Cherry Beach Clarke Beach Park

Cherry Beach Clarke Beach Park sits at the foot of Cherry Street on Lake Ontario in Toronto's Portlands area. It's a public park with a sandy beach, picnic areas, bike trails, and an off-leash dog area. The beach has a more rugged, natural feel compared to the manicured parks in The Beaches neighbourhood — which is exactly what some families prefer.

The sandy beach area is good for swimming in summer, with lifeguards on duty during peak season. The water is shallow near shore and warms up by mid-summer. As always in Toronto, check the city's water quality postings before swimming — Cherry Beach occasionally gets flagged after heavy rainfall.

The park has a large off-leash dog area that's one of the most popular in the city. For families with dog-loving kids but no dog of their own, it's free entertainment watching the dogs run and play. Just keep toddlers close since the off-leash area is adjacent to the beach.

Bike trails connect Cherry Beach to the Martin Goodman Trail and the Portlands area. The ride along the Leslie Street Spit (Tommy Thompson Park) starts nearby, which is a great option for families with older kids who enjoy cycling and birdwatching.

Amenities are basic — portable washrooms, a few picnic tables, and a parking lot. There are no food vendors, so pack everything you need. The parking lot fills up on hot summer weekends, especially when events are running. Biking in is the better option.

Cherry Beach is a good choice for families who want a beach experience without the crowds and boardwalk bustle of Kew-Balmy Beach. The trade-off is fewer amenities and a more isolated feel.