Scarborough Bluffs Toronto
Dramatic sedimentary cliffs bordering Lake Ontario, offering stunning views, beaches, and hiking trails.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Scarborough Bluffs Toronto
Best Time
Fewer crowds, easier parking
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dramatic sedimentary cliffs bordering Lake Ontario, offering stunning views, beaches, and hiking trails.
"A gem every time, offering incredible views and a peaceful escape."
🎯 Arrive Before 8 AM
Secure parking by arriving early, especially on weekends. Lots fill up quickly! :car:
⚠️ Stay Away From Edge
The cliffs are dangerous. Never cross fences or go near the edge for your safety. :warning:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Bluffers Park Lookout
Bluffers Park
Panoramic views of Lake Ontario and the iconic sedimentary cliffs. A must-see for first-time visitors.
Bluffers Beach
Bluffers Park
Relax by the water with dramatic cliffs as your backdrop. Perfect for picnics and enjoying the summer sun.
Doris McCarthy Trail
Eastern Scarborough
Scenic hiking trails offering diverse perspectives of the bluffs and lake. Great for nature lovers.
Sunset Views
Various viewpoints
Witness magical sunsets painting the sky over the bluffs and lake. An unforgettable sight.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Parking
Safety First at the Edge
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Before 8 AM
Secure parking by arriving early, especially on weekends. Lots fill up quickly! +1 :car:
⚠️ Stay Away From Edge
The cliffs are dangerous. Never cross fences or go near the edge for your safety. +1 :warning:
🚶♀️ Explore the Trails
Discover hidden gems and stunning views on trails like Doris McCarthy Trail. :hiking_boot:
🧺 Perfect Picnic Spot
Bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic with breathtaking views. +1 :picnic_table:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Before 8 AM
Secure parking by arriving early, especially on weekends. Lots fill up quickly! +1 :car:
⚠️ Stay Away From Edge
The cliffs are dangerous. Never cross fences or go near the edge for your safety. +1 :warning:
🚶♀️ Explore the Trails
Discover hidden gems and stunning views on trails like Doris McCarthy Trail. :hiking_boot:
🧺 Perfect Picnic Spot
Bring a blanket and enjoy a picnic with breathtaking views. +1 :picnic_table:
📸 Capture the Views
The dramatic cliffs and lake offer incredible photo opportunities. :camera:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the breathtaking natural beauty of Scarborough Bluffs, calling it a 'gem' and a must-visit for its stunning cliff views and beach access. Many appreciate the peaceful atmosphere and opportunities for picnics and photography. However, the biggest drawback is the challenging parking situation, with lots filling up extremely early, and some find the TTC access inconvenient.
"We stopped by Scarborough Bluffs on our way to Toronto, and honestly, it’s absolutely stunning. The nature there is gorgeous — it’s the kind of place that makes you want to stay longer. Perfect spot for a picnic, with amazing views all around.
There’s a beautiful cliff area, plus a nice beach and the lake, which makes the scenery even more special. Everything felt really clean and well kept. Overall, such a breathtaking place to relax and enjoy the outdoors."
Victoria Shair
"Scarborough Bluffs Park is absolutely beautiful! The views of the cliffs and Lake Ontario are breathtaking, and it’s such a peaceful spot to enjoy nature, take photos, or just relax. The park is well-maintained, and I really appreciate how clean and safe it feels. A special thank you to the police officers patrolling around the area—you make visitors feel secure and cared for while we enjoy the park. Truly one of Toronto’s gems!"
Aimee Liu
"In my 25+ years of living in Toronto, I had never visited the Bluffs until today. They are majestic and quite breathtaking. It’s easy to forget you’re in Toronto, you’d swear you were on a tropical island. There are paid parking lots with a lot of police presence. I did not get a chance to explore the marina side but there is a restaurant on site. Lots of families were doing the picnic thing with their own portable bbqs. There are public washrooms which are really poorly maintained...hence 4 stars versus 5. I think when we have something so wonderful, as a community we should all make a conscious effort to protect it, make it enjoyable for all (this means keeping shared areas clean). We saw some herons and other birds of prey. The sounds from the waves were hypnotizing."
Melissa PEREZ
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The fastest way from Union Station on a weekend is to take the Go Train to Kennedy Station, then catch the 201 TTC bus. On weekdays, you might need to combine subway and bus routes. Driving is an option, but parking is challenging. +1
Getting there by TTC can be challenging, especially outside of summer when some bus routes don't run. Be prepared for steep walks and potential long distances from bus stops to the bluffs. +1
Yes, biking is possible, and there are dedicated bike trails. However, be aware of the steep inclines when approaching the bluffs from certain directions. :bike:
For easier access to the waterfront, consider trails like 'trail to Scarborough heights waterfront' or the path from Guildwood Parkway and Galloway. These are less steep than some other options.
Yes, there are parking lots, particularly at Bluffers Park. However, they fill up extremely quickly, especially on weekends. Arriving before 8 AM is highly recommended. +1
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Scarborough Bluffs Park is a public space and does not require tickets for entry. You can explore the parks and trails for free.
The parks and trails are generally accessible year-round during daylight hours. Specific facilities within the parks may have their own operating schedules.
There is no entrance fee to access Scarborough Bluffs Park. Enjoy the natural beauty and recreational opportunities without any cost.
No reservations are typically needed for general access to Scarborough Bluffs. However, if you plan a large group event or specific activity, it's best to check with the Toronto Parks department.
For scenic views, Bluffers Park Lookout is highly recommended. For a beach experience, Bluffers Beach is popular. The Doris McCarthy Trail offers great hiking. +1
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Enjoy hiking on scenic trails, relaxing on Bluffers Beach, having picnics with stunning views, photography, and watching beautiful sunsets. +3
Yes, the Doris McCarthy Trail and the path down to the waterfront from Scarborough Heights offer excellent hiking opportunities with beautiful scenery.
Absolutely not. It is extremely dangerous to walk near the edge. Fences are in place for your safety, and crossing them can lead to severe injury or death. +1
Yes, Bluffers Beach is a popular spot for swimming during the summer months. Always check water quality advisories before swimming.
The Bluffers Park Lookout offers a fantastic vantage point. Many visitors also enjoy the views from the top of the bluffs along the walking paths.
📸 📸 Photography
The viewpoints overlooking Lake Ontario and the cliffs are prime photo locations. Sunsets provide dramatic lighting, and the beach offers a different perspective. +1
Golden hour, both sunrise and sunset, offers the most dramatic and beautiful lighting for photography. Midday can be harsh, but still offers stunning cliff views.
Drone usage is subject to Toronto's bylaws. Generally, flying drones in city parks requires permits and adherence to strict regulations. Check with the City of Toronto for current rules.
You can capture sweeping panoramic landscapes, close-ups of the sedimentary rock formations, beach scenes, and vibrant sunset colors. +1
While general photography is allowed, be mindful of other visitors and avoid trespassing on private property or restricted areas. Always respect safety barriers.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Hikers and Nature Lovers
📸 Photographers
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating Scarborough Bluffs: Getting Around
Once you're in the vicinity, accessing different parts of the bluffs can involve walking. Some Reddit users suggest specific access points like the 'trail to Scarborough heights waterfront' or routes from Guildwood Parkway and Galloway for easier descent to the lake.
For cyclists, biking to Scarborough Bluffs is feasible, with some trails available. However, the terrain can be challenging with steep inclines.
Safety and Respect at the Bluffs
Beyond the immediate cliff danger, be mindful of the environment. While it's a popular spot for picnics and enjoying nature, proper waste disposal is essential to keep the parks clean.
Capturing the Magic: Photography at Scarborough Bluffs
When planning your photo session, consider the time of day. Sunsets are particularly popular, as the light casts a warm glow over the landscape, creating a magical atmosphere.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit