Hanlan's Point Beach image

Hanlan's Point Beach

Bar โ€ข Tourist attraction โ€ข Public beach

Sandy, seasonal public beach with lifeguards & a popular clothing-optional area. People often mention beach, water, Toronto, nude, view, ferry, great, people, area, time,


Address

Lakeshore Ave, Toronto, ON M5J 2W2, Canada

Website

www.toronto.ca

Contact

+1 416-392-8196

Rating on Google Maps

4.60 (1.8K reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Monday: Open 24 hours
  • Tuesday: Open 24 hours
  • Wednesday: Open 24 hours
  • Thursday: Open 24 hours
  • Friday: Open 24 hours
  • Saturday: Open 24 hours
  • Sunday: Open 24 hours

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: beach (53) water (16) Toronto (13) nude (12) view (12) ferry (10) great (10) people (9) area (9) time (9)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Zara A. 1 year ago on Google โ€ข 62 reviews
    One of my favourite spots to watch the sunset. Also my favourite beach in the city. It has a chill vibe, feels like you left Ontario without leaving Toronto. PS. A lot of people avoid this beach thinking it's a nude beach ๐Ÿ˜‰ but that's only a small area of the beach. Most of it is actually a clothing mandatory beach and you're completely separate from the nude portion. Take the hanlans point ferry here ($8 two way). The last ferry leaves at 11 pm, after that water taxis run but not sure till what time. ($12 bucks one way). There is only one snack bar on the beach which closes early.
    34 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Jaskarn B. 7 months ago on Google โ€ข 418 reviews
    Nice view of the skyline. This is a great spot to catch the sunset. It is a nudist beach with typically men partaking though so you may cop a view of more than just the skyline ๐Ÿ˜…
    7 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Christoff A. 2 years ago on Google
    Specific beach where can be free like a bird by creating that merry merry world. Let those thoughts take place, yes pretty much without the Birthday suit ๐Ÿ˜ Few months till spring but would all pay of.
    21 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Amogh J. 1 year ago on Google โ€ข 194 reviews
    A great little beach on Hanlan's Island with the options for both clothing-optional and clothing-mandatory part of the beaches.. When in Toronto or living here, Hanlan's Point is a must visit place You would have an amazing time here at any given point of the year. However, I'd recommended going there on summers and spring as it's the best time for beach trips!
    12 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Julian G. 1 year ago on Google
    Great view and the beach is massive. Great inclusive space. Iโ€™ve had a few unpleasant experiences with catching dudes staring at my female friends and making them uncomfortable, in one case a woman caught at guy taking photos. Iโ€™d say those incidents are few and far between but want to mention it since the police situation there is precarious for those types of situations. As with any nude beach: Get naked, have fun, be kind, but just bit a bit mindful of who is around you. Best time: sunset. The view is breathtaking.
    16 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Rachael K. 1 year ago on Google
    I find it way too busy on weekends so I try to limit my time there to weekdays and I am there whenever the weather cooperates since it my favourite escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and the sunsets there are often quite remarkable. Hanlanโ€™s uniqueness amongst all public beaches in Ontario is an area has been designated โ€˜clothing optionalโ€™. That makes it the only place I can enjoy the sun, sand & water as I am most comfortable wearing nothing more than my own skin. Overall I love this place so much that, weather permitting, it is no surprise that I am there 2-3 days or more every week for the entire summer.
    13 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 3/5 Buck M. 4 years ago on Google
    Clothing optional beach located on the Toronto Island Park. Often busy on weekends, this stretch of beach has wonderful city views and clean sand. Good swimming area. Lots of fun for everyone, from swimming, tanning, throwing around a football or frisbee. Alcohol is not permitted on the beach but as long as you are discreet and behaved it is not severely enforced. Keep in mind that you will see fully nude folks and every once in a while there is some frisky business in the nearby wooded area. Excellent place to watch the air show or fireworks. There is a small seasonal grill just minutes away from the beach entrance where you can get cold beer. Take the frequent ferry service or water taxi over and spend the day.
    13 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 mizzmomi 1 year ago on Google โ€ข 34 reviews
    Beautiful little island with a chill crowd. Loved laying here and bumping tunes with my girl. I would definitely return. The sand was softer and cleaner than a lot of other beaches I've been to around Toronto. Highly recommend this beach to anyone who is LGBTQ friendly and is okay with the nude beach area ;). Loved the water taxi and ferry ride there and back as well. A little bit of a mission..be prepared to walk to the beach area and pack smart. Definitely worth the stunning view of the 6ix from the island though!
    12 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Sanaz K. 11 months ago on Google
    Itโ€™s a great place for a 9-10km hike around the island.
    12 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 maxwell h. 7 months ago on Google โ€ข 82 reviews
    great day at the beach, I do agree with the reviews saying there's too many clothed folks though!! there are many beaches on the island and though I was comfortable going nude I know a lot of folks wouldn't be when surrounded by clothed people. it was beautiful though, a great view of the skyline ๐Ÿ‘ had a blast
    9 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Ipek B. 8 months ago on Google
    Water is very clean compared to other Toronto beaches This is a clothing optional beach
    10 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Lorenzo G. 6 months ago on Google โ€ข 196 reviews
    Great spot to see the Toronto skyline. I was recently there for the last day of the CNE and I was able to see the air show very clearly. It was very loud but very cool.
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Alex A. 1 year ago on Google
    Warning: this review is for the clothing mandatory area (southeast end toward the public bathroom) but if youโ€™re there when itโ€™s busy expect to see several or many nude (mostly male) people walking past along the shoreline. If youโ€™re NOT OK with that you should probably go to one of the many other beaches on the Toronto Islands. Even though itโ€™s not โ€œtechnically permittedโ€ it happens and there is no one there to really enforce it. Recently the beach has been restored and is absolutely stunning. There is lots of fresh deep sand with sand dunes and a shoreline that is great for swimming. If you plan to visit for the day/afternoon pack refreshments and food because there is nowhere close to buy food or drinks. You can get city drinking water from the bathrooms nearby. There are plenty of garbage and recycling bins everywhere so USE THEM and leave the place so everyone can enjoy
    8 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Photo by V. P. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice and clean beach, kind of quiet not so much people or noise, not kids around, few dogs (went on Friday probably weekends are more busy.) All people very respectful and in the own business maybe +90% nude, is optional to wear clothes. Water was super cold even summer still on. Bathroom's from Mermaid coffee just outside entrance of the beach. Walking distance from Ferry is nice and not long.
    6 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 cherry K. 1 year ago on Google
    I came here to get a tan! We looked for a place without nude ppl and then we saw it๐Ÿ˜… But the weather and the temperature of the water were goooood! I had a good experience tho๐Ÿ˜€
    5 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 Sandeep C. 6 months ago on Google โ€ข 97 reviews
    Nice views and a great place to relax. It's a clothes optional โ›ฑ๏ธ๐Ÿ–๏ธ. However most beach visitors had their clothes on with a few swimmers totally naked. Just so that you know. It's however a great place to be with and without clothes. Nice beautiful views of the city skyline that is a little different to the usual one. Beautiful sunsets views ...
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Glenn D. 2 years ago on Google
    Best place in Toronto islands very wild and many different types of Birds very hot in summer time unique eco system
    4 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Tawseef K. 2 years ago on Google
    Absolutely beautiful view of Torontoโ€™s skyline from the beach. I find it most beautiful in summer but thereโ€™s something in every season to enjoy. Come here prepared for a nice, relaxing walk. Bring snacks for picnic as there are tons of places to eat and enjoy a picnic.
    4 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 Simon S. 1 year ago on Google
    It's a nice beach if you like youthful vibes. Take in mind this is a naked optional beach, in a gay friendly environment. I would say it's NOT a place for children, but it's up to you. Good place to take a sunbath, unfortunately the water of the Lake Ontario is not clean, so I wouldn't recommend to go inside the water.
    3 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Friends of H. 8 months ago on Google
    Hanlan's is one of the world's oldest surviving *queer* spaces and the site of Canada's first Pride (1971). Its rare freshwater coastal dunes have served as an oasis for queer people since at least the 1940s. It was also one of the world's first nude beaches (originally 1890, reinstated in 1999) and has a history of nudism and naturism stretching back over a centry. It draws large crowds of queer and naturist folks on weekends, with weekdays offering a quieter experience. Recently, the City of Toronto voted to recognize the significant queer history of the beach and to expand the clothing-optional (nude) section to the entire beach. You can access the beach by taking a ferry or water taxi to the Hanlan's Point ferry docks and walking 1km to the beach entrance. There are washrooms and a snack bar before you enter the beach. Campfires, dogs, and large sound systems are prohibited. Please be respectful of the unique queer, naturist, and ecological significance of the space <3 For updates, follow friendsofhanlans on insta
    3 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 Stephen C. 8 months ago on Google
    It's was nice to see they extended the beach but there always seem to be groups of inconsiderate beach goers being loud and obnoxious, playing music too loud and lacking any beach etiquette. That said the NEW side of the beach is much nicer than the original area. Water in the original area is Meh, beach is decent but check out the NEW beach for a better experience. While apparently stuff happens in the bushes, haven't seen anything myself, thank goodness ๐Ÿ˜‚ Have fun in the sun!
    3 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Pamela B. 3 years ago on Google
    I stopped by Hanlan's Point Beach because I really wanted to see the sunset! It was gorgeous ! Such a great view.
    3 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Chloe L. 10 months ago on Google
    Best view of the city. Iโ€™ve visited this spot several times because of how beautiful the view is :).
    3 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Jennifer 8 months ago on Google โ€ข 29 reviews
    Visted on a Thursday late afternoon. Loved this place so beautiful and peaceful not crowded at all while I was there.
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 BAYMIRAFLORES 2 years ago on Google
    Beautiful views. Clean beach. Friendly people. Great memories. Seems fairly safe. Love it here!
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Meagan 2 years ago on Google
    The beach was clean and it was a beautiful view! Perfect for hang outs, picnic and more! Would recommend! Iโ€™m definitely visiting again!
    2 people found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Phajik Music (. 8 months ago on Google โ€ข 26 reviews
    Gorgeous clothing optional beach. Very queer friendly vibes. White sand beach and lovely view of the city. Ferry services and water taxis are available from downtown. I would recommend the trip to the island. There is a moderately long walk once you reach the island.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 sepia B. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice beach. Not very big. Beware of nude section. Lots of boats come to hangout on weekends
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Leo B. 9 months ago on Google
    A great place to relax at pretty much any time of day. It's so nice to have an inclusive outdoor space where people can be dressed or undressed to their own comfort level. One of my favorite spots in Toronto โค๏ธ As a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, this is an amazing outdoor safe space, and a must if you are visiting!
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 OKANZ94 9 months ago on Google
    So beatiful place you have to go there really peaceful beach๐Ÿ‘Œ
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Manpreet D. 2 years ago on Google
    Very good place far from city's noise.... Very calming vibes.... Must bring towel amd some food.... Ur running clothes and tent may be.... You'll enjoy ur stay
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 4/5 EJ C. 1 year ago on Google
    You don't want to go there on weekends. It can get so crowded. You just have to know when to go. Weekdays is recommended.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Kayla B. 2 years ago on Google
    Minus the 1 really rude group of nudist and the people having an obnoxious rave closeby while we were trying to enjoy a beautiful outdoor performance it was a really nice first experience of Hanlans point.
    1 person found this review helpful ๐Ÿ‘

  • 5/5 Natinho L. 7 months ago on Google
    Beautiful journey by a 10 min ferry. Easy to buy a ticket online and save the queuing up. The ferry may Catch an airplane taking off above your heads now and again. The beach is really easy to access, good signposted. For more nature, half way you will see a funny structure towards the reserve. You are surrounded by bushes and wildlife. If you want a more public beach, don't take this path, instead continue with the main paved path towards the center of the beach. The sand here is dark and the water is not as cold as one would think. Not everyone strips down, what is good if you don't want to burn your secret bits. Be aware it will take you 25 min to 35min to return to the ferry. Enjoy the stunning views of Toronto from the water.

  • 5/5 Kamia G. 7 months ago on Google โ€ข 22 reviews
    Had the time of our lives here. It was our first time & everyone was friendly. The sunset was gorgeous

  • 5/5 Carlos A. 8 months ago on Google
    Lovely. Great way to spend a summer evening

  • 4/5 J H. 9 months ago on Google
    Wonderful clothing-optional beach just a ferry ride from the city. Bring shade with you since it's very limited. The sand gets burning hot too.

  • 4/5 Quinn D. 1 year ago on Google
    Great place for a swim and a tan. Just be careful, the sand gets hot! Lol.

  • 5/5 Jaime D. 2 years ago on Google
    Warm water in August. Sand floor with green water. Perfect place. There are two beaches: one with clothes, and one without.

  • 5/5 Erika W. 2 years ago on Google
    Large beach on the Toronto Island. Clothing optional beach on the south part. Tide can come in quite high later in the day in the summer. Popular place for boats to anchor.

  • 5/5 A C. 2 years ago on Google
    Nice beach to pull up to when Iโ€™m on the water on a jet ski. Clean beach, a little rocky closer to the airport and shallow enough to walk out into the water a bit.


Call +1 416-392-8196 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • โœ— Wheelchair-accessible car park

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