Amelie CameronMost people think of Toronto as another typical major city—highly urbanized with modern skyscrapers. But Toronto does have neighbourhoods that feel like a quaint small town. The Beaches is one such neighbourhood.
Situated along the Lake Ontario coastline, it’s home to quirky shops, vibrant restaurants, and beautiful gardens. It’s a popular spot among tourists, but for me, it’s a destination you can visit and enjoy year-round.
If you’re planning to explore the area, here’s everything you need to know about it.
Where is The Beaches in Toronto?
The Beaches is located along the coastline of Lake Ontario, east of downtown and the “Old” City of Toronto. The boundaries of the neighbourhood are Victoria Park Avenue on the east, Kingston Road on the north, Dundas Street and Coxwell Avenue on the west, and Lake Ontario on the south.
What is the main street of The Beaches?
Queen Street East is the main street of The Beaches. It’s where the heart of the neighbourhood lies, as well as its commercial district. Expect to find a line of independent specialty stores and popular restaurants along this street.
How to Get to The Beaches
By Streetcar: Riding a streetcar is the best way to explore The Beaches. Route 501 will take you along Queen Street East, Route 502 and 503 along Kingston Road, and Route 506 along Gerrard Street East.
By Bus: Riding the bus is also a great way to travel around the neighbourhood. Bus lines that serve The Beaches include 31, 62, 64, 91, and 92.
By Car: Driving east along Queen Street East is the best way to reach The Beaches. For parking, your best bet is any of the public parks because parking is free.
Best to Visit The Beaches
Summertime is the best time to visit The Beaches. This season lets you enjoy Lake Ontario at its full glory, and you can enjoy lovely strolls in the park. Additionally, the neighbourhood comes alive with fun, summer-themed events like the Beaches Jazz Festival.
Just keep in mind that The Beaches gets pretty crowded in the summer because that’s when all the tourists come to visit.
What to Do
Swim or paddleboard at Woodbine Beach Park
– From: faediaries
Address: 1675 Lake Shore Blvd E
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
To no one’s surprise, going to the beach is the main activity in a neighbourhood named “The Beaches.” And the best place to do all your favourite beachy things is Woodbine Beach Park.
The possibilities are endless in this 15.2-hectare park. Of course, you can swim or even paddleboard on the lake, but you can also just enjoy a picnic on the sandy shores. Sometimes, I even come here just to lie down under the sun or read a book. Either way, it’s fun!
Enjoy a picnic in Kew Gardens
– From: aehr_a
Address: 2075 Queen St E
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact Number: +14163922489
Another place you can go if you just want to enjoy a relaxing picnic is Kew Gardens. This garden is stunning, especially when you visit in the spring. Tulips are in full bloom, painting the whole landscape in a slew of colours!
Though I do love lying down on the green lawn and just doing nothing, I prefer strolling when I’m here. It’s soothing to see all the greenery and vibrant flowers.
Join The Beaches International Jazz Festival
– From: beachesjazz
When: Every July
Admission Fee: Free
Are you a music lover? Then, you’ll be delighted to know that The Beaches hosts a jazz festival every year, during summertime!
Usually held in July, this festival always has an exciting lineup of musicians. From what I hear, around 1,000 artists and 50 bands are invited to perform across the four weeks of the festival!
The best part is that it’s mostly free. The only times you’ll have to pay are the musical tributes to legendary artists like ABBA and Elton John.
Watch the Winter Stations competition
– From: winter.stations
When: Usually around February or March
Where: Woodbine Beach
It might be too cold to swim in Woodbine Beach during wintertime, but stopping by is still worth it because of the Winter Stations competition.
Winter Stations is a design competition featuring larger-than-life sculptures and art installations by local and international artists. It’s so exciting to see the shores transformed into this artistic playground and guess what the sculptures and installations are supposed to represent.
The theme changes every year, so you never know what to expect. In the past few years, I saw a giant raccoon and even a UFO that I could climb into!
Hike the Glen Stewart Ravine
– From: curiocitytoronto
Location: Glen Stewart Park, 351 Glen Manor Dr
Operating Hours: Open 24 hours
Contact Number: +14163922489
Do you love to hike? Then, I recommend the Glen Stewart Ravine, which is located within Glen Stewart Park.
This ravine is a beloved spot for many local hikers because it’s in a relatively hidden location. Far are the sounds of vehicles driving past, and the landscape around you alive with greenery and old trees. Sounds like heaven to me!
Plus, the ravine has an expansive boardwalk, so it’s a pretty easy trek!
Where to Eat
Limon
– From: limon.toronto
Address: 1968 Queen St E
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14169013440
If you ask me, Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisines are the best things to eat in a beachy neighbourhood, and thankfully, Limon in The Beaches is here to deliver.
I love ordering any of the sandwiches here. My current favourite is the strip steak sandwich, which has caramelized onions, pickled tomatoes, and zhug. The steak pieces are tender and smoky, and the sauce and toppings add a lovely contrast of tangy and sweet flavours.
Breakwall BBQ and Smokehouse
– From: breakwallbbq
Address: 1910 Queen St E
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Thursday—11 am to 12:30 am
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 1:30 am
Contact Number: +14166994000
Beware: if you’re on a diet, stay clear of Breakwall BBQ and Smokehouse—because you’ll forget about it when you spot the juicy and fatty briskets!
The Big Boy Sampler is a must-order. This one has everything you want for a big feast: ½ rack of back ribs, ¾ pound of brisket, ¾ pound of pulled pork, cheddar jalapeño smoked sausages, chicken wings, and three sides.
I love how every bite treats me to an explosion of savoury-smoky goodness, and by the time I’m done, I’m ready to go into a food-induced coma!
ViVetha Bistro
– From: vivethabistro
Address: 2485 Queen St E
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—8 am to 9:30 am
- Saturday and Sunday—7 am to 9:30 am
Contact Number:
Italian-French fusion sounds so good, and if you think so too, then you have to stop by Vivetha Bistro. In my opinion, Vivetha Bistro nails Italian-French fusion.
My favourite thing to get here is the Seafruit Fusilli. This pasta dish is a seafood lover’s dream: it has lobster tail, jumbo scallops, and shrimp. As for the sauce, it’s tangy and acidic, with a bit of tart creaminess from the goat cheese.
The Gull and Firkin
– From: firkinpubs
Address: 1943 Queen St E
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—11 am to 1 am
Contact Number: +14166939337
The Gull and Firkin is a Firkin pub, which is one of the most well-known pubs in Toronto. This is a great place to unwind with friends and treat yourself to your favourite classic British pub fare.
As much as I enjoy their fish and chips, it’s the steak and chips that I order often. The sirloin steak is perfectly tender and juicy, and it tastes even better with the rich, peppery, and slightly sweet brandy peppercorn sauce. The sautéed mushrooms also add a smoky earthiness to every bite.
Mira Mira Diner
– From: eatmiramira
Address: 1963 Queen St E
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Thursday—11 am to 9 pm
- Friday—11 am to 10 pm
- Saturday—10 am to 10 pm
- Sunday—10 am to 3 pm
Contact Number: +14167926472
A hidden gem on Queen Street East, Mira Mira Diner is a perfect spot for weekend brunch.
I’m obsessed with their Hot Turkey. It’s turkey breast on top of a challah French toast. The meat itself is juicy and savoury, and the truffled gravy adds even more earthy and savoury flavours to the dish.
If you want something more hearty, try their Country Breakfast, which is their version of an English breakfast. It has eggs, maple-glazed bacon, sausage, baked beans, and gratin tomato.
Castro’s Lounge
– From: castroslounge
Address: 2116 Queen St E
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—3 pm to 2 am
- Friday to Sunday—12 pm to 2 am
Contact Number: +14166998272
If you’re looking for a cozy spot, then Castro’s Lounge can fit the bill. This indie bar has a lovely, laid-back vibe, and it also hosts live music often. Sounds like the perfect place to hang out with friends on a weekend!
When I come here, I get the burrito with butter paneer and tandoori tofu. It’s so rich and smoky, and the paneer adds a mild cheesy flavour that elevates the dish.
SLATE Restaurant and Bar
– From: slatetoronto
Address: 2237 Queen St E
Operating Hours:
- Monday—5 pm to 10 pm
- Tuesday to Thursday, Sunday—12 pm to 10 pm
- Friday and Saturday—12 pm to 11 pm
Contact Number: +14166860800
Treat yourself to authentic Italian cuisine in a cozy, romantic setting at SLATE Restaurant and Bar.
My favourite things to order here are the pasta dishes, especially the Spaghetti Piccante Shrimp, which perfectly combines tangy, spicy, buttery, and sweet flavours.
If you prefer pizza, try The Butcher. It’s salty, savoury, and cheesy, and I love how it hits you with a kick of spice at the very end!
La Sala Restaurant
– From: lasala.restaurant
Address: 1975A Queen St E
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—5 pm to 10 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—10 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +14166940004
Another restaurant that you might like if you enjoy scrumptious Italian dishes is La Sala Restaurant. This place also has its own patio, which has a lovely, rustic vibe.
I recommend the Spezzatino and Tagliatelle. It’s balsamic cream sauce with braised beef tenderloin and wild mushrooms, so it tastes rich, savoury, and earthy. The beef is also super tender; it practically melts on my tongue!
Outrigger
Address: 2232 Queen St E
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—10 am to 10 pm
- Saturday and Sunday—9 am to 10 pm
Contact Number: +16477482232
Outrigger has been a staple in The Beaches. It’s a great place to come and mingle with the locals. Plus, it always has an impressive lineup of craft beers and classic bar bites!
Be sure to try any of their cocktails. I personally love the Frozen Mango because it’s sweet and fruity. Espresso Martini is another favourite of mine. It tastes like the alcoholic version of iced mocha, which is super addictive!
The Stone Lion
– From: stonelionpub
Address: 1958 Queen St E
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—11 am to 11 pm
- Thursday—11 am to 12 am
- Friday and Saturday—11 am to 1 am
Contact Number: +14166901984
When I’m craving a comforting meal, I go to The Stone Lion. My go-to option is the Chicken Focaccia Club because it’s super hearty. I also love how the cracked pepper and lemon goat cheese add a tart, slightly spicy zing to every bite.
Pair your meal with a drink too! I recommend the Watermelon Mojito, which is sweet and refreshing. There are also craft beers and spirits available here.
Restaurant Tiflisi
– From: tiflisi.toronto
Address: 1970 Queen St E
Operating Hours: Wednesday to Monday—11 am to 9 pm
Contact Number: +14166867389
It’s so hard to find restaurants serving Georgian cuisine in Toronto, so you can imagine how delighted I was when I learned about Restaurant Tiflisi.
I absolutely love the Chanakhi here. It’s a lamb that has been stewed for a long time, making it incredibly soft and tender. I don’t know what exact spices are used, but I love its mouthwatering earthy-spicy flavour combination.
Beaches N’ Cream
– From: beachesncreamto
Address: 2075 Queen St E
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—8:30 am to 8 pm
Contact Number: +14166903030
It won’t be a beachy experience if you don’t eat ice cream at least once (or several times if you love desserts like me). So, you better hit up Beaches N’ Cream when you have the chance!
This shop offers gelato, soft-serve ice cream, and sorbet, and each has its own array of flavours.
My favourite is Rum and Raisin, which was a surprise because I don’t like rum and raisins on their own. But somehow, in gelato form, I can appreciate the intensely sweet flavour, with slight bitter notes.
La Diperie Beaches
– From: ladiperie
Address: 2196 Queen St E
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Thursday—5 pm to 12 am
- Friday to Sunday—2 pm to 12 am
Contact Number: +14165673226
La Diperie Beaches is another spot I recommend to people with a sweet tooth. This shop offers all your favourite desserts—ice cream, donuts, milkshakes, cakes, and more!
I can’t resist the donuts here, especially the Le Rocher. It’s super indulgent: the hazelnut chocolate glaze coating the donut is intensely sweet, and the roasted hazelnuts add a nice crunch and a complementary nutty flavour.
Where to Shop
Nutty Chocolatier
– From: nuttybeach2014
Address: 2179 Queen St E
Operating Hours:
- Sunday to Wednesday—10 am to 6 pm
- Thursday to Friday—10 am to 7 pm
Contact Number: +14166985548
Nutty Chocolatier will make any chocolate lover’s heart sing in delight. It boasts a wide array of chocolatey treats—from classic truffle balls to chocolate sculptures of adorable animals!
I love getting the chocolate sculptures because they’re so cute. My favourites have to be the dogs and bunnies! They’re made with milk chocolate, so they’re pretty sweet but not too much that I get sick of them.
Boa Boutique
– From: boaboutique
Address: 2116B Queen St E
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday and Wednesday—11 am to 6 pm
- Thursday to Saturday—10 am to 6 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14166946867
Boa Boutique is a locally owned shop featuring a lineup of adorable and whimsical clothes that will add more colour to your wardrobe.
I’m a big fan of the dresses here. In particular, I love the Puerto Rica Dress because it’s bold and colorful—a perfect dress to wear during summer. I also enjoy the silk dresses by Belize because they have a lovely shine that sparkles in the light.
Aside from dresses, you can also find accessories here like belts and bags.
Posh Boutique
– From: poshboutiquetoronto
Address: 2016 Queen St E
Operating Hours: Monday to Saturday—11 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +14166905533
Another shop I recommend to fashionistas is Posh Boutique, and just like Boa Boutique, this one features charming and stylish clothes! I’m a big fan of the tops with neon-colored prints; wearing them makes me feel a little bolder!
It carries an impressive lineup of brands, such as Elena Wang, Bella Amore, and Liv by Habitat. To complete your look, get any of the accessories—belts, bags, socks, and the like. They even have perfumes here!
The Sweetest Things
– From: michellewalkerteam
Address: 959 Kingston Rd
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Friday—11 am to 5 pm
- Saturday—10 am to 5 pm
- Sunday—12 pm to 4 pm
Contact Number: +14166904438
Looking for a fun gift to give a loved one? Then, head over to The Sweetest Things and pick something from the array of, well, sweet gifts!
I love getting the home fragrances, especially the scented candles. The pumpkin-and-vanilla-scented one is my fave because it reminds me of autumn. The scent is also pretty mellow, which I love.
Chocolate bars and kids’ toys are available here as well. I’m not kidding when I say this shop has everything!
CharmingParrot
– From: charmingparrot
Address: 1978 Queen St E
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +14169072029
CharmingParrot may be a small boutique shop, but don’t overlook it! This shop carefully curates their items, and they’re all charismatic, pretty, and comfortable.
While I love their casual outerwear, I prefer their sleepwear. Their kimonos and pajamas have beautiful geometric designs, and they’re made of silk, so they feel super soft on the skin. I feel like I’m a pampered royal going to sleep when I’m wearing these clothes.
Set Me Free
– From: setmefreeclothing
Address: 2130 Queen St E
Operating Hours:
- Tuesday to Friday—11 am to 6 pm
- Saturday—10 am to 6 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 5 pm
Contact Number: +14166983756
If you prefer your clothes and accessories to look simple and modern, then Set Me Free is the shop for you. There’s a great variety of items here: you can find tops, bottoms, footwear, and other accessories.
I like their lineup of denim jeans. I used to think I hated denim with a burning passion, but when I got a few pairs here and found that they’re actually comfortable, I changed my tune. The Kut Jeans denim pants are my favourites because they’re so comfortable and fit me nicely.
Hanji Gifts
– From: hanjigifts
Address: 1952 Queen St E
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—10 am to 6 pm
Contact Number: +14166930295
Even when I don’t have money to spend, I still love stopping by Hanji Gifts just to see all the charming items they have in stock.
I am obsessed with the stationery items here. They have ballpoint pens with pastel-coloured casings, sealing waxes, adorable animal stickers, and more!
There are also racks of unique products. For example, there are keychains that actually play music when you press the buttons. Honestly, visiting them makes me feel like a little kid being let loose in a candy shop!
Shop Makers The Beaches
– From: shopmakers.ca
Address: 1984 Queen St E
Operating Hours:
- Monday to Wednesday—10 am to 7 pm
- Thursday to Saturday—10 am to 8 pm
- Sunday—11 am to 6 pm
What I love about Shop Makers is that the products featured here are made by local artisans. I love supporting local talent, so of course, I have to give this shop a shoutout.
Since the products are made by local artists and designers, they’re limited and can’t be found anywhere else. So far, I’ve purchased stamps, keychains, and pop-up cards here.
I’ve seen bags and crocheted items here, and I’m looking to get some.
Spiritleaf Beaches
– From: spiritleafbeaches
Address: 2116 Queen St E
Operating Hours: Monday to Sunday—9 am to 11 pm
Contact Number: +16473505323
Did you know that The Beaches actually has a few stores that sell cannabis? One example is Spiritleaf Beaches, and you might want to stop by and treat yourself to the joys of recreational marijuana.
The great thing about this shop is that they don’t just sell marijuana in its plant and rolled form. They also have vape cartridges and edibles, so you can consume this recreational drug however you want. Just remember to use it wisely and responsibly!
Where to Stay
The Broadview Hotel
– From: broadviewhotel
Address: 106 Broadview Ave
Contact Number: +14163628439
Technically, The Beaches doesn’t have any commercial hotels because it’s mostly a residential neighbourhood. But if you want to stay in a hotel that’s close enough to the area, then you might want to stay at The Broadview Hotel, which is only about a 10-minute drive from The Beaches.
This hotel is just oozing with character. The exterior looks like it’s an old, historic building, but inside, it’s a modern, colourful paradise!
The rooms and suites are also beautifully furnished with boldly coloured curtains, plush beds, and sofas with quirky throw pillows. Other perks you can enjoy include access to the fitness center, yoga mats available upon request, and live events at the rooftop bar.
