The Beach

The Beach, which is also referred to as The Beaches because it consists of three beaches, is a highly desirable Toronto neighbourhood. This neighbourhood, east of downtown, is known for its beautiful waterfront and relaxed lifestyle.

In the 1920s, when Toronto was expanding eastward, The Beach was subdivided for development. Ever since, The Beach has emerged as one of Toronto’s most popular neighbourhoods. Original frame Beach Cottages built in the latter half of the 1800s and early 1900s have since been modernized and are iconic to the area.

Tree-lined streets wind their way down to the lake offering decidedly non-urban scenery and a nice change of pace from the busy city. There are many lovely homes in the neighbourhood, built in the 1920s and 30s, now modernized to meet contemporary tastes and needs. The Beach has the largest variety of architectural house styles of any neighbourhood in Toronto.

There is also a new home development known as The Beach. This development contains a number of heritage-inspired custom-built homes. Semi-detached and detached homes and townhomes sit on the site of the former Greenwood Racetrack, located at the foot of Woodbine Avenue.

Queen Street is the most commercial of The Beach shopping districts. Kingston Road attracts a more local clientele, but both offer colourful shops and dining experiences. In the summer, the waterfront is crowded with locals, Torontonians, and tourists who enjoy the lakeside holiday vibe.

The boardwalk spans the city’s waterfront from The Beach to the Humber River and is skirted by the Martin Goodman Trail and Lake Ontario. Well used in the summer, it also makes for a nice brisk walk in the fall or early winter. Ashbridge’s Bay is a beautiful spot for family picnics, windsurfing and volleyball. The scenic ravine and nature trail on Glen Stewart Park, off Queen Street, is a great place to enjoy the sights and scents of nature. For more recreation, residents enjoy the Donald Summerville Pool at the foot of Woodbine Avenue, overlooking the lake. This facility includes an Olympic-sized pool.