How To Get To Scarborough Bluffs: Toronto’s Hidden Gem
Toronto’s insider tip: Scarborough Bluffs
Did you know that there are 11 parks along the 15km stretch of Scarborough Bluffs? Eleven parks! Each of them has a different view of spectacular Lake Ontario. And all have their own hiking trails, beaches, gardens and recreational facilities.
These fun and free destinations are just over half an hour outside of Toronto. How lucky are we? Having all the natural wonders, views and hiking opportunities so close is truly a gift for locals and visitors alike.
It’s hard to find time to rest, but have you ever noticed that “rest” means “re-creation”? Visit Scarborough Bluffs and rejuvenate time and time again with the exquisite nature and local atmosphere.
Why you should find Scarborough Bluffs
Amazing picnic spots
Summer picnics in Scarborough are a local hit to say the least. You have so many places to dine on the fly and kick back and relax in the fresh air.
Bluffers Park is of course one of the main places to put your blanket down and sneak your wine. The sandy section of the Scarborough Bluffs Trail is a fantastic picnic spot. There are also public volleyball nets, numerous sandcastle-building opportunities, and even actual picnic areas.
You can also visit Cudia Park, very popular with hikers. This is the perfect place to enjoy the lake and forest views with lunch carefully prepared to fit in your backpack. Don’t worry, there is enough shade here. There is also plenty of wildlife to enjoy… but please remember not to feed anyone human food!
East Point Park is another prime picnic spot and also offers a trail to the lakefront. There’s not much to swim here, so it’s a perfect place to stretch out and grab a sand. If no one else is around, bring a speaker and crank up some tunes while you’re at it.
Famous Photographer Hotspots
Whether you want to capture passing wildlife, sunsets, or just landscape shots of the stunning terrain, photographers can have a field day at Scarborough Bluffs.
In fact, a photo shoot at Scarborough Bluffs is a popular proposition for local photographers. The panoramic lake views, gorgeous exposed cliffs, and seemingly impossible rocks that line the beach are all prime spots to grab your mug.
You can also take some nice photos along the hiking trails. The view is so expansive and gorgeous, and the shaded areas provide great lighting reflecting off the lake onto your beautiful face.
To say that Scarborough Bluffs is “Instagram-worthy” wouldn’t give it enough credit.
Paddle boarding tour across Lake Ontario
Given the amazing views you have from the beach, just imagine what you can see from the water! There are a few different places where you can rent paddleboards, one of the most popular places is Oceah where you can rent a board, take lessons and generally have fun on the water.
It’s easy to get lost exploring the cliffs for a few hours, especially on a calm day. The scenery is breathtaking; You’ll see the bluffs standing big and strong in the sunlight. They contrast so beautifully with the wide, flat surface of Lake Ontario.
The beach is an easy place to launch your paddleboard as you have plenty of space and a sandy, shallow entry. From there you can either head west or east.
West takes you along the rock-lined areas popular with surfers on windy days. If you head east, you’ll be paddling along an even longer section of the bluffs. You will come across many places to stop that are difficult to access on foot. Because of this, you will be rewarded for the extra effort required to get on the board.
How to get to Scarborough Bluffs?
There are eleven different parks to enjoy along the Scarborough Bluffs, but if you want to see the bluffs themselves from below you should head to Bluffers Park.
Luckily, the TTC has a seasonal bus, making it a lot easier to get to the cliffs from Toronto. Here you can plan your trip; Just enter the place you are starting from and the online tool will help you plan the best route using public transport.
Bluffers Park is accessible by car from Brimley Road. Alternatively, you can take a taxi, although this tends to be a more expensive option. Then of course you can always hire a car and when you’re done in the bluffs you can explore the surrounding beauty of Scarborough.
Related: From hiking to exploring indoor gardens, check out these eight date ideas!