Hanlan’s Point, Toronto’s clothing-optional beach, is re-opening soon

The Toronto Islands have been closed for over two months due to flooding

The Toronto Islands, including Hanlan’s Point clothing-optional beach, will re-open on Monday, the city confirmed on Thursday.

After being closed for more than two months, all beaches on the islands will re-open on July 31, 2017. Regular ferry service to Centre Island and Ward’s Island is also scheduled to resume on Monday, with tickets available starting July 28.

Hanlan’s Point has attracted many queer people over the decades for its clothing-optional beach and reputation as a cruising spot. The first-ever Pride event in Toronto — a gay picnic on the island — was held there in 1971.

Olympic Island, which is east of Centre Island, will remain closed, and the city says that although all beaches will be open, some flood-damaged sections may remain closed as well.

Most of the islands have been closed since late May, when heavy rains soaked the city and left about half of the islands underwater.

Riley Sparks is a journalist based in Paris, and a former producer and story editor at Xtra.

Read More About:
Culture, News, Toronto, Canada, Cruising

Keep Reading

Mike Faist, Zendaya and Josh O'Connor sit on a motel bed in a still from Challengers.

‘Challengers’ is the bisexual film of the year 

REVIEW: The tennis threesome drama with Zendaya at the centre is a celebration of sexiness and sport

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 16, Episode 16 power ranking: An iconic final three

Only one can win, but all three fought hard to make their case for the crown

‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’ Season 16 finale recap: I hear it and I know

America’s Next Drag Superstar XVI is crowned!

Queer films to watch out for this spring and summer

From a theatre troupe in a maximum-security prison to hot bisexuals sweating it out on the tennis court, spring and summer have plenty of queer cinematic fare to offer