An Ode to the Last Days of Summer at Woodbine Beach

The air is starting to whisper a different tune. A faint coolness that wasn't there a few weeks ago, a gentle hint of gold in the green leaves of the trees. Summer, that glorious, sun-drenched season, is starting to pack its bags. And in Toronto, there's no better place to feel that bittersweet transition than with a walk along Woodbine Beach.

If you are in Toronto , you know the drill. We hibernate for what feels like an eternity, and then, in a flash of heat and humidity, we burst forth to embrace every single moment of summer. We flock to the patios, the parks, the islands, and of course, the beaches. But as September 2025 arrives and the official end of summer draws near, a visit to Woodbine Beach becomes less about the frenetic energy of peak season and more about quiet reflection.

The Calm After the Storm

This is the time to trade the midday sunbathing for an early morning stroll. The sand, still warm from the day before, feels soft and inviting underfoot. While the massive crowds of July and August have thinned, the vibrant heart of the beach still beats. I was reminded of this during a recent visit. Even as the sun began its descent, a few dedicated groups were still at the volleyball courts, their shouts and laughter carrying on the evening breeze. The slap of hands on the ball, the cheers for a good play—it's a sound that perfectly encapsulates the last holdouts of summer fun.

It’s The beach itself, while not as packed, remains a lively ecosystem. As I walked, I noticed the ever-present population of seagulls. They dotted the shoreline, their cries a constant soundtrack. Some patrolled the water's edge, others squabbled over a forgotten snack, and a few soared effortlessly overhead, their wings catching the last rays of sun. They are as much a part of Woodbine Beach as the sand and the water, a testament to the life that thrives here year-round.

A Parade of Personalities

Walking along the boardwalk, a part of the expansive Martin Goodman Trail, you can feel the city’s pulse slow down. You’ll see the dedicated dog walkers, a few determined cyclists, and fellow beach-lovers soaking in these last precious moments. It’s a parade of personalities, both human and canine. I remember one recent visit where the sheer diversity of our four-legged friends was a show in itself. There was a tiny Chihuahua, yapping excitedly at the waves, a fluffy Golden Retriever bounding after a stick, and a sleek, elegant Afghan Hound gracefully trotting alongside its owner. 

And then, majestically, came a Great Dane, a gentle giant that seemed to dwarf its human companion, its long strides covering ground effortlessly. It's moments like these, witnessing the simple joy of a dog on a walk, that add to the charm of Woodbine in the shoulder season. The iconic bathing station, with its recent renovations and water-filling stations, looks as fresh as ever, a reminder that this is a year-round landmark, not just a summer one.

Beyond the beach itself, the surrounding parks are alive with their own unique end-of-summer vibe. Woodbine Park, just across the street, might have just hosted the lively Toronto International BuskerFest and Bark in the Park over the Labour Day weekend, but now it settles back into its role as a peaceful green space. The picnic shelters are still there, ready for a last-minute outdoor meal, and the trails invite you to explore.

There's a special kind of beauty in a beach as summer fades. The light takes on a softer, more golden quality. The sounds are less boisterous, more subtle—the gentle lapping of waves, the distant chatter of a lone paddleboarder. It’s a moment to take stock, to remember the long days, the warm nights, the spontaneous swims, and the laughter shared with friends.

So before the first crisp days of fall truly arrive, make the pilgrimage. Take a walk on Woodbine Beach. Feel the sand between your toes one last time, watch the sun set over the horizon, and appreciate the fleeting magic of a Toronto summer. It's a quiet, beautiful way to say goodbye to the season and welcome the new one, with all its cozy possibilities.