I spent two nights in Toronto trying to get that beach resort feel without leaving the city. I stayed at the Westin Harbour Castle in mid-August, paid my own way, and packed extra sunscreen like a mom on a field trip. Did it work? Kind of. Let me explain.
Why I went
I wanted sand, water, and easy food. No long drive. No cottage drama. I picked a lake-view room at the Westin because it’s right on the harbour and close to the ferry. It’s not a true resort, but you can build that vibe if you mix in the beaches and the islands. You know what? It was closer than I thought.
First look: more lake than city
Check-in took ten minutes on a Friday around 3 p.m. My room faced Lake Ontario. Big glass windows. Boats cutting across the water. The CN Tower peeking around the corner. I could hear gulls and, sometimes, a horn from a ferry. City noise? Sure. But the lake steals the show.
The lobby has that “busy but calm” hotel feel. There’s a coffee spot downstairs. The elevator was slow once when a wedding party came through. I didn’t mind. I watched kids run by in flip-flops. It reminded me this was a summer weekend and I was on chill time.
The room: good sleep, older bath
The bed felt great—firm but soft on top. Tons of pillows. AC worked fast. The bathroom looked a bit older. Clean though. Water pressure was strong, which I love after a sandy day. I got two bottles of water, a small fridge, and a safe. Not fancy, not fussy.
Price? I paid $299 a night before taxes for a lake view. It swings by season and events. If the Blue Jays play at home, prices jump. Just a heads-up.
Day 1: boardwalk, volleyball, and ice cream
I took the 501 Queen streetcar to the Beaches. Woodbine Beach was packed by 11 a.m.—families, dogs, teens with speakers, the whole scene. Lifeguards were on duty. Volleyball courts were full. I walked the boardwalk east toward Kew-Balmy Beach. It’s smoother there. Fewer people. More trees. I slipped off my sandals and let the water hit my ankles. Cold at first, then fine. Before heading out, I browsed the detailed beach breakdowns on BeachesToronto, which helped me map out the perfect boardwalk stroll. The City’s beaches directory is also a solid resource for up-to-date amenities and water-quality notices.
I grabbed a cone at Ed’s Real Scoop on Queen Street East. The maple walnut was rich and sweet. I ate it in the shade and watched a dad try to fold a beach tent. That took a while. We’ve all been there.
I booked a late lunch at Toronto Beach Club near Ashbridges Bay. Big patio, sandy vibe, umbrella shade. The grilled octopus was bright and lemony. My friend got the chicken souvlaki and waved it in my face until I tried a bite. It was juicy. Service moved a bit slow once the patio filled, but the view made it hard to care.
Day 2: island rhythm, quiet paths, blue water
I walked from the hotel to the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal in about 10 minutes. The line looked long at 9:30 a.m., but it moved fast. We went to Centre Island, then rented bikes near the pier. The paths are flat and wide. If you’re planning your own trip, the Toronto Island Park page lays out ferry info, picnic spots, and seasonal events. Trees made a cool tunnel. Birds chirped. I could smell sunscreen and fresh cut grass. It felt far from the city, even though I could still see the skyline across the water.
We stopped at Gibraltar Point Beach. The water was clear and blue. No big waves. I put my towel down and read for an hour. Then I got brave and went in up to my shoulders. Cold, sure. But the sun warmed me right up after. If you like quiet, that side beach is perfect.
On the way back, we grabbed fries by the pier. A gull eyed us hard. I shared a few bits. I know you shouldn’t feed them, but his stare was strong, and I’m soft.
Pool and pause time
Back at the Westin, I used the indoor pool. It’s simple. Bright. Families came and went. I sat on a bench and stretched my legs. Later, I walked the waterfront trail toward Harbourfront Centre. Street artists, a steel drum band, kids dancing by the water—like a small summer festival. I didn’t plan it. I just followed the music.
If you want a rooftop pool, Radisson Blu by the harbour has one with lake views. I visited a friend there two summers ago and watched the sunset from a lounger. Pure calm. Different hotel, same lake magic. On the more budget-friendly side, I’ve also spent a couple of nights at the Days Inn Toronto East Beaches—here’s my honest take.
Food notes that stuck with me
- Morning coffee at Boxcar Social by the water hit the spot. I had a cortado and a butter croissant.
- Ed’s Real Scoop, again, because that waffle cone smell pulls you in.
- The Beacher Cafe for eggs and toast. Old-school, friendly, and fast.
I skipped fancy dinners. Beach days make me crave simple food. Salt. Lemon. Ice cream. Repeat.
What I loved
- The lake views from my room. Waking up to light on the water felt special.
- The easy ferry ride and slow island bike paths. It’s gentle on the brain.
- Kew-Balmy Beach at sunset. Couples walking. Dogs playing fetch. Warm sky.
What bugged me
- Crowds at Woodbine on weekends. If you’re late, it’s towel-to-towel.
- Parking near the Beaches is a pain. I took transit and still saw folks circling.
- The hotel bathroom could use a refresh. Clean, but a bit dated.
- After a storm, water quality can drop. Check swim advisories before you jump in.
Quick tips so you don’t learn the hard way
- Go early. By 10 a.m., the good sand spots are gone on sunny weekends.
- Check “Swim Guide” for daily water reports. It’s helpful after heavy rain.
- Bring water shoes if you have tender feet. Some spots get pebbly.
- Pack a light sweater for the evening. Lake breezes get cool.
- If you want fewer people, try Cherry Beach or the west side of Centre Island.
- Need help picking a shoreline? Check out the best beaches in Toronto ranked after I practically lived in the sand all summer.
Is it a real “resort”?
No. Not in the usual way. There’s no private beach or wristband. But you can stitch together that resort mood with a lake-view hotel, the ferry, the boardwalk, and a few good meals. It felt… easy. Slow mornings. Sandy feet. Long showers. A nap with the window cracked and the sound of boats outside. If you’d like to see the blow-by-blow of how I patched all these pieces together, you can read my weekend at a Toronto beach “resort” (sort of) for the full diary.
Who should go
Before you pick a weekend, remember that Toronto’s waterfront doubles as a breezy first-date backdrop—so if you’re tempted to line up a sunset stroll with someone you matched online, you might want to skim this candid Bumble review that breaks down the app’s pros, cons, pricing, and killer profile tips, giving you a head start on landing that lakeside meet-cute. And if your travels ever swing you as far as New Zealand’s windswept capital, where the harbor bars stay lively long after sunset, explore this down-to-earth guide to casual sex in Wellington — it outlines the best meet-up spots, local etiquette, and safety pointers so you can keep things fun and drama-free.
- Families who like simple fun: sand, bikes, ice cream.
- Couples who want sunsets and quiet island paths.
- Solo folks who need a soft reset without a long trip.
Final take
My “Toronto beach resort” weekend wasn’t perfect, but it was real and warm. The lake did the heavy lifting. The hotel gave me a comfy base. The city filled in the rest with music, fries, and blue water.
Would I do it again? Yes. I’d come on a weekday next time, bring a thicker towel, and stop pretending I won’t get a second scoop at Ed’s.