Scarborough Bluffs
A white glacial-sediment cliff stretching about 15 km along the shore of Lake Ontario, with sandy beaches and lakeside parks at its base.
The Scarborough Bluffs are a stretch of white cliffs up to about 90 meters high on the northern shore of Lake Ontario. They formed from lake sediments deposited during the last glacial period. Their layers are clearly visible, and they appear grayish-white in sunlight. In 1793, a British governor's wife named them after the Scarborough coast in England. The best place to visit is Bluffer's Park at the base of the cliffs, which has a beach, a marina, picnic areas and a lakeside trail with views of the bluffs. Scarborough Bluffs Park and Cathedral Bluffs Park at the top offer views over the lake. The soil is loose and constantly eroding, so climbing and approaching the cliff edges is strictly prohibited. Admission is free. From downtown, take the subway to Kennedy Station and transfer to a bus, about 1 hour in total. Driving takes about 30 minutes, and parking is tight on summer weekends.
Opening hours
All day
Nearby sights
- Aga Khan Museum
- Toronto Zoo
- Distillery Historic District
- St. Lawrence Market
- Hockey Hall of Fame
- Nathan Phillips Square & Toronto City Hall
- Harbourfront Centre
- Royal Ontario Museum