Further to the west of Sscarborough, before you reach Toronto proper is Ashbridge's Bay. Proceeding west along the Scarborough Bluffs there is a submerged water intake 0.6 miles SW of Bluffers Park extending 0.5 miles offshore (this was marked by a buoy when last I sailed past). Another submerged water intake lies 2.1 miles SW of Bluffers Park extends 1.25 miles offshore.

Between Bluffers Park and Ashbridge's Bay is not a place one want to be caught inshore in a storm, the shore is inhospitable and the wind rolls off thes bluffs with unpredictable results.

As you approach the east end of Toronto there are several artificial islands created for shoreline protection between Balmy Beach and Port of Toronto.

Ashbridge's Bay is 4 miles to the west of Bluffers Park and 8 miles east of downtown Toronto and 17 miles to the north of Youngstown at the USA border. It forms the western end of the "beaches" community. Ashbridges Bay is formed by the Leslie Street Spit to the east and a landfill park to the west. The most conspicuous landmark is the chimney of the sewage treatment plant 857 feet high, 0.2 miles to the NW of the inner harbour.

Approaching from the east the cliffs give way to Balmy Beach. There is a the water treatment plant which is conspicuously located at the eastern-most end of the Beaches, a popular east end residential area and the Boardwalk which stretches all the way to Ashbridge's Bay. Further to the west, 0.6 miles along the boardwalk is Kew Beach and the Park with a lifeguard station and where surf boats patrol this enjoyable area of Toronto.

In this area there are numerous rock breakwaters just offshore protecting the swimming beach which is dotted with lifesaving stations.

Ashbridge's Bay offers much for the family visiting Toronto, it is outside the bustling metro core while having streetcar service to downtown on Queen Street 3 blocks to the north of the harbour and the entire Beaches community close to the east.

The Beaches has long been popular with Torontonians and comes with an english flavoured small town atmosphere. Shops, bars, and interesting places to visit abound as a walk along Queen Street will reveal. In summers you will find that Kew Beach Park hosts a number of events and fairs while offering a softball diamond tennis courts.

As the diagram of this harbour shows the western end of Balmy Beach ends in an artificial landfill park maintained by Metro Toronto, forming a large bay with a swimming pool directly to the north just across the boardwalk. The bay itself is not excessivly deep however and on calm days the outer portion may be used for an afternoon swim. Ashbridge's Bay and the harbour facilities lie westward of this point, through Cotsworth Cut.

Marina facilities in Ashbridge's Bay consist of two private yacht clubs which provide reciprocating yacht clubs transient facilities. The outer harbor has a public mooring wall ( 3 ) which has always been a favorite of mine even when a memuber of ABYC because of its park like setting far and enough removed from the main boardwalk to prevent excessive traffic. When we visited in mid July I was amazed to find only one boat tied up there.

Ashbridge's Bay Yacht Club ( 2 ) [ Ashbridges Bay YC website ] occupies the point which separates the inner from the outer basins. The members docks face onto the outer basin on the north shore, opposite the public wall while their service dock where the club tender is moored lies on the inside next to the public launch ramps. ABYC operates an active race program.

Like most Toronto area yacht clubs, both clubs are well fenced with good security requiring card key access. The public ramp offers two ramps and designated parking for boat trailers. For those wishing a break for an afternoon in the eastern Toronto area access to the Beaches and facilities is excellent.

To the north end of Ashbridge's Bay lies the Toronto Hydro Plane and Sailing Club ( 1 ) { Toronto Hydroplane & Sailing Club website } and what was once the Sea Scouts but now has become home of the Canoe Club. THSC is a modern well estrablished club.

In Ashbidge's Bay there is the The Boardwalk Bistro for Pastas, Pizza or steaks, on Queen St. E. there is the Tulip, with there inexpensive steak and beef dishes, a little futher to the east is the Bombay Harbour, which by its name obviously serves Indian food. At Bluffers Park there is the pub, restaurant, and snack bar at the marina. There are also several smaller restaurants and fast food outlets, up the hill from the harbour.

Toronto Hydroplane and Sailing Club
Ashbridges Bay, Toronto
Phone: 416-694-6918
Like many clubs there is space available for members of reciprocating yacht clubs. Visitors from reciprocating yacht clubs have the use of facilities.

Ashbridges Bay Yacht Club
Ashbridges Bay
Phone: 416- 698 4498
Like many clubs there is space available for members of reciprocating yacht clubs. Visitors from reciprocating yacht clubs have the use of facilities.