Toronto Island Beach
The beaches are great in the summer on the Island. With a blue sky and a sandy beach, it's hard to believe you're only 15 minutes from downtown Toronto. Two out of three (Hanlan's Point Beach and Ward's Island Beach) received the Blue Flag designation, which is an international marker to indicate beaches with good quality water and environmentally responsible management. City staff tests water quality daily during the summer - results are posted on message boards near life guard stations. On a hot day, when the water's clear, it feels like you're anywhere but Toronto.
The sand on the beaches isn't the fine sand you find in the Caribbeans but it's as good as it gets for a beach on the Great Lakes. You can find changing rooms and lockers on Centre Island next to the pier - across the Pizza Pizza outlet and next to the Ward's Island beach. There are lifeguards on duty at every beach from 11:30am to 6:30pm from June to Labour Day.
Dogs and picnic tables and BBQs aren't permitted on the beachers.
Hanlan's Point beach
Located across the public tennis courts on the west shore of Hanlan's Point, approximately ten minutes walk away from the Hanlan's Point ferry docks. The south side of this beach (farthest away from the city) is the very popular Clothing Optional Beach. Even if you're not into "clothing optional", there's plenty of separation between the areas, and it's a pretty relaxed scene. There's less activity at the Hanlan's Point beaches than at Centre, and the ferry boats to Hanlan's are usually less crowded too. Worth trying if you want to get away from the crowds.
Centre Island Beach
This beach is by the changing rooms and lockers, near the pier. There's a fast food outlet nearby, lockers, bike rental, beautiful gardens, picnic areas, and plenty of room to sunbathe.
Ward's Island Beach
The Ward's Island beach is a 5 minute walk from the Ward's Island ferry docks at the east end of the boardawalk. As you get off the ferry at at Ward's, walk straight ahead, past the Island Cafe and past the soccer field. You'll see washrooms and a small playground - keep right to get to the beach. Consider a stop at the cafe on your way to the beach to pick up a cold drink and snacks. And take a look at the beautiful gardens while you're there. Near the beach you'll find paths that will lead you into nearby meadows, through sand dunes and wildflower-filled meadows. Worth a stroll. A wheelchair-accessible walkway has been recently built to allow access to the beach. Don't bring your bike to the beach. There are only a few places to lock bikes up, and they're usually taken early in the day.
Do not leave children unattended in or near the water!