Located 7km from the core of the city, The Beach is a charming, laid-back neighbourhood with a relaxed small-town vibe.
If ever there were streets made for idly sauntering, they are Kingston Rd & Queen Street East. Reflecting the diversity and easy-going attitudes of the neighbourhood, the bustling thoroughfares are lined with quaint and quirky stores, and a cool collection of bars and restaurants.
The inviting Lake Ontario beachfront features acres of soft sand, shady parks that are ideal for a picnic, bike and rollerblade paths and a 3-km boardwalk. Soak up the atmosphere or work up a sweat along the paths at one of the many beach volleyball courts.
Nestled between Queen Street and the beach is Kew Gardens, a large public park which is home to the neighbourhood’s many festivals, craft shows, concerts and exhibitions, including the annual Beaches International Jazz Festival, which attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors every July.
At the eastern end of the neighbourhood, you’ll find the R.C. Harris Filtration Plant – one of the best examples of Art Deco industrial architecture in Toronto.
If relaxed and a “come as you are” attitude is what you value in a neighbourhood, then you should spend some time exploring the Beach.
1. Beach Pilates, 2305 Queen St E
2. Beaches Bake Shop, 900 Kingston Rd
3. Bikram Yoga Beaches, 1911 Queen St E
4. Coquete Studios, 2308 Queen St E
5. Courage Foods, 946 Kingston Rd
6. Life is Sweet, 2328 Queen St E
7. Madhus Café, 982 Kingston Rd
8. Meat on the Beach, 1860 Queen St E
9. MooMilk Bar, 1918 Queen St E
10. No Bull Burgers, 1019 Kingston Rd
11. Stone Pizza, 281 Scarborough Rd
12. The Beach Tree, 924 Kingston Rd
13. The Green Dragon, 1032 Kingston Rd
14. The Ten Spot, 2012 Queen St E
15. Tori’s Bakeshop, 2188 Queen St E
16. Vi Vetha, 2485 Queen St E