Woodbine Beach Toronto
Toronto's largest beach, offering swimming, volleyball, and water sports with stunning Lake Ontario views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Woodbine Beach Toronto
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Toronto's largest beach, offering swimming, volleyball, and water sports with stunning Lake Ontario views.
"A vibrant summer hub with sandy shores and exciting water sports, perfect for a day out."
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
Some areas have rocky entry into the water. Water shoes can make swimming more comfortable .
🚤 Book Water Sports Early
Popular jet ski and Seadoo rentals book up fast, especially on weekends. Reserve online in advance!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sandy Shores & Lake Ontario Views
The main beach area
Relax on the wide, sandy expanse of Toronto's largest beach, perfect for sunbathing and enjoying the lake breeze.
Water Sports Adventures
Bayside Watersports rental area
Experience the thrill of jet skiing and Seadoo rentals for an unforgettable day on Lake Ontario.
Volleyball Courts
Designated volleyball areas
Join a game or watch the action on the popular beach volleyball courts, a favorite for locals and visitors.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Rocky Entry
Summer Fun & Water Sports
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
Some areas have rocky entry into the water. Water shoes can make swimming more comfortable.
🚤 Book Water Sports Early
Popular jet ski and Seadoo rentals book up fast, especially on weekends. Reserve online in advance!
🚗 Transit is Easy
Accessible by public transit. Take the Woodbine bus south from Woodbine station to Lakeshore.
🦟 Mosquitoes at Dusk
If staying late, be prepared for mosquitoes, especially near grassy areas.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Water Shoes Recommended
Some areas have rocky entry into the water. Water shoes can make swimming more comfortable.
🚤 Book Water Sports Early
Popular jet ski and Seadoo rentals book up fast, especially on weekends. Reserve online in advance!
🚗 Transit is Easy
Accessible by public transit. Take the Woodbine bus south from Woodbine station to Lakeshore.
🦟 Mosquitoes at Dusk
If staying late, be prepared for mosquitoes, especially near grassy areas.
📸 Great for Photos
The beach offers beautiful views, especially at sunset. Consider it for night photography too.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Woodbine Beach is a beloved Toronto gem, praised for its expansive sandy shores, vibrant summer atmosphere, and accessible location. Visitors appreciate the availability of water sports rentals and the lively beach volleyball scene. However, some note the rocky entry into the water and the potential for crowds during peak times.
"We visited Woodbine Beach on a Saturday afternoon with friends and had a fantastic time. The beach has plenty of volleyball posts if you bring your own net, so we played a few games before heading out for some paddleboarding. Once you row a few meters from shore, the water turns a beautiful mix of colors—really stunning, as you can see in the photos we took.
There are many food options from the food trucks, plus public washrooms and changing rooms, which make spending the whole day easy and comfortable. Parking can be tricky if you don’t arrive early, but there are private lots nearby (around $50 per day) as an alternative.
Woodbine is truly one of the best beaches in Toronto—perfect for spending the day with friends or family, playing sports, relaxing, and enjoying the lake."
Jaime Fontanella Lauzardo
"One of the best beaches in Toronto!
Woodbine Beach is clean, beautiful, and feels very safe. There’s a huge sandy area with plenty of room to relax or walk along the shore. Tons of beach volleyball nets, a bocce court, and summer camps give it a fun, active vibe.
Restrooms are available and well-maintained. Great spot whether you're looking to play, swim, or just chill out. Highly recommend for a day at the beach!"
Shane Dowler
"I recently visited Woodbine Beach and was reminded why it’s one of Toronto’s favorite spots for outdoor fun and relaxation. The wide stretch of sandy beach along Lake Ontario offers plenty of space to lounge, play volleyball, or take a refreshing swim. The water was clean and lifeguards were on duty, which made it feel safe for families.
I took a long walk along the Martin Goodman Trail, which runs right beside the beach. It’s perfect for cycling, jogging, or simply enjoying the views of the lake and city skyline. The weather was sunny and warm, making it an ideal day for being outside.
The adjacent Woodbine Park is a great complement to the beach, with green spaces, picnic tables, and a playground for kids. I noticed quite a few families and groups enjoying picnics, and there was even an off-leash dog area where pets were happily playing.
The beach was fairly busy, especially as it was a weekend, so parking was a bit of a challenge. I’d recommend arriving early or taking public transit to avoid the hassle. Also, the water was a bit cooler than expected, but still pleasant enough for a quick swim.
Overall, my recent visit to Woodbine Beach was refreshing and enjoyable. Whether you’re looking to relax on the sand, get active with sports and trails, or spend time with family, it’s a fantastic urban getaway."
bijeesh babu
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
From Bloor-Yonge Station, take the subway south to Woodbine Station, then catch the Woodbine bus directly south to Lakeshore Boulevard. You can also use Google Maps for real-time transit directions.
Yes, Woodbine Beach is very accessible by public transit. The Woodbine bus route goes directly to the beach area,.
While parking is available, it can fill up quickly on busy days. Public transit is often a more reliable option.
Absolutely! The Martin Goodman Trail runs along the waterfront, making it a scenic and easy bike ride to Woodbine Beach.
If you're coming from the east, you can take the Queen streetcar or the Lakeshore East GO Train and connect to local buses heading south towards the beach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Woodbine Beach is a public park and there is no entrance fee to access the beach or its amenities.
Woodbine Beach is generally accessible year-round, from early morning until late at night. Specific facilities like washrooms may have limited hours.
During the summer season, lifeguards are typically on duty. However, it's always best to check the City of Toronto's official website for current lifeguard schedules and water safety information.
Dogs are generally not permitted on the main sandy areas of Woodbine Beach during the summer season to ensure safety and cleanliness. However, there are nearby areas and designated dog parks where dogs are welcome.
The City of Toronto posts daily water quality results during the summer months on their website. Testing may stop after September.
🎫 🏊 Onsite Experience
Woodbine Beach is considered a good beach for swimming, with relatively safe conditions and not being super deep. Staying within the buoys is recommended.
Yes, there are several cafes and restaurants along Queen Street East near Woodbine Beach, offering a variety of food options.
You can swim, sunbathe, play beach volleyball, have a picnic, or rent jet skis and Seadoos,.
The boardwalk is also great for walking or cycling.
Woodbine Beach is generally considered safe at night, with some people on the boardwalk. However, it's advisable to avoid walking through less populated areas like Ashbridges Bay alone.
Some visitors note that the entry into the water can be rocky in certain areas. Water movement and storms can shift the sand and expose rocks.
📸 📸 Photography
Golden hour, just after sunrise and before sunset, offers beautiful lighting. Evenings can be great for capturing city skyline views and stars.
The wide expanse of the beach, the Toronto skyline in the distance, and the boardwalk offer diverse photographic subjects. The Winter Stations exhibition, if running, also provides unique art installations for photos.
Drone usage is subject to Transport Canada regulations and local bylaws. It's essential to check current rules and obtain any necessary permits before flying a drone in the area.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for landscapes and people. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive beach, and a telephoto lens can bring the city skyline closer.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require permits. Always be respectful of other beachgoers' privacy.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more comfortable experience, consider bringing water shoes as some entry points to the lake can be rocky.
🏄♀️ Adventure Seekers
Beyond motorized water sports, the open water itself is inviting for swimmers. While the lake is generally safe, especially within buoyed areas,
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
Public transit is an affordable way to reach the beach from most parts of Toronto,
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Water Sports and Rentals
For those looking for a more relaxed water activity, the beach itself is perfect for swimming. While the water quality is generally good during summer, it's always wise to check the City of Toronto's daily postings for the most up-to-date information.
Beyond rentals, the beach offers ample space for simply enjoying the water. Whether you're looking for an adrenaline rush on a jet ski or a refreshing dip in Lake Ontario, Woodbine Beach caters to a range of water activity preferences. The clear waters and sandy shores contribute to a pleasant experience for all visitors.
Accessibility and Getting Around
The beach is also connected by the Martin Goodman Trail, a popular waterfront trail that runs along Lake Ontario. This makes it an ideal destination for cyclists and those who enjoy walking or rollerblading. The trail offers scenic views and a pleasant, car-free journey to the beach. While parking is available, it's often limited and can become congested during peak times, reinforcing public transit and cycling as preferred modes of transport.
For visitors with mobility concerns, the paved boardwalk and relatively flat terrain of the beach area generally offer good accessibility. Washroom facilities are available, though their operating hours may vary seasonally. The ease of access via public transit and the well-maintained trail system contribute to Woodbine Beach's reputation as an inclusive and easily reachable urban oasis.
Community Events and Local Vibe
Beyond large-scale festivals, the beach is a popular spot for casual recreation. The presence of numerous volleyball courts means spontaneous games are common, and the atmosphere is often energetic and social.
The local vibe at Woodbine Beach is generally relaxed and friendly. It's a place where locals and tourists mingle, enjoying the simple pleasures of a day by the lake. The nearby Queen Street East area offers a selection of cafes and eateries, adding to the convenience and appeal of the location.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit