sauces to coffee beans, perfect if you’re hungry for foodie souvenirs of your Toronto visit!

Scarborough Bluffs must-try experiences

Scarborough Bluffs is a year-round attraction, but most popular in summer. Must-try activities include kayaking with the majestic Scarborough Bluffs backdrop, or simply chilling all day into sunset on the beach.
 

Getting to Scarborough Bluffs, Toronto

• TTC public transit: On weekdays, take the Line 2: Bloor-Danforth subway to Kennedy station, then bus 12A to the Kingston Road at Brimley Road West stop. Walk approximately 20 minutes south on Brimley Road South. On weekends and holidays (early May to early October), take the 201 bus directly from Kennedy Station to the Bluffer’s Park Loop.

• Paid car parking is available at several main parks, including Bluffer’s Park, Cudia Park, East Point Park, Guild Park and Gardens and Rosetta McClain Gardens.

• Street parking is usually available for the other parks along the Bluffs, but make sure to follow posted signs and never park on the grass.

• Check the City of Toronto's official website for the latest updates on park access, safety reminders and parking regulations.