Scarborough Bluffs
The Scarborough Bluffs, commonly called “the Bluffs,” rises 91 metres above and stretches approximately 15 kilometres along the Lake Ontario shoreline. These stunning white cliffs (only 30 minutes from downtown Toronto) are a testament to the end of the Great Ice Age, making them a remarkable geological feature. The Bluffs is a distinctive and celebrated natural landmark in North America boasting plenty of attractions and activities for everyone to enjoy.
What is Scarborough Bluffs known for?
Beautiful Parks
Scarborough Bluffs parks hold a special allure for both locals and visitors, owing to the wide array of outdoor experiences they offer. Let’s take a peek at some of the 11 natural parks nestled within the Bluffs:
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Bluffer’s Park & Beach is the only spot in the Bluffs with a swimming beach. You can also enjoy picnicking, lookouts, sunbathing and boating
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Cudia Park is ideal for nature lovers with its quieter escape of lush vegetation and wildlife sightings on peaceful hiking trails
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Cathedral Bluffs Park presents breathtaking views of eroded sandstone bluffs and Lake Ontario, and it happens to be situated atop one of the highest points within the Bluffs
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East Point Park is a haven for bird watchers and monarch butterfly admirers, a mix of wetlands, meadows and trails. Plus, it’s home to a softball centre pavilion, showers and more
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Guild Park and Gardens features vistas of Lake Ontario and pristine gardens and trails adorned by over 70 statues, arches and other treasures salvaged from buildings dating back to the 1800s and 1900s
Among the must-visit parks within Scarborough Bluffs, you’ll also find Grey Abbey, Rosetta McClain Gardens, Scarboro Crescent, Scarborough Heights, South Marine Drive and Sylvan Park. Read more about each park here, along with information on how to reach them by car or public transport.
Outdoor Activities
You’ll discover a blend of relaxing and exhilarating things to do in the Scarborough Bluffs that allow you to immerse yourself in its natural beauty.
Exploring the Bluffs through hiking is a widely favoured activity. You’ll encounter accessible trails with numerous photo opportunities in Bluffer’s Park, as well as shaded hiking paths offering glimpses of Lake Ontario in Cudia Park. Take a moment to unwind and relish a picnic lunch by the shores of Bluffer’s Beach or amid the scenic Rosetta McClain Gardens.
Gain a unique perspective of the Bluffs by embarking on a stand-up paddleboard tour across the water. If you’re an avid cyclist, consider heading south along Brimley Road for an invigorating ride. The Bluffs offer a wealth of picturesque vistas just waiting to be captured through your camera’s lens, especially at sunset. For photography enthusiasts, this place is a treasure trove of scenic beauty, even more so in the fall when the vibrant colours come alive.
Scarborough Bluffs parking
Paid parking lots are available at Bluffer’s Park, Cudia Park, East Point Park, Guild Park and Gardens and Rosetta McClain Gardens. Street parking is an option for the other parks, but parking on the grass isn’t permitted.
During peak season in the summertime, parking spaces fill up rapidly. To secure a spot, plan to arrive before 10 a.m. You might need to park farther away if you arrive later, as police may restrict entry. Bluffer’s Park, being the most popular, fills up particularly fast.
For the most current information about the Scarborough Bluffs, including safety precautions and additional details, please visit their official website.
