The Beach gives off more of a lakeside resort vibe, than a bustling city neighbourhood feel. During summer months in The Beach area of Toronto people from all walks of life. Locals and tourists come together to enjoy activities, like strolling along The Boardwalk or getting some exercise on the Martin Goodman Trail by the waters edge while also taking the time to unwind by the waterfront or explore the shops and eateries lining Queen Street.
History Of The Beach, Toronto
The Ashbridge family, from Philadelphia settled at The Beach in Canada in 1793. Are honored with the naming of Ashbridge’s Bay Park as a tribute to their pioneering spirit. The area was predominantly farmed by the Ashbridges and a few other families until the 1800s when the land was divided into properties in The Beach community. Some parts of the land were designated for parks during this period which eventually included Woodbine Park, Kew Gardens and other areas like Scarboro, Balmy Beach and Victoria Park creating spaces, along Toronto’s waterfront. Many vacationers in the summer also frequented these theme parks in the region.
In the 1920s era of growth, Toronto City extended eastward towards The Beach area which was split into plots to accommodate year round living facilities for its residents.The Beach has gradually evolved as a thriving neighbourhood, within Toronto over the years.
Lifestyle
Queen Street is known as the hub, in The Beach area for shopping and dining establishments with a beach themed ambiance aimed at tourists interests. Similarly Kingston Road features shops with a charm. Tends to draw in more locals than those found on Queen Street. A decade ago a discussion arose among residents of The Beach concerning the neighbourhood’s name. It was unanimously agreed upon by locals that there should be clarity and uniformity regarding this matter. There was a decision made between using the name “The Beach” or “Beaches” after a vote took place with “The Beach” emerging as the winner by a margin, in the end.Members of the community then celebrated the unveiling of the street sign at the intersection of Queen Street East and Lee Avenue proudly bearing the name “The Beach”.
The design of this eye-catching blue and white street sign features seagulls, in flight adding to its charm and relevance to the location. The historic Kew Beach is, among the four nostalgic Beach amusement parks that will be honored with the placement of 98 The Beach” street signs along Queen Street East, a move aligned with efforts, by The Beaches business improvement area to draw in visitors and locals from all corners of Toronto to enjoy this lakeside retreat. There are activities to enjoy at The Beach. You can take a walk along the boardwalk or have fun building sandcastles near the lake while also exploring the variety of unique shops and cozy cafes or dining, at the diverse range of restaurants available.
The Beach, Toronto Parks & Facilities
The known attraction in The Beaches area is The Boardwalk. A pathway that runs alongside the Martin Goodman Trail connecting The Beach to the Humber River waterfront area. Ashbridge’s Bay Park is a choice for family outings and water sports like windsurfing and beach volleyball. For an escape into nature within the city limits of Toronto’s Queen Street area Glen Stewart Park offers a ravine and walking trail. Located at the end of Woodbine Avenue with a view of the lake is Donald Summerville Pool which features a sized pool along, with diving and childrens pools.
The tennis program at Kew Gardens is quite popular in Toronto. Features 10 lit courts for playing at night time too! Additionally this park offers a baseball diamond,an ice rink,a playground for kids,a wading pool and a bandstand, for music performances.The Beach Branch of the Toronto Public Library is conveniently located beside Kew Gardens on Queen Street.
The Beach, Toronto Transit
There are bus or streetcar lines that run along Queen Street and Kingston Road, in Toronto connecting to the transit lines and subway stations in the city centre area like Gerrard Street and Victoria Park Avenue as well as Main Street and Woodbine Avenue areas nearby too! For those driving around the city centre area near downtown Toronto they have access to highways like the Don Valley Expressway along with the Gardiner Expressway plus Lake Shore Boulevard, for added convenience too!
The Beach, Toronto Elementary, Secondary High Schools
The Beach is an area in Toronto with a range of top notch schools that cater to families with kids in elementary all the way through secondary high school levels. Kew Beach Junior Public School and Balmy Beach Community School are well regarded for their engaging programs and community centred approach to education. As for schooling options in the neighbourhood, students commonly enroll in Glen Ames Senior Public School, which provides a rounded curriculum and effectively gears students up for high school ahead. High school students often choose to attend Malvern Collegiate Institute due to its reputation for excellence and robust arts and athletic programs over the years. Furthermore in the area are options like St. John Catholic School and Lycée Français de Toronto for those seeking experiences. Given the variety of private schools in the neighbourhood, The Beach continues to be a sought after location, for families valuing quality education in a picturesque lakeside environment.
The Beach, Toronto Homes
The Beach, in Toronto boasts a range of house styles compared to other neighbourhoods in the city with its charming homes set against picturesque tree lined streets leading to the lakefront. Several original frame cottages from the 1800s and early 1900s have been. Preserved over time while many homes in The Beach were constructed during the 1920s and 1930s era.
The old Greenwood racetrack area, by Woodbine Avenue has been transformed into a development called The Beach featuring a variety of heritage style homes like detached and semi detached houses as well as townhomes, alongside a few low rise condo buildings.