Leslie Lookout Park — Local services in Toronto

Swam and paddled at Toronto's newest beach, launched with a wonderful speech by Olivia Chow who joined us as we swam and paddled in a captivating juxtaposition of nature and industrial artifacts that almost feels like a kind of surreal art gallery setting. I really like the industrial feel of the place running up to the soft edges of the park. There is a nice boardwalk that goes all the way to the water's edge (jumping platform) so you can get in and out of the water without getting sand on your feet or paddleboard.

At times when the wind is blowing from East-to-West, the turning basin is surprisingly clean and clear and the water becomes crystal-clear, such that you can see all the way to the bottom. It is nice and deep which makes it ideal for entry from a high elevation, but be wary at times when the wind has been blowing the other way carrying in debris, at which time we swim or paddle at one of the four East-facing beaches on nearby Leslie Street Spit.

Entry to the water is by way of a concrete platform about 3m (approximately 10 feet) up from the water, so it is a nice jump down to the water, with 2 ladders, one at each end of the platform. We had a number of elderly swimmers, and they had no trouble with the ladders, as they are quite well made and angled appropriately for access by the elderly or those with shoulder injuries, etc..

The platform is quite large so that it can accommodate a large group of swimmers jumping in simultaneously without undue risk of collision as with a typical smaller platform. In fact the platform runs the entire length of the park.

Paddling with a paddleboard is quite easy as you simply toss it off the platform, jump in, and climb aboard. It is a wonderful place to paddle as it is protected from strong winds and strong currents and wave action.

My only reservation is if you're using a canoe or kayak or waterball, you don't have a ramp to enter with.

That would be my main ask in regard to improvement, would be a launch ramp to make the water accessible to persons with disabilities who are wanting to easily get in and out with a kayak or canoe.

This would be an ideal location for rowing as it is a protected space that is long enough for a nice race or training, especially if there was a ramp added.

It would also be nice to see a facility for rental of kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, as well as public storage space rental for people who have their own vessel.

Toronto needs more places to swim and paddle and row, and this is a wonderful addition to see, especially in times when our public spaces are being destroyed by developments like Ontario Place. Many of the swimmers attending this new beach are displaced members of SwimOP = Swim at...

Visited on opening weekend with a toddler who makes everything magical so we had a lovely time. Lots of space for bike parking, so it’s a good pit stop for those cycling through the area.

That said, a lot of the criticisms here are valid. It would be hard to hang out here without a plan. There’s little to no shade, no washroom and no official play structures. (Although screaming “echooo” into the tower was fun.)

It was a hot one today and we wonder how future-proof a beach with no water access or cooling features really is! But, hey.

A family we saw had brought a tent (aka their own shade) and bunch of digger toys. Our toddler liked running down the steep hills and jumping down the giant steps.

Hopefully the city will introduce umbrellas (a la Sugar Beach) and the little trees will grow...

Considered on its own, it's a nice little urban park with a good mix of features like a lookout tower as its main focal point offering unique views of Toronto's skyline towards the west, a fine sand beach, and hardscaping which sort of fits the industrial surroundings of this park adjacent to cement and aggregate companies. Depending on how the wind blows, it is constantly dusty so not sure how relaxing it would be to chill out when concrete particles are being blown all around you. Still commend the city for reclaiming part of this industrial wasteland towards a view into the future sustainable community it intends for the port lands. Let's hope it doesn't take 30 years to realize...