The Beaches, Toronto: ice cream, patios and where to eat near the boardwalk

The Beaches is the neighbourhood along Lake Ontario in Toronto's east end, between roughly Woodbine Avenue and Victoria Park Avenue. The Boardwalk and the sand are the draw in summer, and a few blocks inland Queen Street East works as the main street, with cafés, bakeries, ice cream counters and restaurants. It has a relaxed, residential feel, and many locals walk their dogs and push strollers along the same stretch as the visitors.

What is the best way to eat in the Beaches?

Combine the water and the street. Spend the morning on the Boardwalk, then walk up to Queen Street East for lunch. Summer weekends are busy from late morning, so aim to eat before noon or after 2 p.m. Weekday visits are far calmer.

What should you try?

• Ice cream and treats. The Beaches is a classic ice cream destination in summer, and the counters on Queen Street East are busy on warm evenings.
• Brunch. Eggs, pancakes and coffee fill the cafés on weekend mornings, with lines to match.
• Pub patios. Several pubs and casual restaurants have patios where you can sit with a drink and watch the street.
• Takeout for the beach. Sandwiches, wraps and pizza by the slice are easy to carry to the sand. Look for places that will pack things for a picnic.
• Dinner. The restaurants range from relaxed neighbourhood spots to more formal rooms, and most book up on Friday and Saturday evenings.

Is there a festival?

The neighbourhood hosts several summer events, including a jazz festival in July and a lantern festival, and a few are food-heavy. Dates change each year, so check the community's own event pages before you plan around one.

How do you avoid the crowds?

Take transit, go early or late, and try the blocks east of Woodbine. The busiest stretch is around Kew Gardens and Queen Street between Woodbine and Lee Avenue. A weekday evening in June is more relaxed than a Saturday in July.

What stays open in winter?

A lot, with shorter hours. Many cafés and restaurants stay open all year, and winter is a good time for a long lunch and a walk by the frozen shoreline. Some seasonal businesses close from the end of summer until spring, so check before you go.

How do you get to the Beaches?

The 501 Queen streetcar runs along Queen Street East, and the 92 Woodbine and 64 Main routes connect from the subway. Driving is hard on summer weekends, with limited street parking and permit zones.

Is it good for dogs and children?

Yes. The Boardwalk has dog-friendly hours and sections, and the patios along Queen often allow dogs. Playgrounds and a splash pad are close. Many restaurants welcome children, with high chairs and kids' menus.

How do you pay and tip?

Cards are widely accepted. Add 13 percent HST to menu prices, and tip 15 to 20 percent of the pre-tax bill at a sit-down place. A tip at an ice cream counter is optional.

How can you remember a good meal?

Take a photo of the dish, and rate it when you get home. A short note on the portion size, the wait and the price will help you decide when to come back.

What does a good day look like?

Take the 501 streetcar east and get off near Woodbine. Walk the Boardwalk first, while the morning is cool, then climb up to Queen Street for brunch at about 11 or after 1, depending on the line. After lunch, walk east toward Kew Gardens and the lighthouse area, and stop for ice cream on the way back. In the evening, find a patio with a view of the street and order something to share. If the weather turns, a pub with a covered patio or a cosy café is a good fallback.

What should you know about food trucks and beach snacks?

Seasonal vendors sell snacks near the beach in summer. Prices are usually higher than on Queen Street, and the choices are simpler. If you are feeding a group, you will pay less and eat better by walking up to Queen Street or packing a picnic. Always bring water, and pack out your rubbish.

Mosey exists to make that easier, one dish and one list at a time.

More guides to read next:

• Mississauga and Brampton food guide: Punjabi, Pakistani and Caribbean food in Peel Region
• The Junction, Toronto: where to eat on Dundas West
• Trinity Bellwoods and West Queen West, Toronto: a food guide for a day on foot

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