You know that moment when you’re walking along the boardwalk, lake breeze in your face, paddleboarders out in the distance, and you forget—just for a second—that you’re in Toronto? That’s The Beach. And as a BC-born, West Coast-raised girl, I can confidently say: this neighbourhood gives off *serious* West Coast vibes.
I’ve loved this place since University Frosh Week in 1999 when it first made the list of “must-see Toronto spots.” Since then, it’s been where I’ve played beach volleyball, raced along the Martin Goodman Trail, walked my golden retriever more times than I can count, and watched my son Max eat his first ever ice cream cone on a lakeside bench. It’s chill, it’s charming, it’s cottage-core meets city living—and it still feels like a little escape from the everyday.
The Real Estate Scoop
The Beach (or “The Beaches,” if you like to start fights with locals) is known for its mix of grand Edwardians, semi-detached Victorians, and that elusive unicorn: the fully renovated, lakeside-adjacent detached home with parking and a porch. Prices? Let’s just say they’ve got a view premium—but when you step out your front door and smell the water, it kind of makes sense.
You’ll find low-rise condos and the occasional new-build, but most of the neighbourhood still holds onto its charming, leafy-lane, front-garden pride. There’s been pushback on major developments, which means the area’s vibe stays more small-town, less high-rise. If you’re into neighbourhoods with character and curb appeal, The Beach delivers.
The Neighbourhood
This is where Queen East gets its beach glow-up. Think yoga studios, curated boutiques, indie bookstores, dog bakeries (yes, really), and ice cream shops that trigger full-blown lineups on a July afternoon. And then there’s the actual beach—a continuous stretch of shoreline that blends Woodbine, Kew, Scarboro, and Balmy Beaches into one epic waterfront playground.
The boardwalk runs alongside the sand, and the Martin Goodman Trail gives cyclists and runners the perfect route to get their nature fix without ever leaving the city. You’ve also got Kew Gardens (aka the heart of the neighbourhood), home to festivals, concerts, and community events all year long.
My faves? Woodbine Beach for volleyball and people-watching. The Boardwalk for golden hour walks with the dog (or, better yet, the whole beach in the winter which goes off leash for 5 glorious months). Limon for Mediterranean everything. Balmy Beach Club if you want to feel like you’re in a private beach town. And Fearless Meat because honestly? That name alone deserves your support. Best burger in town.
The Neighbourhood in Photos
