Scarboro Beach Amusement Park 🇨🇦

Step back into Toronto's vibrant history as you explore the legacy of Scarboro Beach Park, a famous lakeside amusement park that operated from 1907 until 1925. Situated on a 40-acre site south of Queen Street East down to Lake Ontario between Leuty and MacLean avenues, this former trolley park was originally modeled after Coney Island's iconic Luna Park. When you discover its storied grounds, you will learn how local visitors historically arrived via steamship service from the foot of Yonge Street or via the extended Toronto Railway Company streetcar network.

Though replaced by a residential subdivision featuring Scarboro Beach Boulevard, the memory of its over one hundred attractions remains vivid. During its operational years, you could see thrilling rides like the Shoot the Chutes water ride with its lagoon, a Tunnel of Love, aerial swings, fun houses, and a roller coaster billed as a scenic train. The park also hosted an athletic field for lacrosse, bathing and dance pavilions, band concerts, freak shows, and daredevil acts.

History enthusiasts will also marvel at its claim as the site of Canada's very first public flight by aviator Charles F. Willard in September 1909.

What to see at Scarboro Beach Amusement Park

• Modelled on Luna Park at Coney Island with over 100 original attractions
• Features like Shoot the Chutes, aerial swings, and a scenic train roller coaster
• Site of Canada's very first public flight by Charles F. Willard in 1909
• Hosted live band concerts, dance pavilions, lacrosse games, and daredevil acts

Visiting tips

Look for Scarboro Beach Boulevard in the surrounding residential neighborhood to walk through the area named after this historic park.

How long: 1-2 hours · Best time: Daytime

How to get there & what’s nearby

Scarboro Beach Amusement Park is easy to reach on Toronto’s public transport, and pairs naturally with Toronto Zoo and Allan Gardens. For where to stay, the weather and full itineraries, see our Toronto travel guide.