Hello everyone!
As a lot of you know, one of my favourite ways to explore is by paddle board (I'm sort of obsessed with it..). There's something so peaceful about getting out on the water and seeing our city from a completely different perspective. While it takes energy and planning and sometimes early morning alarms, it's always well worth the effort.
I started keeping track of most of the places I've paddled (in GTA), and I thought it would be fun to share them here! Just sharing my personal experience, where I launched, what I loved, what I didn't love, and a few tips that might help make things easier if you're planning to visit too. I know this is not photography related at all but I get a lot of questions from friends and clients about where I go so I thought I would share it here so we can all enjoy the water, especially on these HOT summer days.
Hopefully this inspires you to get out there and/or try a new spot!
📍 Jack Darling Memorial Park (Mississauga)
🚣 Launch: Jack Darling Memorial Park Parking Lot Easy launch from the parking lot and also you get the view from the parking lot so for days when the alarm clock got hit with snooze a couple of times, you can still enjoy the sunrise. Watch out for runners and bikers along the waterfront trail.
⏰ Best Time: Sunrise or weekday evenings. Free Parking.
✨ Highlights: Sandy beach, skyline views.
🌊 The Paddle: We're starting off strong with my go-to sunrise spot. Hands down my favourite sunrise spot for a reason. Calm shoreline paddle with views of the Toronto skyline on clear days. When planning a sunrise paddle, I keep an eye on the forecast in the days leading up to it and do one final check the night before. The magic happens when there are little to no clouds around sunrise so the sky has room to really put on a show. Every sunrise is unique, and each one worth the multiple alarms that go off. I also pay close attention to wind speeds, because calm conditions can completely change the experience on the water (more on choosing the right conditions at the end of this journal entry).
A mid-July sunrise morning will look something like this:
5:10am arrive
5:15am pump (I typically account for 10mins/board for full setup as I've got my setup routine down pat now)
5:35am launch
5:45am sunrise
Sometimes breakfast comes along for a paddle, my go-to is yogurt parfait because I can prepare it the night before, and every once in a while, a latte makes the trip too. Sometimes I do low-to-the-ground yoga on my board, sometimes I bring my watercolour paints, inspired by a paddle friend I met on the lake. I will often paddle along the shoreline or make my way over to the Port Credit Ridgetown Freighter Ship and marina area. You can make your paddles whatever you want and as short or long as you want. The only downside here is that it can get pretty choppy since it's wide open to the lake.
⭐ Rating: ★★★★★
I truly have endless sunrise photos from this spot.
📍 Rockwood Conservation Area (Guelph/Eramosa)
🚣 Launch: I park at the ruins boat launch. It's just a few extra steps in gravel road to the water from the parking lot.
⏰ Best Time: Early-mid morning, weekday evening. $9.50 entry fee
✨ Highlights: Cliffs, mini islands to explore, fun paths and still an open lake.
🌊 The Paddle: Small-ish lake with beautiful limestone cliffs. It feels like you're paddling somewhere much farther from the GTA. One of the most unique spots I've visited. I love love love coming here for a little day trip that feels like a camping trip all in one (there is also camping here). I enjoy paddling through the paths and making fun loops on my Strava :P
⭐ Rating: ★★★★★
📍 Port Credit River (Mississauga)
🚣 Launch: Port Credit Lighthouse Launch Parking is free. Launching a motorized boat is paid. They have fully renovated this area and the launch is great. The pictures online are not up to date. I pinned the location, the parking lot is very big and there are 2 launches, so make sure to go to the launch on the right for non-motorized vessels.
⏰ Best Time: Morning
✨ Highlights: Wildlife, riverside homes, grassy/marshy paths.
🌊 The Paddle: Our first paddle spot in the city. My friend Nicole brought me out and lent me her extra board. I went home and bought Lucas and I boards immediately. And we've since gotten a third board which means we always have an extra for friends to join. This is a fun paddle if you're looking for something local and different from being out on the lake. But you can choose to go either way, out to the lake towards the ship wreck or up the credit river. The river is murkier/muddier than the lake from the flow of water but the water is typically calmer in the creeks and rivers which is nice on a windy day. There are quite a few rowers from the rowing club, dragon boats and other vessels. So keep an eye out and move over quickly as they are typically faster than you. They do look back every so often of course, but they are facing backwards as they row. Along the river, just past the canoe club, they are building a pedestrian bridge right so be mindful of the construction noise there may be (plus I wonder if they'd close it off for a little bit while they build the bridge, check HERE for updates). I have gone up past the QEW as far as the Mississauga Golf Club. The water levels might determine how far you can go.
⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆
📍 Sixteen Mile Creek (Oakville)
🚣 Launch: Across from the Library there is a strip of parking spots. Paid parking is metered (use up your coins here, I can't remember if there was an app here). Park and launch from an empty boat dock.
⏰ Best Time: Morning with higher water levels
✨ Highlights: Forest views, peaceful surroundings.
🌊 The Paddle: Winding creek with lots of boats as you make your way to greenery and calm sections. FALL IS MAGICAL HERE. With the trees and paddling past the boats. I loved it (we also got lucky with a warm October day, so like, kinda cheating..). We paddled almost to Speers road and it got quite rocky, I imagine when the water levels are higher you could go further. Also, there was one time, we found this marshy path covered in little green clovers and paddling through there was magical, like a fairy movie or something. So yeah, great little spot. Again with it being a creek, it will be murkier than the open lake.
⭐ Rating: ★★★★★
The rescue paddle was a beautiful paddle where the water was covered in green clovers on the side path that we paddled through... and we did in fact rescued a man that was floating in his life jacket in the river. His inflatable board exploded so he hopped on ours and we brought him back to the launch.
📍 Bronte Creek (Oakville)
🚣 Launch: Across from Bronte Harbour not where Bronte Public Boat Launch, go to the pin. There is a little parking and a few steps to the little cup de sac, I launch there.
⏰ Best Time: Anytime, I haven't been here on weekends though I imagine getting there early is your best chance at a spot.
✨ Highlights: Harbour, sailboats, waterfront scenery.
🌊 The Paddle: A great mix of nature and waterfront charm. Paddle out to the lake or through the harbour into the creek with calm water and plenty of boats to admire. Easy to spend a couple of hours exploring. While being beautiful, it is still the creek area and a little murky at times. I bet this would be beautiful in the fall as well.
⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆
📍 Kelso Conservation Area (Milton)
🚣 Launch: Kelso Conservation Kayak Launch Parking $12.00 entry fee. The signs are clearly marked for visitors and the attendants are helpful if you ask for the kayak launch parking instead of beach parking.
⏰ Best Time: Depends on what you'd like to experience, I'll explain.
✨ Highlights: Escarpment views, calm water, beautiful fall colours.
🌊 The Paddle: Small, calm water reservoir surrounded by rolling hills. This used to be a nice close spot with warm water and chill vibes, but I do have different thoughts on this spot now. They have a waterpark and while I don't care for it myself, because the lake is so small, there is nowhere to really go to get away from it so it does get loud with kids screaming. It is also quite close to the highway which you can hear from the lake. Overall if you live close to this one and plan to get an annual pass and enjoy the beach, hiking, paddling, and maybe even (paid) waterpark if you have kids, this one doesn't make it to the top of my list anymore unfortunately.
⭐ Rating: ★★★☆☆
📍 Scarborough Bluffs (Scarborough)
🚣 Launch: Bluffers Park Public Boat Launch, Paid Parking, the launch is right in front of the parking.
⏰ Best Time: Sunrise or an early morning with calm water
✨ Highlights: Massive white cliffs, crystal-clear water, the marina, and one of the most breathtaking shorelines in Ontario.
🌊 The Paddle: An unforgettable paddle along the base of the towering bluffs. The route is mostly open water, so calm conditions are a must, but the views make every paddle worth it. This paddle truly feels like you're somewhere much farther from Toronto. Seeing the bluffs from the water gives you a completely different perspective, and it's one of those places that never gets old. If the lake is calm, it's an absolute must-do.
⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆
📍 Duffins Creek/Rotary Park/Frenchmen's Bay (Ajax)
🚣 Launch: Duffins Creek Canoe & Kayak Launch, Free parking but the parking is small.
⏰ Best Time: Morning or late evening around sunset,
✨ Highlights: Quiet creek, lots of birds and wildlife, tree-lined shoreline, and the option to paddle out into the lake.
🌊 The Paddle: A calm, sheltered paddle through the creek with the option to go out to Lake Ontario if you want to venture farther. This is such a peaceful spot when you're looking to escape the crowds. I love that you can choose between a relaxing paddle through the creek or extend your adventure onto the lake. It's one of those hidden gems that's easy to come back to. I always try to stop at the nautical village at Frenchmen's bay. They have the cutest mains st. I have not launched from Progress Frenchman's Bay East Park Boat Dock before but it looks like I have a new spot to try as it looks like the Bay is nice and spacious! If I lived closer this would be a go-to spot for sure!
⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆
📍 Burlington Beach (Burlington)
🚣 Launch: Burlington Beach There's parking along the road here and on weekends it gets really packed! Pump up and cross the path (watch out for runners and bikers!) and a few steps to the beach!
⏰ Best Time: Sunrise or a calm summer morning, sunset is also BEAUTIFUL here. There's a beautiful sunset back glow that gets a pinkish/purplish hue and it is quite magical.
✨ Highlights: Sandy beach, Burlington Pier, lighthouse views, and beautiful sunrises over the water.
🌊 The Paddle: The beach is shallow for a long way out so you may need to get in a little to launch but a scenic shoreline paddle along the beach with calm conditions is glorious. You can paddle towards the big bridge or head towards the Burlington Pier, which is quite fun to do little squiggles on my map. A super relaxing paddle that's easy to enjoy whether you're looking for a short outing or a longer time on the water. The sunrise here is worth the early wake-up call.
⭐ Rating: ★★★★★
📍 Humber River/Sunnyside Park (Toronto)
🚣 Launch: Sunnyside Park or South Kingsway Boat Launch behind the gas station. You can park at either and access the River or the lake from either so it is your preference. There is not much parking at the South Kingsway Launch and I would say it's not as maintained (last time I launched here, a couple years ago)
⏰ Best Time: Early morning on weekends or weekday evenings
✨ Highlights: In the River, quiet water & wildlife. On the lake, Humber Bay Arch Bridge, Toronto skyline and waterfront trails.
🌊 The Paddle: Slow-moving river surrounded by trees and nature. It's hard to believe you're still in Toronto. Such a calm escape from the city. Or an open-water paddle along Toronto's waterfront with incredible skyline views the entire way. If you love paddling with a city backdrop without being right downtown, this is a good one. Also check out the Sunnyside Pavilion Cafe, the patio has beautiful waterfront views and the vibes are gooood.
⭐ Rating: ★★★★☆
📍 Toronto Islands, to and from or all the way around baby! (Toronto)
🚣 Launch: Cherry Beach, Free parking. There's quite a lot, but it does fill up FAST. There is another parking Green P Carpark 243, but it is more of a trek to get your board to the water.
⏰ Best Time: Sunrise or an early weekday morning before ferry/boat traffic picks up. Very important to go with a buddy!! This is not a beginner friendly paddle!
✨ Highlights: Worth it for the bragging rights alone! Toronto skyline views, hidden lagoons, beaches, passing ferries, and seeing the city from a completely different perspective.
🌊 The Paddle: We started by paddling across the Eastern Channel and from there, you choose your adventure. If you choose to go directly to the inner side, the first time we went with a group, we crossed the eastern channel and we landed at Olympic island. There are washrooms there and it's a great spot to regroup and enjoy the city skyline.
If you are going all the way around, we went the far side first past centre island, the Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, Hanland's point beach and around the airport to the western channel. Watch for the buoys and follow around them. It does get loud as planes are literally landing over you, but it is quite a unique paddle experience! Be EXTREMELY ALERT from the western channel crossing to the inner side of the islands, there are loud planes and taxis and the ferry to watch for! It's a LONG paddle day with a mix of open water and sheltered areas so be prepared with food and water and all the safety gear you need!
Crossing to the Toronto islands is a BIG adventure, but once you're there, it becomes so peaceful. Paddling the full loop gives you a little bit of everything, city views, quiet nature, and open water. It's definitely one I'd like to do again and go through all the channels of the inner islands.
⭐ Rating: ★★★★★
📍 Lakefront Promenade Park (Mississauga)
🚣 Launch: Lakefront Promenade Park Beach
⏰ Best Time: Sunrise (my favourite!) or a calm evening
✨ Highlights: Peaceful marshes, wildlife, Toronto skyline views, calm water, and some of the best sunrises in the GTA.
🌊 The Paddle: This is my favourite place to paddle. Where Lucas and I totally fell in love with not only paddling but this waterfront lifestyle. It's the spot we find ourselves coming back to over and over because we just love being here. I can't believe we get to call this place home. Counting down the days until it's officially our neighbourhood. A beautiful mix of sheltered shoreline and open lake. You can explore the bay, paddle along the waterfront, or venture farther out onto Lake Ontario when conditions are calm. Whether I'm looking to enjoy a sunny paddle, enjoy a quiet evening, or just looking to unwind, it never disappoints. It's peaceful, beautiful, and always feels like a little escape without having to leave the city. A BEAUTIFUL perk of this spot is that it freezes in the winter making it a perfect secluded spot to go wild ice skating (use extreme caution when preparing to go on wild ice).
⭐ Rating: ★★★★★ ❤️
The best part of any paddle is truly the company you spend it with, so regardless if it's yourself, with your spouse/partner, family or friends. Enjoy the company you are with, have conversations, explore together, and make lasting memories on the water. We're so happy and grateful for all the friends we've paddled with over the years, and for all the new ones we've met through this incredible community. Cheers to more sunrise paddles, new adventures, and unforgettable memories on the water! Whether you're a beginner or an experienced paddler, there's no right or wrong way to enjoy being on the water. We switch between sitting, standing, kneeling, and even lying down all the time—it all counts!
Get out there, paddle at your own pace, stay safe, and most importantly, have fun! 🌊💙
More places on my paddle board bucket list:
🌿 Cootes Paradise
🌊 Burlington to Toronto (whether it's one epic paddle or broken up into sections... yes, I know that's a little wild 😂)
I'm always looking for new places to explore, so if you have a favourite paddle spot, Let's chat over on instagram, I’d love your recommendations! @helene.b.photography
That's it for now! What spots did I miss? What paddle destinations would you add to my list?
Paddle accessories I enjoy:
Stretchy Coiled Lanyards - attach anything to your board, water bottles, the waterproof bag, hats, these are handy!!
Floaty Life Jacket Case because phones are waterproof these days, but they do not float... ask me how I know :/ A lot of boards come with a plastic bag and lanyard. The problem is people will take it out for just a moment to take a picture and that's where the risk is. Another option is this lanyard, but I just felt like the full floaty made me feel better on the water.
Electric Pump if you don't have one already and plan to go out a lot, I do get a lot of use out of her.
Waterproof Speaker to keep the good vibes flowing
Waterproof bag(10L is a good one to start with, not too small and not too big), to store the keys, snacks and essentials (make sure to secure it to your board!!). If you want a whole lunch bag I like - the big cooler bag
It's nice to have Adjustable Bungee Cords to connect boards and chill
Little Anchor, I don't use it all the time but it is nice to float in the Lakefront Promenade Bay with this.
Cupholder for your drink preference
Carry Strap, I don't have one of these myself but I could see it being useful for longer treks from your parking spot to the water.
SAFETY FIRST!! We are in the wilderness people!
Please follow all safety requirements by law:
https://parks.canada.ca/voyage-travel/securite-safety/planche-paddleboard
https://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/sor-2010-91/page-4.html
And life jackets for the doggos!
Safety lights if you plan to be out before dawn/after dusk
Sunscreen! We use La Roche-Posay Face and Body for our face, it's a small bottle, and we use the La Roche-Posay Anthelios Dermo-Kids Sunscreen for Kids SPF50+ Eco-Tube Face & Body for our body. We found a 2 pack on sale at Shoppers recently. :)
And if you forgot to re-apply that.... Neutrogena Sun Rescue After Sun and 4 applications of moisturizer a day goes a long way.
For a paddle forecast, I always check for winds speeds
0-5km/hour - beautiful calm waters (I enjoy these the most, like glass)
6-11km/hour - a good paddle that could involve
12-19km/h - for intermediate/advanced paddlers, these winds are strong and if you are not confident in your ability to get back safely, I would skip the paddle this time.
20km/h + you are getting into surfing at these winds lol
Unless you are in a sheltered area, like a bay or creek, anything above 10km/h is becoming rocky. Currents also affect the water, if you arrive and feel uneasy about the water, try another time. There have been days when we’ve arrived for a sunrise paddle and decided to stay on shore. The water was a little too rocky for our comfort level and didn’t offer the calm, peaceful SUP experience we were hoping for, but the views were great none-the-less!
Finally, I always make sure someone knows my plans before heading out, where I’m paddling, roughly how long I’ll be gone, and when I expect to be back. Give yourself plenty of time on the water, and always stay aware of changing conditions. Keep an eye on the wind, waves, weather, and any incoming storm clouds.
If you’re already out paddling and your gut tells you it’s time to head back, listen to it. I can’t stress this enough, trust your instincts!! I’ve had two experiences where conditions changed quickly while I was out on the water. Both times, I listened to that feeling, made my way back to shore, and ended up safely off the water just before storms rolled in with heavy rain, thunder, and lightning.
The weather can change quickly, especially when you’re out on open water, so never feel like you have to push through just because you planned to be out longer. A beautiful paddle is always worth returning for another day.
Water and landscapes are constantly changing. Heavy rainfall, flooding, and erosion can reshape shorelines, creeks and launch areas over time, so don’t assume a spot will always look or feel the same as your last visit. Take a moment to observe your surroundings and make decisions based on the conditions in front of you.
Please remember to be respectful of the water, the wildlife, and the communities that surround these beautiful places. These spaces are special, and it’s up to all of us to help preserve them for future paddlers to enjoy.
I hope sharing my experiences inspires you to get outside, explore somewhere new, and start planning your next adventure!
Thanks for reading!
HAPPY PADDLING!
Xo, Helene