Scarborough Bluffs — Local services in Toronto

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Beautiful Nature Escape Right in Toronto!

Scarborough Bluffs Park is one of Toronto’s hidden gems and easily one of my favorite places to spend a summer day. Located along Lake Ontario in Scarborough, this park offers breathtaking views of towering white cliffs, crystal-blue water, and a sandy beach that makes you feel like you’re on vacation without leaving the city.

📅 Open Season & Hours: The park is open year-round from dawn to dusk, but the best time to visit is from late spring to early fall (May to October). That’s when the weather’s best for swimming, hiking, and relaxing by the water. Summer weekends can get busy, so I recommend coming early in the day if possible.

🚌 Getting There by Transit: If you’re not driving, the 201 Bluffer’s Park TTC bus runs seasonally from Kennedy Station directly to the park (usually from late June to early September). The ride is quick and scenic. There’s also Route 175 on weekends. These buses take you right down Brimley Road to the beach area—so convenient!

🚗 Parking Tip: Parking is available, but on summer weekends it fills up fast. Parking is free on weekdays before 5 PM and metered afterward, including weekends.

🏖️ Things to Do:

Relax on the beach — The sand is soft, the water is clear, and there’s a designated swimming area with lifeguards in summer.

Take a hike — There are beautiful trails along the bluffs with scenic lookouts over the lake. Perfect for photos!

Picnic — Plenty of green spaces for family picnics, and Rosetta McClain Gardens nearby is absolutely stunning with flowers and fountains.

Water activities — You can rent paddleboards or kayaks from local businesses right on the beach.

Watch the sunset — The lookout points at the top of the cliffs (like Scarboro Crescent Park) give you a panoramic sunset view that’s hard to beat.

🎟️ Permits & Safety: No permits are needed for visiting, swimming, or picnicking. However, STAY OFF the cliff edges. They look tempting, but the cliffs are fragile and dangerous, with clear signage everywhere. Police and city staff enforce this strictly for safety reasons.

⌛ Ideal Visit Length: Plan for at least 3-4 hours if you want to explore both the beach and the trails, or make a full day of it by bringing food, games, or booking a paddle session on the water.

Final Thoughts: Scarborough Bluffs Park is an absolute must-visit if you’re in Toronto during the warmer months. Whether you’re into nature, photography, relaxing by the lake, or looking for an active outdoor adventure, this place has it all. It feels like a mini escape from the city’s hustle. Just remember: respect the trails, stay behind barriers, and take your trash...

Our favourite park and beaches.

There 2 beaches, actually. One is official, the other one is close to cliffs.

After the flood, we could barely find a way to that secluded beach! So much mud and dirt, red ants ate everywhere...got bitten by one, so painful 😫

The waves were crazy! They got mixed with sand, so the colour was starting from dark blue, to turquoise, to grey, to yellowish... beautiful 😍

Then, we spent some time at the docs. So sad that people feed birds! There's a sign, "No feeding wildlife!", but still, people do. Make me so upset 😡 because if there's a sign, people need to brake it 🙄

Today, Friday, there were do many available parking spots. It's usually not the case on weekends. If you plan to hp on the weekend, please note that the earliest you get there - the best 👌 If around 12pm - all parking will be filled and police won't let you go down even closer to the park. The'll just divert the traffic 😑 TTC bus is allowed to go in and out.

For today, our main attraction was 2 swans and their cygnets. We saw only 3 today, but one lady said that there were 4 yesterday. 😔 😟 🙁 😥

Those babies were taking a spa day, washing themselves following examples from their parents. So funny 😁 to watch. They even rolled up in the water with their bellies.

Washrooms are clean, well-maintained and accessible.

Outside, there are so many tables and benches that you can rest. Also, this park is good for barbecue 😋, lots of barbecue stations are there.

We didn't go to the Marine neither beach, but those spots are our...

Scarborough Bluffs Park is truly a hidden gem in the heart of Toronto. With its breathtaking views of Lake Ontario, opportunities for lake boating, and perfect picnic spots, this park is a wonderful place to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

The highlight of the park, undoubtedly, is the stunning view of the Scarborough Bluffs towering over Lake Ontario. The cliffs offer a picturesque backdrop for a leisurely walk or a peaceful picnic. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or simply seeking tranquility, this spot will leave you in awe.

For those looking to get closer to the lake, the availability of boating is a delightful addition. The calm waters of Lake Ontario provide an ideal setting for a serene boating experience. Whether you bring your own kayak or rent one on-site, it’s a fantastic way to explore the beauty of the lake up close.

When it comes to picnicking, Scarborough Bluffs Park has no shortage of perfect spots. With lush green lawns and well-maintained picnic areas, you can enjoy a meal with family and friends in a serene environment. It’s an excellent place for a day out with loved ones, complete with the soothing sounds of the lake in the background.

In conclusion, Scarborough Bluffs Park is a wonderful place that offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, recreational activities, and relaxation. Whether you’re into picnicking, boating, or simply appreciating the scenic views, this park has something for everyone. It’s a true oasis in the city, and I highly recommend visiting to experience its...