7 places in the Greater Toronto Area to Enjoy a Beautiful Walk By The Lake

Located at the mouth of the Etobicoke Creek, Marie Curtis Park is named after a small village that used to be called Longbranch Reeve (which is now the Long Branch area of Mississauga). Visitors can enjoy the public swimming beach, a playground for the kids, as well as picnic tables to enjoy a meal. Or bring your dog to the fenced off-leash area.

Address: 2 Forty Second St, Etobicoke, ON M8W 3P2 

Parking: the park has a huge parking lot, and it is free

Located next door to a variety of restaurants in the Port Credit area, J.C. Saddington Park has some beautiful lake views and large picnic areas next to the lake. One side of the park faces the Toronto skyline in the distance, and visitors will also notice what looks like a cargo ship on the lake. It is called The Ridgetown, and it has an interesting history. For the best views, you can walk on the big rocks to the far end, where you will see a 180-degree unobstructed view of the clear and gradual blue colour of the beautiful lake. Visitors will also encounter many geese and white swans playing in the water, even in the winter. The other side has a lot of space for enjoying the warm summer weather and enjoying a meal by the lake.

Address: 53 Lake St, Mississauga, ON L5B 3Y3

Parking: there are 2 different parking lots, both free. One of them is at Lake Street & Mississauga Road, and the other one is at Lakeshore Road West & Front Street. Parking is also allowed on the street.

A tranquil and relaxing spot with a nice trail by the lake lies at the spot where the Sixteen Mile Creek drains into Lake Ontario. A 180-degree view of the beautiful lake can be admired when walking up to a historical lighthouse, and it is also the perfect spot to view the sunset. A playground and public restrooms are located by the street, and history buffs will enjoy the Oakville Museum, located at the entrance to the park. For more walking, walk up to Lakeshore Road and cross the bridge over the river, then you will enter Tannery Park, which is on the opposite side of the creek.

Address: 2 Navy St, Oakville, ON L6J 2Y5

Parking: there is no parking lot, however, there is plenty of parking on the many streets that lead to the park.

Located at the border between Oakville and Burlington, Burloak Waterfront Park is perfect for enjoying a picnic lunch and star gazing at the beautiful lake, day and night. The park has a playground for the kids, 800 meters of shoreline, and unique biological and physiological features. Keep walking by the lake and you will reach a complex with condos, with its own lakefront path. Looking for a spot to propose to your girlfriend? This park has a gazebo located directly in front of the lake, making it the perfect location to propose during the sunset!

Address: 5420 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington, ON L7L 1C9

Parking: there is a parking lot on-site.

Located in Downtown Burlington, Spencer Smith Park is not that big, however, the vistas by the lake can keep your eyes looking at the water for hours. Bring your towels and enjoy the small sandy beach that the park contains. During the Christmas holidays, the park transforms into the Burlington Lakeside Festival of Lights, which offers holiday magic from the end of November until a week after the New Year. 

Address: 1400 Lakeshore Rd, Burlington, ON L7S 1Y2

Parking: visitors can park at The Waterfront Inn, adjacent to the park. Free for hotel guests, $10 maximum daily rate for non-hotel guests.

Located in the Oak Ridges area, midway between Richmond Hill and Aurora, this park is a waterfront recreation area. The walk takes no longer than 30 minutes, however, the view of the lake is stunning, and also a perfect spot to watch the sunset. There is a small beach, which tends to get really crowded, and when it’s not, geese tend to dominate the area. The trails are paved, and contain some cool structures. Kids can enjoy a splash pad and large playground. 

Address: 55 Olde Bayview Ave, Richmond Hill, ON L4E 3C8

Parking: there is a fairly large parking lot, which does tend to get full in the summer months. Parking is also available on the adjacent streets.

Located about an hour north of the northern part of Toronto, Georgina lies at the northern tip of the Greater Toronto Area, along Lake Simcoe. There are many beaches and lakefront walks in the area, however, most of them tend to be very small and/or private land. Willow Beach is fairly large, and perfect for those who enjoy walking while dipping their feet into the water. Nearby lies Sibbald Point Provincial Park, which is perfect for a barbeque, fishing, boat launching and also overnight camping.

Address: 1924 Metro Rd N, Jacksons Point, ON L0E 1L0

Parking: across the street at De La Salle Park.