White sand, cold water, empty in October. 25 minutes from downtown.
Crystal Crescent Beach, off-season
More outdoors picks
Sir Sandford Fleming Park stairs
The Dingle tower and the stairs down to the Northwest Arm. Best local run in the city.
OutdoorsRead →
Peggy's Cove on a weekday morning
Yes, everyone tells you to go. Go on a Tuesday at 7 a.m. and it's a different place.
OutdoorsRead →
The Leslie Street Spit
A five-kilometre man-made peninsula that turned into an accidental bird sanctuary. Bring water, no bike after 4pm on weekends.
OutdoorsRead →
Cherry Beach at sunrise
The one stretch of Lake Ontario locals actually swim in. Bring flip-flops for the walk across the sand.
OutdoorsRead →