The Beaches, or “Beach Village” or “Beach” as many locals call it, is a charming, laid-back neighbourhood with a vintage small-town vibe. First settled in 1793 by the Ashbridge Family from Philadelphia and was originally farmland until the late 1800s.
Looking more like a lakeside resort town than a big city neighbourhood, in the summertime, thousands of Torontonians and tourists flock to The Beaches to walk on The Boardwalk, exercise along the Martin Goodman Trail, relax by the water, or shop and dine at the colourful stores and restaurants along Queen Street.
Many of the original 19th century beach cottages are still standing giving the Beaches the greatest architectural diversity of any of Toronto's 140 unique neighbourhoods.
