Get on Board this Summer: Stand-up Paddleboarding in Toronto
Shannon McCabe,
Guest Blogger
This blog was written by guest blogger, Shannon McCabe.
Looking for a great way to spend some time outdoors without leaving the city? Stand-up paddling offers a truly unique perspective of Toronto’s waterfront and is a great way to connect with nature without having to hit the highway. Toronto has 157 kilometers of Lake Ontario shoreline which offers endless places to check out via paddleboard. Here are a just a few places that are worthwhile checking out:
Humber Bay
Located in Etobicoke, Humber Bay is a little further from downtown Toronto, but the fantastic views of the CN Tower and the city skyline make the trip absolutely worth it. Humber Bay consists of two parks – Humber Bay East and Humber Bay West, separated by Mimico Creek. The water in Humber Bay is always crystal clear – so clear that you’ll often come across scuba divers while you’re out paddling. While you’re there be sure to check out the Humber Bay Butterfly Habitat which is an ecological restoration project that offers habitat for a number of butterfly species.
 A paddleboarder on Humber Bay |
 A pair paddleboarding on the Humber Bay |
Toronto Islands
A few paddleboarders in Toronto
The Toronto Islands are one of the city’s best places to stand-up paddle. The Islands offer an incredible view of the city skyline and endless places to explore with over 13 islands– yes 13! The Toronto Islands have white sand beaches, beautiful marshland and great views of both the city and Lake Ontario. Hanlan’s Point Beach and Ward’s Island Beach are both Blue Flag beaches, which means they meet specific criteria for water quality. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can paddle to the Toronto Islands from the city or you can take the ferry across.
Cherry Beach
Cherry Beach
Cherry Beach is another great Blue Flag Beach to stand-up paddleboard in Toronto. Compared to other beaches, Cherry Beach is a bit more natural and a little-less manicured than other beaches. It is located in a quasi-industrial area of Toronto and has a very unique feel to it, attracting an array of different people from sailors and stand-up paddleboarders to dog people and party people. Cherry Beach can be quite windy at times so if you’re new to stand-up paddleboarding, you should check the wind speeds before you head out. As well, Cherry Beach is a fabulous place to catch a summer sunset.
The Beaches / Kew – Balmy Beach
The Beaches is a great spot in Toronto’s east end. As a former summer cottage area for Torontonians dating back to the 1870s, it’s a city escape within the city. The beach is sandy and beautiful with a busy boardwalk. It’s a popular place for stand-up paddleboarders and is a great people-watching place.
Bluffer’s Park
Bluffer’s Park
Bluffer’s Park, located in Toronto’s furthest east end, is another Blue Flag beach and considered by some to be Toronto’s best beach. The Bluffs themselves are stunning – and even more stunning from the water. The white bluffs against the blue waters of Lake Ontario make it appear almost tropical. You may not know this, but the Bluffs are home to Ontario’s only year-round float home community. Check it out! If you’re planning to visit the Bluffs on a summer weekend, be sure to get there early because parking is very limited.
Now what are you waiting for? Get out there and explore Toronto by paddleboard!
