Hanlan's Point Beach

Tags: Canada and North America

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.

The beach has a clothing mandatory section and a clothing optional section.

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

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.

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!

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

Rough sand

Easy. However boat transportation is needed to get here

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Photos

Empty beach views, a rarity here at Hanlan's Point

Empty beach views, a rarity here at Hanlan's Point

Golden hour at Toronto's busiest nude beach

Golden hour at Toronto's busiest nude beach

View of the skyline from Hanlan's Point Nude Beach

View of the skyline from Hanlan's Point Nude Beach

Plenty of signs point you in the right direction

Plenty of signs point you in the right direction

So close to Toronto and easy to access via the ferry

So close to Toronto and easy to access via the ferry

Our Visit

Contributor Review – Rachel Flint
Local Expert. Visited 2023

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 portion of the beach is a 1 km stretch of freedom within the city. The rest of the beach is clothing mandatory. 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

Booking.com

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.

Socials

A few hours on Hanlan's with pals = a chill reset after a stressful week.

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The second most touristic city in Argentina is still a beauty!
Tree-lined streets, cheap wine and stunning surf beaches for a cheeky #nofilter swim.
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Going to the #TorontoIsland this long weekend?

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We operate from two locations:
- HTO Park West Location (375 Queens Quay - Just steps east of Spadina Ave)
- Harbourfront Location (235 Queen Quay W - Beside Natrel Pond).

Just for $10 one way. Bikes, Pets ride free. We take all the #SocialDistancing & Safety Measures so you can ride with peace of mind.

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Toronto Island Park has something to offer for everyone. #PirateTaxi will take you to the #TorontoIslands and take you back to the city safely by our fully certified captains.
Enjoy the panaromic view of #TorontoDowntown during the ride.

Services to #HanlanPoint, #WardsIsland & #CentreIsland frm two locations:
- HTO Park West Location (375 Queens Quay - Just steps east of Spadina Ave)
- Harbourfront Location (235 Queen Quay W - Beside Natrel Pond).
Look for the original pirates' flag in the #TorontoHarbourFront
#TorontoIslands #Toronto #PirateTaxi #PirateTaxiTo #TheOriginalWaterTaxiToronto
#Summervibes #Summer2020 #beaches #Canada #DownTownToronto #photoop #piratewatertaxi
#funtimes #piratesmask #TorontoSkyline #torontoskylineatnight

☀️ #Torontoislands #Hanlanspointbeach #Toronto

Find your vibe and discover the best beaches!
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New reviews and blog posts added weekly.

When you’re on Booti Booti beach...
Some of the best #nofilter beaches in NSW are the quietest, especially between Newcastle and Coolangatta
📸🙍‍♀️: @chelsearaeburn_official .
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Sunday vibes on the island. #hanlanpoint #torontoisland #toronto #islandlife #sunday

Boat named Ned.
#torontoisland
#hanlanpoint (anemone_flower , octopi_and_colours , bats_and_colours )

Not a bad way to spend a friday at #hanlanpoint #toronto

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

05/02/2024, 8:33 pm

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