You’re on the ferry, the skyline is shrinking behind you, and there’s that specific smell of Lake Ontario—a mix of cold deep water and diesel fumes. Most people on the boat are heading to Centre Island to fight the crowds at the petting zoo or the pizza pizza stand. But if you stay on until the western tip, you hit Hanlan’s Point Beach. It’s a place that exists in the Toronto imagination as "the nude beach," but that label is honestly a massive oversimplification of what’s actually happening out there among the dunes.
Hanlan’s is weird. It’s beautiful. It’s historic in a way that’s finally getting its due, but it's also constantly under threat from Lake Ontario’s rising water levels and the encroaching city. If you haven't been in a few years, or if you’ve been avoiding it because you’re "not a nude beach person," you’re missing the point of the island's most interesting corner.
The "Clothing Optional" Myth
First off, let's clear the air: you don't have to be naked. I’ve seen people out there in full-on denim jeans and hoodies (which, honestly, seems miserable in July). The beach is technically "clothing optional" in a specific marked zone. Roughly 90% of the people on the beach on any given Saturday are actually wearing swimsuits.
The "nude" part of the beach is a designated stretch of sand protected by fences and very clear signage. If you walk past those signs, yeah, you're going to see some skin. But even within the nude section, the vibe isn't sexual or sketchy. It’s mostly just people who want to avoid tan lines or who enjoy the sensation of the sun on their back without the constraint of soggy Lycra.
Etiquette 101
- No Photos. This is the big one. Don't be that person. Even if you're just taking a selfie with the CN Tower in the background, be hyper-aware of who is behind you.
- Staring is weird. It’s a beach, not a gallery.
- Bring a towel. If you’re going to sit on the sand or use a public bench while disrobed, it’s just basic hygiene.
- Space is limited. Don't hog three meters of shoreline with a massive tent.
Why Hanlan’s Point Beach is Canada’s Most Important Queer Space
A lot of people think Hanlan’s became a "gay beach" just because it was secluded. That’s part of it, sure. But the history goes way deeper. In 1971, this beach was the site of the first "Gay Picnic," which was essentially Canada's first Pride celebration. At a time when being queer was still criminalized or socially ruinous, the 15-minute ferry ride was a literal journey to safety.
The city finally acknowledged this in 2023 and 2024 by installing a permanent heritage plaque near the beach. It’s a big deal. For decades, the community had to fight off "improvement" plans—everything from building a massive concert venue on the dunes to covering the sand in concrete for wave pools. The beach is a sanctuary. It’s one of the few places in the world where queer and trans people can exist in public without looking over their shoulder.
Getting There Without Losing Your Mind
Jack Layton Ferry Terminal is a nightmare on weekends. I'm not being dramatic; the lines can be two hours long in the blistering heat.
If you want to do Hanlan’s right, you have two real options. First, buy your ferry tickets online. It won't save you from the line to board, but it saves you the line to pay. Second—and this is the pro move—take a water taxi. It’ll cost you about $13 instead of the $9 ferry, but they leave from multiple docks along the Waterfront (like Spadina or York St) and they drop you off right at the Hanlan’s dock. No crowds, better views, and you feel like a high-roller for the price of a fancy latte.
Once you land at the Hanlan's Point dock, you've got a roughly 10-15 minute walk to the actual sand. You’ll pass the statue of Ned Hanlan (the world-champion rower who grew up here) and the airport fence. Yes, the airport.
The Plane Spotting Paradox
One of the most jarring things about Hanlan's is that it sits directly next to Billy Bishop Airport. You'll be lying there, listening to the waves, and then a Porter Q400 turboprop screams overhead. It’s weirdly hypnotic. You can see the pilots' faces if you look closely enough. For some, the noise is a dealbreaker. For most of us who frequent the beach, it’s just part of the "Toronto Island" soundtrack.
The Fragile Ecosystem Nobody Mentions
The sand at Hanlan’s isn't just for towels; it’s part of a rare freshwater coastal dune ecosystem. These dunes are incredibly fragile. There’s marram grass growing there that keeps the whole beach from washing into the lake.
Environmentalists will tell you that even ten footsteps in the wrong spot can kill the grass and lead to massive erosion. This is why you see the snow fences everywhere. They aren't there to keep you out; they're there to keep the beach from disappearing. Stick to the paths. Please.
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Practical Survival Tips
The sun hits differently on the island. Because you’re surrounded by water, you get hit with reflected UV from every angle. I’ve seen some of the worst sunburns of my life at Hanlan's.
- Pack Water. There is a fountain near the washrooms, but it's a long trek from the shoreline.
- The Sand is Lava. The sand at Hanlan's is darker than the white-sand beaches of the Caribbean. It gets hot enough to blister your feet by 2:00 PM. Wear sandals until you hit the water.
- The Cold. Lake Ontario is deep. Even in August, the water temperature can drop 10 degrees in an hour if the wind shifts. It’s refreshing, but it’ll take your breath away.
- No Shops. Unlike Centre Island, there isn't a food court here. There’s a small snack bar near the dock (sometimes), but don't count on it. Pack a lunch.
Making the Most of the Sunset
If you take the last ferry back, you’re doing it wrong. Stay for the sunset. Hanlan’s faces west, which means you get the best sunset views in the city. The sun dips right into the lake, and the sky turns this incredible bruised purple and orange.
Most people start packing up around 6:00 PM to beat the ferry rush. If you wait until 8:00 or 9:00 PM, the beach gets quiet, the bonfire pits (if you were lucky enough to snag one) start crackling, and you get to see the Toronto skyline light up. It’s the only way to truly experience the magic of the place.
How to Plan Your Visit Today
If you're planning to head out this weekend, check the City of Toronto's swim water quality reports first. Because it's a Blue Flag beach, the water is usually great, but heavy rain can occasionally cause issues.
Once you’re sure the water is clear, grab a water taxi from the foot of Spadina Avenue to avoid the terminal crowds. Head straight to the southern end of the beach if you want the most "Hanlan's" experience—that's where the heritage plaque and the heart of the queer community are located. Bring a high-SPF sunscreen, a sturdy umbrella for shade (there are almost no trees on the sand), and enough water for the whole day. Respect the dunes, keep the music at a reasonable volume, and just enjoy one of the last truly unique spaces left in Toronto.