I live for a good beach day, but Toronto isn’t Miami. It’s lakes, ferries, and boardwalks. Still, I wanted sand under my feet and a clean place to sleep after. So I tested a few spots right in the city and a couple an easy drive away. I paid my own way. I brought snacks. I got sunburned once. You know what? It was worth it.
To get my bearings before booking, I also browsed this up-to-date Toronto beach guide that tracks water quality and points out the quiet coves locals love.
If you’ve ever caught yourself asking, “Wait, does Toronto even have real beaches?” the short answer is yes—and the longer answer lives in this handy explainer.
Here’s what I actually booked, where I swam, and what I’d book again. I spill every nerdy detail in my complete breakdown of Toronto beach resorts, but the quick hits are below.
Westin Harbour Castle — My Island Beach Base
I stayed here last July, lake view room, high floor. The hotel sits on the waterfront, so it’s a short walk to the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. I took the ferry to Centre Island in the morning, then walked to Hanlan’s Point Beach in the afternoon. The sand felt clean, and the breeze was strong. The water was cool in July, warmer in August. I kept my hoodie handy.
Travel nerd sidenote: I skimmed an in-depth photo tour and review of the property on Oyster before I booked, and most of their notes matched my experience.
Inside, the Westin pool was calm in the evening. Beds were soft. Hallway noise? A bit on Saturday night. I slept fine with the fan on low.
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What I loved:
- Easy walk to the ferry and Harbourfront paths
- Big windows with real lake views
- Fast check-in and friendly staff
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What needs work:
- The lobby cafe line got long at 8 a.m.
- Weekend rates spike, so go midweek if you can
Field note: I grabbed a burger at a spot on the waterfront and watched planes land at Billy Bishop. It felt like a tiny movie scene, city buzz with sailboats and gulls. That weekend felt a lot like the one I wrote up in my city-side “beach resort” experiment.
Radisson Blu Toronto Downtown — Rooftop Pool, Quick Ferry Walk
I did a two-night stay in late August. The rooftop pool sold me, and yes, it’s as nice as it looks. You see the CN Tower on one side and the lake on the other. I walked to the ferry in about 12 minutes. I hit Centre Island first, then swam at Gibraltar Point. The sand there felt softer than I expected. Fewer crowds too.
Curious how other guests felt? The unfiltered ratings on Booking.com line up pretty closely with what I found—especially all the rooftop-pool love.
My room was simple, clean, and cool. I liked the walk to the waterfront trail in the morning. Coffee in hand. Feet on the boardwalk. You can’t beat that for reset time.
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What I loved:
- Rooftop pool with chairs that don’t feel cramped
- Short walk to the ferry and water taxis
- Easy access to harbour snacks and patios
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What needs work:
- Garage parking was tight for big cars
- The gym is small and gets warm in the afternoon
Pro tip: Ferry lines get wild around lunch. I went before 9 a.m., then had the beach mostly to myself for an hour. Budget seekers should know there’s also an east-end option—I spent a night at the Days Inn and shared my brutally honest review.
Hotel X Toronto — Fancy Feels, Sunset Heaven, Park Access
I stayed here in June. Big windows. Huge gym. The rooftop pool at Falcon SkyBar felt like a summer postcard. It’s not right on a beach, but I walked to Trillium Park and along Ontario Place in the evening. Sunsets were gold and pink. I grabbed a quick Uber to the ferry the next morning and swam at Hanlan’s. If you like sleek design and sports courts, this place hits.
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What I loved:
- Sunsets over the lake that made me quiet (in a good way)
- Serious fitness space and indoor courts
- Calm rooms with blackout shades that actually work
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What needs work:
- It’s a longer walk to ferry spots; plan on a ride
- Food is pricey, so I grabbed breakfast outside
Tip I learned the hard way: Bring water shoes if you wander near the rocky edges by Ontario Place. Smooth stones, but still, your toes will thank you.
Friday Harbour Resort (Innisfil) — A True Beach Resort, 1 Hour North
This is my “Toronto-but-not” pick. I rented a one-bedroom suite here in August and had guest access to the private beach area. Sandy shore. Calm water. Paddleboards and kayaks are for rent. The boardwalk has spots for tacos and ice cream. Families everywhere, but it didn’t feel loud. I biked through the Nature Preserve in the morning. Dragonflies everywhere. It felt like summer camp, but with better sheets.
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What I loved:
- Real resort vibe with a marina and clean beach
- Morning paddle when the water’s glassy
- Easy drive from the city
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What needs work:
- Weekend day passes bring crowds
- Restaurant waits at peak times; book or go early
Small gripe: My check-in code was late by 15 minutes. Not the end of the world, just annoying when you’re holding a cooler.
The June Motel, Sauble Beach — Retro, Sandy, Fun
This is two and a half hours from Toronto, but I’m putting it in because I loved it. I stayed mid-September when the water was still warm. The June has a pink sign, cute rooms, and a fire pit. It’s an easy walk to Sauble Beach. I sat with my toes in the sand, ate fries from a tiny stand, and stayed until the sky turned orange. The motel crew gave simple tips, like where to park and which stretch of sand stays calm.
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What I loved:
- Beach-town vibe that feels like a summer memory
- Comfy beds and a patio you actually want to use
- Staff who point you to the good spots fast
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What needs work:
- It’s a motel, so walls are a bit thin
- Weekend rates jump; go Sunday to Tuesday if you can
Side note: Bring a sweater. Lake sunsets run cool even when the day is hot. Learned that, shivering, with a cone in my hand.
Deerhurst Resort (Huntsville) — Big Beach, Woods, and Canoes
This one’s about 2.5 hours north, and it’s worth it if you want a bigger lake feel. I went with family in July. The main beach on Peninsula Lake has chairs, paddleboards, and a roped swim area. Water was warm enough by noon. Kids loved the floating dock. I liked the morning canoe and the way the mist rose off the trees. Very Ontario. Very calm.
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What I loved:
- Wide sandy beach with lots of room
- Water toys included for guests
- Trails when you need shade
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What needs work:
- Rooms vary a lot by building; call and ask
- Breakfast gets busy; I packed fruit and granola
When To Go, What To Pack
- Timing: Lake Ontario swims feel best late July through early September. June can be chilly. The islands warm up a bit faster in shallow spots.
- Shoes: Sandals for the boardwalk. Water shoes for rocky edges or when you’re brave in spring.
- Sun gear: Sunscreen, hat, and a light hoodie. The breeze tricks you.
- Snacks: I bring a thermos and fruit. Saves time, saves money.
When I’m craving an easy east-side stroll, I post up at Balmy Beach Park—it’s mellow, dog-friendly, and has washrooms that actually open on time.
Quick Picks By Mood
- No-car beach day in the city: Radisson Blu or Westin Harbour Castle
- Fancy stay with sunset views: Hotel X
- True resort with a beach and marina: Friday Harbour
- Cute beach town with retro charm: The June Motel, Sauble Beach
- Family lake trip with lots to do: Deerhurst
If you’re still torn between Hanlan’s, Woodbine, and all the rest, check out my full roundup of Toronto’s best beaches for photos and crowd intel.