The Beaches in Toronto, also known as 'The Beach', are known not for swimming, as some might think. This neighbourhood is known for its cozy community atmosphere, boutique shops, and sunny stores and restaurants. The Beaches is a fantastic place to live in or visit, it is also one of the more animal friendly neighbourhoods in the city.

The Toronto Beaches can be found in the east end of the city. Along and below Kingston Rd, between Fallingbrook Ave on the east and Coxwell Ave on the west. 

The streets are steep as you head towards Lake Ontario. There is also a fun Boardwalk that runs along the beach almost the entire length of the neighbourhood.

The beach you see today was built upon to enlarge it in the 1930s. Toronto's Beaches used to be a wooded area with private houses and cottages. 

It was also around this time that the Boardwalk opened to the public, in the upcoming years, more and more homes would be built as well as the quaint town right above the shore line.

The Beaches is unique in its culture; the small-town feel mixes well with the bohemian beach-folk. The people are friendly, the boutique shops sell wonderful items, and it feels like the sun always shines on this neighbourhood.

Cuisine in The Beaches caters to every kind of lifestyle. There are some great family diners, as well as fast food joints. There are breakfast and lunch restaurants that create delicious sandwiches, breakfasts, and salads. If you want a nice dinner, there are some great fine dining establishments along Queen St East.

After dinner, visit any of the pubs, bars, or lounges that can be found along Toronto's Beaches neighbourhood. In the warmer season, the area is filled with people day and night; the open patios are a hot spot to hang out with friends! The Boardwalk Pub has been in it location for a long time and offers great food and drinks.

Shopping in The Beaches ranges from high end clothing to thrift. The style of the neighbourhood is unique, and it becomes apparent when walking by the stores. 

There are also bookstores, sweet stores, antiques, aromatherapy, home décor and hardware stores, and hobby shops. If you are a tourist, they have many cute knick knack shops with souvenirs and Beach related items.

Like so many Toronto neighbourhoods, this one is protected by the Beach Business Improvement Area (BIA). This is an organization run by local Beaches business owners who are dedicated to supporting and maintaining the stores and services in the area. Check out more about this BIA at www.beachesbia.com.

Another thing that draws people to the Beaches in the warm seasons are the outdoor sports. Down near the boardwalk on the sands you will find the tennis and volleyball nets. Play a round of volleyball or toss the Frisbee! You can also rollerblade on the Boardwalk and bike ride on the paths.

If you like the outdoors but not the sports, you are still in luck. The Beaches has some great parks, especially for dog walking! In fact, the whole neighbourhood is almost completely dog friendly.  The most popular park in the Beaches in Kew Gardens.

This Toronto neighbourhood knows how to celebrate; every year there are numerous festivals and events that bring local and international attention to the streets of the Beaches. 

The most famous festival held every July is the Beaches International Jazz Festival. It brings artists from around the world to come and play on the streets (which are closed off to cars!). It is one of the biggest festivals in Toronto.

Other great festivals and events that take place in the Beaches is the Family Day Festival which happens every February, the Lions Easter Parade, and the very festive Christmas Tree Lighting. You can tell that the Beaches is really family friendly by its festivals!

Real estate in Toronto's Beaches varies on specific location, size, and age of the building. Some of the homes are very old and equally expensive; the houses above Queen St East are known for their beauty and cottage-feel. Once you are in the main street area (Queen St East), the townhouses range in age and price.

If you are interested in renting, there are some very affordable spaces for all lifestyles. Apartments located above the stores and shops are old and quaint and can be as low as $750/month. But the Beaches can also be expensive in many ways, you are paying for location - so make sure you do the math. 

The area is really family friendly so you won't have any problem finding a near by school for the kids. The number of organic and regular grocery stores is great as well, you have everything you need within this Toronto neighbourhood, perhaps that is part of the cozy small-town atmosphere!

The Beaches in Toronto is a community all of its own. People from all over visit its shops and attractions every year. Have a bite to eat, a walk along the Boardwalk, or visit one of the many boutique shops. 

Totally Toronto has lots of information on the what to do in the Beaches, come explore today!