The Beach

History

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The Beach was first settled by the Ashbridge family who came to Canada from Philadelphia, in 1793. Ashbridge's Bay Park is named after these pioneers. The Ashbridges, and a handful of other families, farmed this district until the latter part of the 1800's, when many of The Beach properties were subdivided. At that time, large parcels of land were set aside for local parks.

Woodbine, Kew Gardens, Scarboro, Balmy Beach and Victoria Park collectively became Toronto's playgrounds by the lake. These amusement parks also attracted many summer cottagers to the area.

By the 1920's, the City of Toronto was expanding eastward and The Beach was subdivided for year round residential development. Over the years The Beach has emerged as one of Toronto's most popular neighbourhoods. The Sarah Ashbridge historical home. The original settler in the beach.

Overview

The Beach looks and feels more like a lakeside resort town, than a big city neighbourhood. In the summertime, thousands of Torontonians and tourists flock to The Beach to walk on The Boardwalk, exercise along the Martin Goodman Trail, relax by the water, or shop and dine at the colourful stores and restaurants along Queen Street.

The social centre of The Beach neighbourhood is Kew Gardens, which hosts many annual events including a Christmas Tree and Menorah lighting festival, a Jazz festival, and an Arts and Crafts show.

Ed. Note: A long standing debate has ensued over the proper name for this neighbourhood. Some refer to it as The Beach, others as the Beaches. To be politically correct use The Beach, otherwise both are acceptable.

Homes

The Beach has the greatest variety of architectural house styles of any Toronto neighbourhood. The charm of these homes is accentuated by the tree-lined streets that wind their way down to the lake.

Many of the original frame Beach cottages built in the latter half of the 1800's and the early 1900's, have been modernized and are still standing today. However, the majority of The Beach homes were built during the 1920's and 1930's.

The former Greenwood racetrack site located at the foot of Woodbine Avenue is now the site of a large new home development known as The Beach. This large collection of heritage inspired custom built homes will include detached and semi-detached houses, and townhomes. Also included in this mix will be a handful of low-rise condominium apartment buildings.

Recreation

The Beaches' most famous landmark is The Boardwalk. The Boardwalk is skirted by the Martin Goodman Trail which spans the city's waterfront from The Beach to the Humber River.

Ashbridge's Bay Park is a good spot for family picnics and windsurfing. Its also a popular spot for beach volleyball. Glen Stewart Park off Queen Street has a picturesque ravine and nature trail. Donald Summerville Pool at the foot of Woodbine Avenue, overlooks the lake and includes an Olympic size pool, a diving pool and a children's pool.

Kew Gardens has one of Toronto's most active tennis programs with 10 flood lit courts. This park also has a baseball diamond, an artificial ice rink, a children's playground, a wading pool and a concert bandstand. The Beach Branch of the Toronto Public Library is right next to Kew Gardens, off Queen Street.

The Beach

Editor's Note. If you are using the TorontoNeighbourhoods.NET website as a resource to buying or renting a home in the City of Toronto, please note that the schools listed below have very definite enrollment boundaries. Prior to buying or renting , you should phone the school you are interested in enrolling your child, in order to confirm that they will accept children from the address you are considering moving to.

Adam Beck Jr., 400 Scarborough Rd., (416) 393-1682
(Public School)

Balmy Beach Jr., 14 Pine Ave., (416) 393-1565
(Public School)

Beaches Alternative, JK-Gr.4, 50 Swanwick Ave., (416) 393-1451
(Public School)

Glen Ames Sr., 18 Williamson Rd., (416) 393-1800
(Public School)

Kew Beach Jr., 101 Kippendavie Ave., (416) 393-1810
(Public School)

Kimberley Jr., 50 Swanwick Ave., (416) 393-1450
(Public School)

Norway Jr., 55 Corley Ave., (416) 393-1700
(Public School)

Williamson Road Jr., 24 Williamson Road., (416) 393-1740
(Public School)

Malvern Collegiate Institute, 55 Malvern Ave., (416) 393-1480
(Public High School)

St.Dennis, 67 Balsam Ave., (416) 393-5310
(Separate School)

St. John, 780 Kingston Rd., (416) 393-5220
(Separate School)

Notre Dame, 12 Malvern Ave., (416) 393-5501
(Separate High School)

Legend:
(P) Public School
(PH) Public High School
(CA) Catholic School
(PR) Private School
(PC) Private Catholic School
(PJ) Private Jewish School
(C) College
(U) University

The Toronto neighbourhood text profiles, sketches and maps displayed on this website were originally published in "Your Guide to Toronto Neighbourhoods", are © Maple Tree Publishing Inc. and have been reproduced by Toronto Real Estate Board under license.