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

Six members of the Rideau Speedeaus hold a sign with the league's name on it in front of a pool

Queer sports leagues offer safety and joy

Recreational sports leagues across Canada are offering LGBTQ2S+ people something essential: the freedom to just show up and play
The cover of 'I Remember Lights'; Ben Ladouceur

‘I Remember Lights’ is a time machine trip to Montreal’s gay past

Ben Ladouceur’s rigorously researched new novel is romantic, harrowing and transportive
A black and white photo of speakers at a rally; a sign that says "Love and Let Love" hangs behind them

‘Parade’ invites us to embrace queer history to tackle the present

Noam Gonick’s new documentary turns the spotlight on Canada’s long-overlooked LGBTQ2S+ activists to tell their stories
Countess Luann holding a microphone

Countess Luann on cabaret superstardom, Kenya Moore and life after ‘The Real Housewives’

“Elegance is learned, my friends,” and the Countess’s class is in session