The Beach
The Beach, which is often times referred to as The Beaches because it consists of three beaches, is a very desired neighbourhood of Toronto. This relaxed area of Toronto is known for its beautiful waterfront and delightful lifestyle. It’s the neighbourhood for those who appreciate a lifestyle with hustle and bustle and yet a community of quaintness. It is hard to resist having the beach nearby both in the warm and cool months.
The district was farmed until the later part of the 1800’s when the area began being subdivided. Parcels of land were being set aside for local parks at this time. In the 1920’s when Toronto was expanding eastward, The Beach was subdivided for development. Ever since, The Beach has emerged as one of Toronto’s most popular neighbourhoods. Original frame Beach Cottages built in the latter half of the 1800’s and early 1900’s are now modernized and still standing.
If you take a drive or a stroll through The Beach you will notice that there are homes with a variety of architectural styles. The beautiful tree-lined streets wind their way down to the lake offering lush scenery and a nice change of pace from the busy city. There are also lovely homes, though built in the 1920’s and 30’s, have been modernized to meet modern taste and needs. The Beach has the largest variety of architectural house styles of any neighbourhood in Toronto.
There is also a new home development known as The Beach. This development contains a large collection of heritage inspired custom homes. Semi-detached and detached homes and townhomes sit on the site of the former Greenwood Racetrack, located at the foot of Woodbine Avenue.
Lifestyle in The Beach is relaxed and reflects a beach motif. Queen street is the most commercial of The Beach shopping districts. Kingston Road attracts a more local clientele. But both offer colourful shops and dining experiences. In the summer the waterfront is crowded with locals, Torontonians and tourists who are seeking a beach experience, filling the restaurants and coffee shops, or strolling along the boardwalk.
The boardwalk is skirted by the Martin Goodman Trail and of course Lake Ontario. Heavily used in the summer, it also makes for a nice brisk walk in the fall or early winter. It spans the city’s waterfront from The Beach to the Humber River. Ashbridge’s Bay is a beautiful spot for family picnics, windsurfing and volleyball. The scenic ravine and nature trail on Glen Stewart Park off Queen Street is a great place to go to enjoy nature. For more recreation, residents enjoy the Donald Summerville Pool at the foot of Woodbine Avenue. It overlooks the lake and includes an Olympic sized pool.