Hanlan's Point Beach

1 Review
Tags: Canada, North America, and Ontario
Public washrooms are available, as are changerooms and a drinking fountain for water
Hanlan’s Point has a snack bar, café, and picnic sites. Two other islands are connected and walkable, and have several restaurant and fast-food options.
Since Hanlan’s Beach is located on an island, cars must stay behind at the ferry terminal (see Getting There for more details). Public transportation is recommended to get to the ferry terminal.
Nudity is not required. The whole beach has recently been made clothing optional (previously it was just one section).

The Good

  • Laid back and friendly environment with a mix of all kinds of people, and LGBTQ+ friendly
  • Relaxed beach vibe with music often playing
  • Less crowded than the other Toronto Islands

The Bad

  • Local yachts sometimes blast loud, disruptive music and get in the way of swimmers
  • Since this beach is located near one of Toronto’s biggest tourist attractions (Centre Island) the clothing optional section of the beach tends to attract curious gawkers.
  • Due to the Canadian climate, this beach is only recommended from late June- early September.

The Naked Truth

Hanlan’s Point is one of the most well-known clothing-optional beaches in Canada, creating a unique experience in the largest Canadian city. Situated on one of Toronto's beautiful islands, the beach is a short ferry ride away from downtown, making it accessible while also providing a comfortable feeling of privacy. However, during much of the year the beach brings in few visitors; for those looking for an upbeat atmosphere instead of a relaxing one, visiting on a hot weekend during the peak of summer is the best time to join in with the crowd.

Insider Tip

Stay a little later and pack some warmer clothes. You don't want to miss the epic sunsets here with a view of the Toronto skyline!

Who's Here

Everyone. A very diverse mix on busy weekends with families and people of all ages. Very LGBTQ friendly.

Beach Surface

Rough sand

Access Difficulty

Easy. However boat transportation is needed to get here
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Photos

Our Visit

Contributor Review – Rachel Flint
Local Expert. Visited 2024

Gentle waves, hot sun, sand dunes, upbeat music. This laid-back atmosphere seems like something you’d find on a tropical vacation, but it’s within Canada’s largest urban centre. Although a little quiet during non-peak times, the vibe at Hanlan’s Point Beach draws in a diverse crowd where anyone can fit in and enjoy not having to wear clothing. This is one of the busiest nude beaches in Canada.

The clothing optional beach was recently extended to include the whole beach (previously it was just a section), it is a rare slice of freedom within the city. Hanlan’s Point is one of three interconnected Toronto islands in Lake Ontario. Aside from the ability to be nude, be sure to take advantage of the many activities that Hanlan’s Point has (clothing required): baseball/ volleyball/ tennis courts, firepits, a bike trail, birdwatching, and a lighthouse. The beach’s best secret? With its west-facing view, it is one of the best places in Toronto to view the sunset.

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If you like a crowded, upbeat atmosphere, the best time to visit Hanlan’s Beach is during long weekends in the summer (like Canada Day on July 1 and Labour Day on September long weekend) when the beach is filled with adults of all ages. Loud music, dancing, beach volleyball, frisbee, and hundreds of people sporting various levels of clothing. During non-peak times, the atmosphere is much more relaxed and people tend to sunbathe on their beach towels and walk along the sand. Whenever you visit, be sure to bring an umbrella to block the hot summer sun or sit at the back of the beach along the tree line. Local Torontonians can come off as shy or reserved, but if you initiate a conversation on the beach, chances are they will be friendly and invite you to join in their games or relaxation

Three Toronto Islands are connected and are all worth a visit. Before heading to Hanlan’s point, take the ferry over to Ward Island to rent a kayak and swim in the calm water. Then walk over to Centre Island to ride a tandem bike and stop by Toronto Island BBQ & Beer Co for their pulled beef brisket. Once you’ve filled up on food, head over to Hanlan’s Beach, take off your clothes, enjoy the afternoon and stay for the beautiful sunset.

The water near the shore tends to be shallow and safe for swimming, but always consider the temperature of the water, the speed of the current, and your own swimming ability. Lifeguards are present to ensure the safety of everyone.

Outside of the clothing optional area, nudity is not accepted on the rest of the beach or the other islands. Make sure to bring along shoes or flip flops for navigating the pathway between the ferry dock and the beach. The last ferry runs at 11pm.

Questions? Comments? Add your thoughts or photos below!

Map

Getting There

Most people get there by ferry from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal, located along Toronto's harbourfront. During the summer, ferries run every 30 minutes and tickets can be bought in-person before boarding or online for $8.70 for the round trip. Note, the last ferry leaves Hanlan’s Point at 11pm.

Parking near the ferry terminal is very expensive and can be difficult to find, so taking public transit to the ferry terminal is strongly advised (go to Union Station and walk 10 minutes). A more expensive alternative to taking the ferry is a water taxi. There are several water taxi services along the harbourfront (but not at the ferry terminal). Depending on the vendor, they cost around $12 for a one-way ticket.

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User Comments

1 Reviews on “Hanlan's Point Beach”

Overall rating
  • Raf

    One of the coolest things Toronto has to offer. Due to the weather conditions it’s only good to go for 2 months in a year. Lately there has been a lot of FOBs in their traditional dresses creeping on us naturists but overall it’s the best way to relax in the summer

    Reply

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