Best Lakes Near Toronto for Swimming – Summer 2025

🌊 Introduction

Looking for the best lakes near Toronto for swimming this summer? From beaches to quarries, here’s where to go. Don’t miss our guide to spending long weekends in Canada — perfect for lake trips! Summer in Toronto can get hot fast. And when it does, there’s no better way to cool off than finding a lake nearby to swim in. Luckily, you don’t have to drive far. Whether you’re looking for family-friendly beaches, open water for training, or cliff-jumping spots, this guide covers the best lakes near Toronto for swimming — all within a 2-hour drive.

🏖️ 1. Woodbine Beach (Toronto)

• Access & Amenities: Easily accessible by TTC or car. Has lifeguards, clean sand, beach volleyball, public restrooms, and even an Olympic-size pool nearby.
• Why Visit: It’s Toronto’s largest and most popular beach. The water quality is consistently good, and it’s Blue Flag certified.
• Pro Tip: Visit on weekday mornings to avoid crowds.

🛶 2. Frenchman’s Bay (Pickering)

• Access & Amenities: Free parking, calm sandbank beach, and paddle rentals.
• Why Visit: The shallow waters are warm and clear—perfect for families and kids.
• Pro Tip: Make it a full day by checking out the nearby Ajax waterfront trail.

🏙️ 3. Cherry Beach (Toronto Islands)

• Access & Amenities: Reachable via ferry. Has lifeguards and is popular with local swimmers and SUP clubs.
• Why Visit: Quiet and scenic with skyline views. Popular for open-water swimming.
• Pro Tip: Bring a wetsuit—the water can be chilly, even in summer.

🌲 4. Kelso Conservation Area (Milton)

• Access & Amenities: Paid access. Sandy beach, lifeguards, boat rentals, and washrooms.
• Why Visit: This large kettle lake is surrounded by forested hills. Feels like a Muskoka getaway without leaving the GTA.
• Pro Tip: Rent a paddleboat and pack a picnic.

🪨 5. Elora Quarry (Elora)

• Access & Amenities: Paid entry. Limestone walls, deep blue water, and picnic areas.
• Why Visit: Former limestone quarry now filled with clean spring-fed water. Feels like a secret swimming hole.
• Pro Tip: Arrive early—it fills up fast, especially weekends.

💦 6. St. Marys Quarry

• Access & Amenities: Paid admission. Lifeguards, trampolines, floating docks, and rentals available.
• Why Visit: Canada’s largest outdoor freshwater pool located inside a scenic quarry.
• Pro Tip: Try the cliff jump if you’re feeling brave—some are over 20 feet high.