The BeachesThe Beaches sits on Lake Ontario east of downtown Toronto and feels more like a coastal town than a city neighbourhood. Its spine is Queen Street East, lined with independent shops, cafés and casual restaurants, and a broad boardwalk runs south to Woodbine Beach and Kew Gardens.
By day people come for swimming, walking the boardwalk, playgrounds and picnic-friendly parks; by evening the area settles into low-key pubs, family restaurants and seasonal patios. Streets to wander are Queen Street East for shopping and dining, the boardwalk for lakeside strolls and Kew Gardens for green space and summer concerts.
The Beaches at a Glance
Sandy beaches, a long boardwalk and relaxed Queen Street East cafés and shops.
- Best for: Families, beachgoers and relaxed stays
- Vibe: Laid-back, small-town-by-the-lake
- Nearest station: Queen streetcar; Broadview (Line 2) on the TTC
- Price level: $ - $$
- To the main sights: About 25-35 minutes to downtown by streetcar and subway
- Safety: Generally safe and family-friendly
Who's The Beaches For?
Great for:
- Families with children
- Beach and boardwalk walks
- Casual dining and cafés
- Cyclists and joggers
Maybe skip it if:
- You want big-nightclub nightlife
- You need a wide choice of luxury hotels
Getting Your Bearings in The Beaches
The neighbourhood runs along Queen Street East from roughly Woodbine Avenue east toward Victoria Park Avenue, with the boardwalk and beaches immediately to the south and Kew Gardens near the centre.
Plan Your Visit to The Beaches
- Best time to visit: Summer for swimming and festivals; late spring and early autumn for warm, quieter days.
- Getting to the beach: Arrive early on busy summer weekends to secure parking or use the streetcar.
- Cash and cards: Most cafés and shops accept cards, but small vendors may prefer cash.
- Sun protection: Bring sunscreen and a hat for long boardwalk walks.
- Parking: Street parking fills quickly in summer; check local signs for limits.
Things to Do in The Beaches
- Kew Gardens: Historic lakeside park with playgrounds, gardens and summer concerts.
- Walk the boardwalk: Stroll or cycle the long lakeside boardwalk from Woodbine Beach toward Ashbridges Bay.
- Woodbine Beach: Sandy beach with swimming in summer and a lively lakeside atmosphere.
- Queen Street East shopping: Explore independent boutiques, coffee shops and small galleries along Queen Street East.
- Seasonal festivals: Look for summer events and music festivals held around the beach and Kew Gardens.
How to Get to The Beaches
- Toronto Pearson International Airport (YYZ): Public transport: Take the UP Express to Union Station (about 25 minutes), then TTC streetcar 501 Queen east or subway+transfer to Line 2 and a short streetcar; total journey around 55-70 minutes depending on connections, fares split between services. Taxi/ride-hail: about 35-60 minutes depending on traffic, roughly CAD 60-90.
- Billy Bishop Toronto City Airport (YTZ): Public transport: Walk or ferry to Jack Layton Terminal then take the 509/501 streetcar east or walk to King/Queen and board the 501; journey typically 30-45 minutes, TTC fare applies. Taxi/ride-hail: about 20-35 minutes depending on traffic, taxi is simplest for luggage.
- From the main sights: From downtown (Union/CN Tower) take the 501 Queen streetcar east direct to the Beaches (about 25-35 minutes) or subway to Bloor-Yonge and transfer to eastbound streetcar; taxi 20-30 minutes.
Getting Around The Beaches
- On foot and by bike: Most places in the Beaches are easily walkable and well served by bike lanes along the boardwalk and nearby streets.
- Streetcar: TTC 501 Queen streetcar runs along Queen Street East and is the most convenient public-transit line for the area.
- Local buses: Short bus routes link the neighbourhood to subway stations such as Broadview and Woodbine on Line 2.
- Taxis and ride-hail: Useful late at night or for luggage; downtown trips typically take 20-35 minutes depending on traffic.
Where to Stay in The Beaches
Accommodation in the Beaches tends to be small, friendly and budget to mid-range. Expect guesthouses, small hotels and B&Bs clustered around Queen Street East and near the beach. Luxury hotel choices are limited within the neighbourhood; downtown is the closest area for high-end hotels.
Where to Eat in The Beaches
Dining along Queen Street East and the boardwalk ranges from casual cafés and brunch spots to seafood and international small restaurants. Most places are $ or $$, with a handful of $$-$$$ options. Walk Queen Street East for a continuous row of choices and try lakeside cafés on the boardwalk for summer patios.
- Wild Oregano: Mediterranean cuisine, $$.
- Amo’s: Casual restaurant, $$.
- Tiarré’s Brunch & Bistro: Brunch and bistro-style dishes, $$.
- Pizzeria No. 900 Beaches: Pizza and casual dining, $$.
- Yumei Sushi: Japanese and sushi, $$.
- Espro: Coffee shop and crepes, $.
- Limon: Arab/Mediterranean cuisine, $$.
- Beacher Cafe: Breakfast, burgers and sandwiches, $-$$.
Nightlife in The Beaches
Nightlife in the Beaches is informal and pub-orientated rather than nightclub-driven. Expect craft beer bars, Irish pubs and laid-back cocktail spots along Queen Street East and nearby side streets, with many places busy on summer evenings. Live music appears at a few pubs and during seasonal events.
- Captain Jack: Local bar with a relaxed neighbourhood vibe, $-$$.
- Beaches Brewing Co.: Brewpub offering house beers and casual evenings, $$.
- The Stone Lion: Traditional pub with a friendly atmosphere, $-$$.
- The Wolfe Tone Irish Pub: Irish-style pub with regulars and occasional live music, $-$$.
- Slate: Bar with a cosy interior and neighbourhood feel, $$.
- Breakwall BBQ & Smokehouse: Bar and barbecue spot with casual late-evening trade, $$.
Shopping in The Beaches
Shopping is focused on independent boutiques along Queen Street East, with gift shops, clothing stores and specialty food outlets. For a compact mall with practical shops and services head to the small local shopping centre near the main intersection.
- Beach Mall: Small local mall with everyday shops and services.