Many of Toronto’s waterfront parks have sand or cobble beaches for you to enjoy. Soak up the lakeside atmosphere, come for a picnic or some beach volleyball, or go wading or take a dip at one of 11 designated swimming beaches. There’s even a clothing optional beach at Hanlan’sPoint Beach on Toronto Island.

In 2005, Toronto became the first Canadian community to certify its beaches under the international Blue Flag program. The Blue Flag is now flown at seven of Toronto’s swimming beaches –Woodbine, Kew-Balmy, Cherry, Ward’s Island, Centre Island, Gibraltar Point and Hanlan’s Point. This eco-label is awarded to beaches that meet high standards for water quality, environmental management, environmental education, safety and services.

From the the first week of June to Labour Day, water quality is tested daily and lifeguards are present from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. at all designated swimming beaches.

Accessibility
Toronto is making its beaches more accessible to visitors with disabilities. Washrooms at all Blue Flag beaches are wheelchair accessible. Beach wheelchairs are available for free short-term loan at Woodbine Beach (reception area, Donald Summerville Pool) and Toronto Island (Centre Island wheelchair depot).