How long does it take to walk the Beaches boardwalk?

A leisurely stroll takes about 60 to 90 minutes. However, if you include stops at Kew Gardens and the Water Treatment Plant, you should budget approximately 2 to 3 hours for the full experience.

Is the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant worth visiting?

Yes, it is an architectural masterpiece and one of Toronto's most celebrated Art Deco buildings. Even though you cannot usually enter the interior, the exterior and the surrounding grounds offer incredible photography opportunities and lake views.

Can I walk my dog on the Beaches boardwalk?

Yes, dogs are allowed on the boardwalk and the paved trails, provided they are on a leash. There is also a popular off-leash dog area located at the foot of Lee Avenue near the start of the route.

What is the best time to visit Woodbine Beach?

For avoiding crowds, weekday mornings are best. If you want to experience the local vibe, weekend afternoons in the summer are the most vibrant, though the boardwalk can become quite congested.

Is this walking route accessible for strollers and wheelchairs?

Absolutely. The route uses the flat wooden boardwalk and the paved Martin Goodman Trail. There are no stairs required to travel from Woodbine Beach to the Water Treatment Plant.

Where can I find public restrooms along the beach?

Public washrooms are located at the Donald D. Summerville Pool, the Kew Beach washroom station near the foot of Lee Avenue, and at the Balmy Beach clubhouse area.

How do I get to The Beaches from downtown Toronto?

The easiest way is to take the 501 Queen Streetcar heading east. It runs directly through the neighborhood and stops at major points like Woodbine Avenue and Lee Avenue, which are short walks from the water.

Zigway - The Guide Follows You

2 hr 30 min

Duration

6

Stops

Easy

Difficulty

About This Tour

Escape the high-rise energy of downtown and discover a different side of Toronto with this self-guided walk through The Beaches. This neighborhood stroll captures the essence of a lakeside village, where the pace slows down and the horizon opens up to the vastness of Lake Ontario. For over a century, this area has served as a summer retreat for city dwellers, and while it is now a year-round residential enclave, it retains a distinct cottage-country atmosphere. The route follows the iconic wooden boardwalk and paved trails that stretch along the shoreline, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and historical intrigue. Along this walking route, you will encounter the architectural diversity that defines the district. From the charming 1920s timber-frame Leuty Lifeguard Station to the stark mid-century lines of the Donald D. Summerville Olympic Pool, the waterfront tells a story of Toronto's evolving relationship with leisure and sport. You will also explore Kew Gardens, the green heart of the neighborhood, which transitioned from a private estate to a public park while preserving its Victorian-era charm. The experience culminates at the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant, an Art Deco masterpiece often referred to as the 'Palace of Purification.' This industrial landmark is so visually striking that it has served as a backdrop for numerous Hollywood films. This nature and history-focused walk is ideal for those looking to explore independently. Whether you are interested in the local heritage of the Balmy Beach Club or simply want to feel the lake breeze at Woodbine Beach, this route offers plenty of opportunities to pause and soak in the scenery. The flat, accessible terrain makes it a relaxing choice for families, photographers, and anyone seeking a peaceful morning or afternoon away from the urban core. Discover why 'The Beach' (as locals call it) remains one of the most beloved corners of the city.

Highlights

The iconic 1920s Leuty Lifeguard Station
Historic Kew Gardens and its Victorian bandstand
Mid-century modernism at the Donald D. Summerville Olympic Pool
The vast sandy expanse of Woodbine Beach
The storied heritage of the Balmy Beach Club
The 'Palace of Purification' Art Deco architecture

Route Map

Numbers indicate the order of stops on the tour

Tour Stops (6)

1

Leuty Lifeguard Station

Welcome to one of the most photographed landmarks in Toronto. Built in 1920, the Leuty Lifeguard Station is a classic example of early 20th-century maritime architecture. Its distinctive red and white timber frame has stood as a silent sentinel over the lake for over a century, surviving numerous storms and shoreline shifts. This station was originally part of a larger network of safety structures built as the Beaches neighborhood grew into a popular summer destination. It isn't just a pretty building; it remains an active hub for the Toronto Beach Lifeguard Service during the summer months. Take a moment to notice the craftsmanship of the wood—it’s a rare surviving piece of the city's waterfront history.

2

Kew Gardens

Stepping away from the sand, you enter Kew Gardens, the cultural and social heart of the neighborhood. This park was originally a private estate owned by Joseph Williams in the 1850s, who named it after the famous Kew Gardens in London. By the late 19th century, it had become a public pleasure ground complete with a dance hall and carousels. Today, it offers a more tranquil experience. Look for the historic bandstand and the Kew Beach Public Library, a charming building that fits perfectly with the neighborhood's aesthetic. The park serves as a transition between the bustling Queen Street East and the quiet shoreline, hosting community festivals throughout the year.

3

Donald D Summerville Olympic Pool

As you continue west, the scenery shifts from Victorian charm to mid-century modernism. The Donald D. Summerville Olympic Pool, opened in 1963, is a striking example of brutalist-influenced design. Elevated above the beach to provide swimmers with views of the lake, it features a 50-meter Olympic-sized pool and a separate diving well with 5- and 10-meter platforms. It was named after a popular Toronto mayor who was instrumental in its development. The structure represents a time when Toronto was investing heavily in public infrastructure to host international-caliber sporting events. Even if you aren't swimming, the geometric concrete forms provide a fascinating contrast to the natural lakefront.

4

Woodbine Beach

You are now at Woodbine Beach, the largest and most popular of the four beaches that give this neighborhood its name. This wide stretch of sand is a hub of activity, especially for beach volleyball enthusiasts. Looking out at Lake Ontario here, it’s easy to forget you’re in Canada’s largest city; the horizon stretches out like an ocean. This area was significantly reshaped in the mid-20th century through land reclamation projects to create more public recreational space. The Ashbridges Bay Treatment Plant lies just to the west, but here, the focus is entirely on the sun, sand, and the rhythm of the waves. It’s a perfect spot to pause and appreciate the scale of the Great Lakes.

5

Balmy Beach Club

Heading east back along the boardwalk, you'll find the Balmy Beach Club. Established in 1905, this private social and athletic club is a cornerstone of the community's identity. Over the decades, it has been a powerhouse for amateur sports in Canada, particularly in rugby, canoeing, and lawn bowling. The original clubhouse was destroyed by fire twice—once in 1936 and again in 1963—but the community’s dedication ensured it was rebuilt each time. The current building maintains that classic 'cottage' feel. While the interior is for members, the surrounding lawns and the lawn bowling greens are a testament to the long-standing tradition of social athletics in the Beaches.

6

R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant

The final stop on this self-guided adventure is perhaps the most impressive. The R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant is widely considered one of the finest Art Deco buildings in the world. Constructed in the 1930s during the Great Depression, it was the vision of Commissioner Roland Caldwell Harris, who believed that even public utility buildings should be beautiful. With its brass fixtures, marble hallways (largely hidden from public view), and dramatic exterior, it earned the nickname 'The Palace of Purification.' It still provides a significant portion of Toronto's drinking water today. Its cinematic quality has made it a favorite filming location for movies like 'The Shape of Water' and 'In the Mouth of Madness.'

Frequently Asked Questions

The most iconic route is the 3-kilometer stretch along the wooden boardwalk. It connects major landmarks like the Leuty Lifeguard Station, Kew Gardens, and the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant, offering continuous views of Lake Ontario.