Surfing Lake Ontario & Toronto: Spots, Winds & Season

Surf the Greats started in Toronto, and Lake Ontario was our home break for over a decade. The lake is deep and rarely freezes over, so Toronto surfers get waves from fall right through winter, often with the city skyline in the background. Here's where to go and when.

Can you surf Lake Ontario?

Yes. Lake Ontario has one of the most active surf communities on the Great Lakes, centred on Toronto, Hamilton, Burlington and Prince Edward County. Like all lake surf, the waves come from strong wind blowing across open water, so you're watching wind forecasts, not ocean swell charts.

When is the best time to surf Lake Ontario?

The season runs roughly September to May, and fall and winter are best. Because Lake Ontario usually doesn't freeze over, it keeps getting waves through the coldest months, when most of the crew is in hoods and mitts. Summer is mostly flat.

Which winds work?

East and northeast winds blow the length of the lake toward Toronto and the west end, and usually favour the city beaches.
Southwest and west winds send swell to the east end of the lake, including Prince Edward County.

As with every lake, the best sessions often come as the wind starts to ease or swing offshore and the waves clean up.

Where to surf in Toronto

Bluffer's Park (Scarborough)

Below the Scarborough Bluffs, and one of the best-known breaks in the city. It's a favourite with the all-season crew.

Woodbine Beach and Ashbridges Bay

In the east end, and easy to get to. On a good east or northeast wind, the beaches here get rideable waves close to downtown.

Marie Curtis Park (Etobicoke)

At the mouth of Etobicoke Creek on the west side of the city.

Burlington and Hamilton

Beachway Park and the Hamilton beach strip at the west end of the lake can pick up the most swell on a long east wind.

Prince Edward County

At the east end of the lake, the County works best on southwest and west swells and has some of the best-shaped waves on Lake Ontario.

Water temperature and wetsuits

Water off Toronto averages around 58°F in October, 47°F in November and the high 30s from January to April. Plan on a hooded 5/4 mm with boots and gloves from late fall, and a 6/5 mm with 7 mm boots and mitts in winter. More in our cold water wetsuit guide and winter surfing tips.

Safety

Check water quality after heavy rain. Toronto posts beach water quality results.
Stay clear of breakwalls and piers, where currents are strongest.
Never surf alone in winter, and watch for shore ice.