Having just purchased a Nikon D5300 digital camera, I have been eager to try shooting with my new DSLR so I thought it would be great to check out the Scarborough Bluffs and try and capture some interesting photos. I’m not very familiar with this easterly section of Toronto, so I was eager to learn more about it.
We started our outing at Scarborough Crescent Park on Undercliff Drive (access via Midland Avenue) because I wanted to see if we could see behind the bluffs, as well as view Lake Ontario from the park’s high vantage point. Flooding in Toronto has resulted in many areas of the city being dangerous and the Bluffs are no exception. Although many City of Toronto signs were posted warning not to trespass beyond the park’s border fence due to unstable ground and risking a maximum $5,000 fine, my guest and I witnessed two young women hopping over the fence to get a better view of the Bluffs. Completely senseless.
Anyway, the views of the Bluffs are mostly obstructed by trees at Scarborough Crescent Park, but I did manage to get a shot of the Bluffs and one of Bluffers Park from above.
We got back into the car and drove along Kingston Road to Brimley Road where we made a right and descended to Bluffers Park. Driving south along Brimley Road really makes you feel like you are leaving the city. The road is heavily treed, similar to what you’d find in Muskoka. We reached the end of Brimley and stopped at the first parking lot. Looking up, we could see the massive bluffs towering over the lake. I noticed yellow tape cordoning off areas of the park, which made me realize I wouldn’t be able to get a good shot of the Bluffs and the lake. We decided to continue through the park to the next parking lot. This lot was behind one of the yacht clubs at the park. I still wasn’t pleased with the photo opportunities at this location so we drove on until we reached the third parking lot, where all the activity was. This parking lot is right next to Bluffers Park Beach, a Toronto beach I’m surprised to say I had never been to or even knew about.
I have been to Sunnyside Beach, Cherry Beach and Woodbine Beach and have enjoyed them all, but there is something unique about Bluffers Park Beach…the amazing backdrop of the Bluffs, plus no Toronto skyline in sight makes this beach feel a bit remote and secluded in a welcome way.
On the day we were there (early afternoon on a Wednesday in July), the beach was somewhat busy. A dozen kids were swimming in the lake and several families were having barbecues. I can just imagine how busy this beach gets on summer weekends. We sat watching the activity on the beach while I took a few more photos of the Bluffs overlooking the beach. We walked around the shore and then decided to leave.
As we drove up Brimley Road, it felt like we were coming back from the cottage. I will definitely return to Bluffers Park Beach…next time, I’ll bring my bathing suit.
You did a wonderful job of catching the beauty of Scarborough Crescent Park and Bluffers Park Beach. It looks like you visited the beach at just the right time. Thank you for sharing.
The bluffs do a great deal in hiding the beauty of the beach from the hustle and bustle of the city. Nothing like a day at the beach and even more when you find a spot that’s not overcrowded.
This looks like a fun place to swim. And yay for a new camera! I have one too that I need to try out.
There’s so many great places to explore in this big old world. Looks like a fantastic place to enjoy!
Wow..can’t believe that’s part of Toronto…we visited the city several years ago and loved it.
Great captures of the park and beach. I wouldn’t have guessed this was part of Toronto just by looking at the photos though!
Bluffers Park Beach looks like a beautiful place to spend the day and have a cookout while the kids have fun in the water. The bluffs are beautiful and definitely a unique backdrop compared to other beaches. I have to put this on my list to visit.
People watching at a beach can be a really interesting way to pass some time. I bet that park is lovely to play in surrounded by the water.
I don’t think I’ve ever heard of this spot before. I’m blown away by all the neat places like this I’ve never even heard of! Love it!
Those bluffs are stunning and really high. You must not be scared of heights! LOL! The views from the top are so pretty though. Well worth the climb.
I too have a Nikon D5300 too and it has now become a constant travel companion. You have taken nice pics and I am sure this is just the beginning.
What a beautiful location! You captured some great photos. And that’s an awesome camera! I would love to visit that beach one day.
This is a great place to test out your new camera. You got some nice shots.
I hate when people don’t follow the posted rules.
What a spectacular area you’ve shared with your new fantastic camera – Would so enjoy this area and taking some of our own treasured pictures.
We are headed to the Toronto International Film Festival in September, I would love to checkout Bluffers Park Beach Park..though I am not sure if the weather will be as lovely as it appears in July. Thanks for the heads up!!
I’m all about getting into nature and this looks like quite the place to enjoy nature and the fresh breeze… I went on hikes/adventures in the Wisconsin Bluffs, it’s definitely fun and beautiful… thanks for sharing this spot, I’ll have to venture out there sometime!
Never been to Canada but the pictures you captured are all really great and I am glad you had a nice time during the week. We also like the beach when it is not so busy.
Comments are closed.