Bluffer's Park Beach

Bluffer's Park Beach is a sandy lakeside beach and marina area at the base of the Scarborough Bluffs, at 1 Brimley Rd S in Scarborough, Toronto, Ontario, Canada, about 17 km east of downtown. The Bluffs are towering clay cliffs rising high above Lake Ontario, and the beach sits beneath them, giving it a dramatic backdrop that is unlike any other in the city. The sand is soft and pale, the water is freshwater lake water that ranges from clear blue-green to cloudy when wind stirs sediment, and the entry is gradual. The beach is exposed to open water to the south, and wind can create waves, though the adjacent marina and breakwaters shelter portions of the shoreline. The atmosphere is scenic and generally quieter than the central city beaches, popular with photographers, picnickers, anglers and boaters. Amenities include seasonal lifeguards, washrooms, picnic areas, a boat launch and parking, with the marina providing a working-waterfront feel. Food options are limited, so visitors usually bring supplies. Toronto Public Health samples the water daily from June to Labour Day, and swimmers should check posted advisories and avoid swimming for 24 to 48 hours after heavy rain. Access is by several routes. TTC Kingston Road routes run to Brimley Road, from which visitors walk down the hill to the park, and the walk down is easy but the return climb is steeper. Drivers can use the parking at the park, which charges a fee in summer, and the lot fills early on warm weekends. Because the park is far from downtown, it suits a half-day or full-day outing, often combined with viewpoints along the top of the Bluffs such as the nearby lookouts. The cliffs are unstable and erode over time, so visitors are advised to keep away from the base of the cliff face and to respect signage. The scenery is best in morning or late afternoon light, when the clay faces glow warm against the blue lake, and the beach is a favourite for sunrise photography.