Hanlan's Point

Hanlan’s Point Beach is a Blue Flag Beach for the 2023 season*.

Hanlan’s Point is located on what is now the Toronto Islands. This chain of islands used to be a peninsula connected to the mainland. Hanlan’s Point has long-served as a recreation spot for Torontonians. At one point it was home to an amusement park and baseball stadium where Babe Ruth hit his first professional home run (into Lake Ontario). Once you take the Hanlan's ferry from downtown Toronto, a short walk will get you to the beach – keep to the well-marked trails to protect the native flora and fauna. This beach is bordered by vegetated sand dunes. Learn more about sand dune ecology, by reading the interpretive signage posted at the beach. If you’re looking to get rid of your pesky tan lines, Hanlan’s Point is the place to go: it’s one of the only two official “clothes optional” beaches in all of Canada (the other is far away in BC). Feeling shy? Don’t worry, there’s a clothed area as well. Lifeguards are present daily from 11:30 to 18:30, with first aid equipment on site.

Find the ferry schedule and purchase tickets at: http://www.toronto.ca/ferry

*A Blue Flag beach is one that meets strict water quality and safety criteria. These beaches are certified annually as being clean, accessible, eco-friendly, and having great water quality! Swim Drink Fish is the National Operator for Blue Flag in Canada.

For more information, visit www.blueflag.ca

Photo by Jospeh Morris