Hanlan’s Point Beach

Hanlan’s Point Beach is on the western side of the Toronto Islands, a group of small islands formed thousands of years ago from sand that washed down from the Scarborough Bluffs. 

The beach is about 2 kilometers long and looks out over Lake Ontario. It’s one of only two official clothing-optional beaches in Canada.

The area became officially clothing-optional in 2002 after a pilot program that began in 1999, though people had been sunbathing nude there since the 1890s. Hanlan’s Point also has an important place in Canadian history—it’s the country’s oldest queer gathering spot and the site of the first Gay Pride celebration in 1971.

In 2023, the clothing-optional zone was expanded to include the entire beach. Visitors can see sand dunes, native plants, and views of downtown Toronto, especially beautiful at sunset. The nearby Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, built in 1808, is one of the city’s oldest landmarks.

The beach holds a Blue Flag certification, meaning it meets high standards for water quality and environmental care.

By public transport: Take the 509 or 510 streetcar to the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at the foot of Bay Street and Queens Quay.

The streetcars connect to Union Station, which links to the subway system. Board the Hanlan's Point ferry (15-minute ride). The ferry operates from early spring through early fall, typically from 6:30 AM to 10:45 PM during operating season, with departures every 20-45 minutes on weekdays and every 30-45 minutes on weekends. Adult ferry fare costs $8.70.

Water taxis from Harbourfront Centre provide an alternative for $12, though you'll need to take the regular ferry back. After disembarking, follow the marked path through native vegetation for about 10-15 minutes to reach the beach.

By car: Drive to downtown Toronto and park near the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal at Queens Quay and Bay Street. Parking near the terminal remains limited and expensive.

Use Green P Parking lots or private parking facilities within walking distance of the ferry terminal. Note that cars cannot access the Toronto Islands themselves.

By foot: Walking to the ferry terminal from downtown Toronto hotels or attractions takes 10-20 minutes depending on your starting location.

The waterfront trail provides a scenic route. Once on the island, walking from Hanlan's Point ferry dock to the beach takes 10-15 minutes along well-maintained paths.

Is nudity mandatory or optional at this beach? Nudity remains completely optional. The entire Hanlan's Point Beach became clothing-optional in 2023, meaning you can be fully clothed, partially clothed, or nude. No one will pressure you to remove your clothes, and both clothed and unclothed visitors share the beach comfortably.

Is this an officially designated nude beach? Yes. Toronto City Council made Hanlan's Point Beach officially clothing-optional through a municipal bylaw in 2002, making it Ontario's only legal clothing-optional beach and one of two in Canada (the other being Wreck Beach in Vancouver).

What's the best time to visit to avoid crowds? Weekdays during June and early September offer quieter visits. The beach gets packed on long weekends (Canada Day, Labour Day) and hot summer weekends when hundreds of people gather for a party atmosphere. Early mornings before 11 AM and late afternoons after 4 PM see fewer visitors. Winter months see almost no beach activity.

Is the beach open year-round or only in certain seasons? The beach remains physically accessible year-round, but the ferry to Hanlan's Point operates only from spring through early fall (roughly late April through early October). During winter, ferry service to Hanlan's Point suspends operations, though Ward's Island ferry continues year-round. Lifeguard service and beach maintenance run daily from June through Labour Day (early September).

Is there an entrance fee or parking charge? No entrance fee exists for the beach itself. The ferry costs $8.70 for adults (return trip included). Children under 2 ride free, with reduced fares for seniors (65+), youth (15-19), and children (2-14). Monthly passes are available at the ferry terminal. Water taxis charge around $12 one way.

How do I get to the beach—by car, public transport, or foot? You must take the ferry from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. Take the 509 or 510 streetcar from Union Station to the terminal at Bay Street and Queens Quay. You can drive and park near the terminal, but parking remains limited and expensive. Cars cannot access the islands.

Is the path to the beach easy to walk or does it require hiking? The path from the ferry dock to the beach takes 10-15 minutes along a well-maintained, clearly marked trail through native vegetation. The walk is easy and flat, suitable for most fitness levels. Bring footwear for the walk, as the path can be sandy in places. The trail can get flooded during high water years, requiring detours through vegetation.

Is there parking nearby, and how far is it from the beach? Parking exists only on the mainland near the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal. Green P parking lots and private facilities operate within walking distance of the terminal. From parking to ferry to beach takes about 30-45 minutes total. No parking exists on the Toronto Islands themselves.

Are there signs indicating the nude area? Yes. Clear signage marks the clothing-optional areas extensively, so visitors won't wander into the nude section accidentally. Since 2023, the entire beach is clothing-optional, with signs posted throughout to inform visitors of the policy.

Are there public restrooms or showers? Yes. Four washroom facilities and one changeroom are located near the beach. One outdoor shower facility is available. Facilities are cleaned regularly during peak season. The washrooms and showers are located close to the beach, about a 2-5 minute walk from most beach areas.

Can I buy food or drinks nearby? A snack bar operates near the beach during summer months. You can also bring your own food and drinks. More extensive food options exist on Centre Island if you walk or bike there. Mermaid Café serves the area. Most visitors pack their own refreshments.

Are sunbeds or umbrellas available to rent? No rental services for sunbeds or umbrellas exist at Hanlan's Point Beach. Bring your own beach chair, towel, or portable sunshade. Many visitors bring pop-up tents for shade.

Should I bring my own towel, chair, or sunshade? Yes, absolutely. Bring towels or blankets, beach chairs, and portable shade structures like umbrellas or pop-up tents. Limited natural shade exists on the beach itself. The lack of amenities means coming prepared enhances your comfort significantly.

Can I bring my dog? Dogs must remain leashed on the Toronto Islands but are not permitted on any beaches during summer months (April through October). Dogs can access the islands on ferries but must stay off the beach areas. From November through March, leashed dogs are allowed on Toronto beaches.

Is the beach suitable for children and families? Yes. Families with children visit the clothing-optional section regularly. Children are welcome and the beach maintains a family-friendly atmosphere alongside the adult crowd. The shallow water near shore makes swimming safer for children. However, the beach attracts primarily adults, and the party atmosphere on weekends might not suit all families.

Is there shade on the beach or should I bring my own cover? Limited natural shade exists directly on the beach. Fragile sand dunes and scattered vegetation provide some protection, but bringing your own umbrella or pop-up tent is strongly recommended. Grassy areas with picnic tables behind the beach offer shade under trees.

Is it okay to stay partially clothed or wear a swimsuit? Completely acceptable. Many visitors stay partially or fully clothed. The clothing-optional designation means nudity is permitted but not required. You'll see people in every state of dress from fully clothed to completely nude, and everyone coexists comfortably.

Can I take photos or use my phone? Photography requires extreme caution and consideration. Signs prohibit photography at the beach to protect privacy. While this may not be legally enforceable in a public space, respecting others' privacy is essential. Keep cameras and phones out of sight unless taking landscape photos with no people. Ask explicit permission before photographing anyone. Many beachgoers will strongly object to visible camera use.

What's the etiquette around staring or interacting with others? Treat everyone with respect and avoid staring. People visit for relaxation and freedom, not to be objectified. The atmosphere remains friendly and community-oriented. Strike up conversations naturally but respect people's desire for privacy. Creepy behavior, leering, or obvious gawking is not tolerated by the community.

Can I walk nude outside the beach area (like on the trail or at the café)? No. Nudity is only legal within the designated beach area. You must be clothed on the ferry, on trails, and at food outlets. The clothing-optional designation applies exclusively to the beach itself.

Are lifeguards on duty? Yes. Lifeguards patrol the beach daily from 11:30 AM to 6:30 PM during the peak season (June through Labour Day). First aid equipment is available on site. Outside these hours and dates, swimming occurs without supervision.

Is it safe to swim here? Generally yes. Hanlan's Point Beach holds Blue Flag certification, indicating excellent water quality and safety standards. The City of Toronto tests water daily during summer and posts results online. E.coli levels occasionally rise after heavy rains, temporarily making swimming unsafe. Red flags indicate when conditions are hazardous. The water near shore remains shallow, allowing you to walk out about 100 feet before it deepens. Lake Ontario stays cold even in summer due to its depth.

Are there any dangerous sea creatures or sharp rocks? No dangerous sea creatures inhabit Lake Ontario near the beach. Some areas have rocks and pebbles mixed with sand that can hurt bare feet. Organic lake debris sometimes washes ashore. The water itself poses no unusual hazards beyond typical lake swimming concerns like currents and cold temperatures.

Can I camp overnight or stay nearby? No camping is permitted on Hanlan's Point or anywhere on the Toronto Islands. The islands close to the public at night, and the last ferry departs in the late evening (around 10:45 PM in summer). Hotels exist only on the Toronto mainland, a ferry ride away. Some visitors bring tents for daytime shade and privacy, but overnight camping is prohibited.

Is it safe to leave my belongings unattended? Exercise normal caution. The beach has a generally friendly, community atmosphere, but theft can occur. Bring only essentials and keep valuables secured. Many visitors use dry bags or small locks. The social nature of the beach means neighbors often watch each other's things informally, but don't rely on this.

What's the general vibe—quiet and relaxed, or social and active? The vibe varies by location and time. The north end near the airport tends to be quieter and less crowded. The south end, especially on weekends, becomes a raucous party scene with loud music from boats moored offshore, beach volleyball, and hundreds of social beachgoers. Weekdays offer a more relaxed, peaceful atmosphere. The overall energy is friendly, inclusive, and body-positive.

Are there regular visitors or local naturist groups? Yes. A dedicated community of regular visitors returns throughout the season, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The beach has strong ties to naturist organizations like TNT!MEN (Totally Naked Toronto Men Enjoying Nudity), which advocated for the beach's official designation. Many regulars know each other and contribute to the friendly, community feel.

Are single visitors welcome? Absolutely. Singles, couples, and groups all feel welcome. The diverse crowd includes people of all ages, genders, and relationship statuses. Single visitors integrate easily into the relaxed, social atmosphere. No one judges visitors based on whether they arrive alone or with others.

Is the beach LGBTQ+ friendly? Extremely. Hanlan's Point Beach is recognized as one of the oldest surviving queer spaces in the world and was the site of Canada's first Gay Pride celebration in 1971.

The beach has always been "gay friendly" and maintains a strong LGBTQ+ presence, particularly among gay men. However, it attracts diverse visitors of all orientations and identities. In 2023, the city installed a permanent Pride flagpole and heritage plaque recognizing the beach's LGBTQ+ history.

Are there any events, meetups, or activities held here? The beach hosts informal gatherings on long weekends (Canada Day, Labour Day) that draw large crowds for parties. Beach volleyball, frisbee, and other spontaneous activities happen regularly on busy days.

The beach served as the site of Canada's first Pride celebration in 1971 and continues to be an important gathering place for the LGBTQ+ community. No formal organized events typically occur, but the social atmosphere creates a festival-like environment on peak weekends.