Surf Camps in Toronto

Toronto offers a unique urban surfing experience on the waves of Lake Ontario. With a growing community of dedicated surfers, the city's waterfront provides a surprising and thrilling surf scene against a backdrop of skyscrapers.

Toronto's Urban Surf Scene

Surfing in Toronto? Absolutely. While it might not be the first place that comes to mind for catching waves, Toronto has a surprisingly vibrant and dedicated surf community. The city's shoreline along Lake Ontario offers a unique urban surfing experience, where you can ride swells with the iconic CN Tower and city skyline as your backdrop. It's a surreal feeling, paddling out into the fresh water of the Great Lakes and finding a sense of escape right in the heart of Canada's biggest metropolis.

The Waves and Breaks

The waves on Lake Ontario are primarily wind-generated, meaning they can be less predictable than ocean swells but just as fun. The best breaks are typically found at beaches like Ashbridges Bay, Woodbine Beach, and Cherry Beach. These spots feature sandy bottoms and can produce some clean, peelers when the conditions are right. The waves are often described as "punchy" and short, providing a different kind of challenge for surfers used to long ocean rides.

Best Time to Surf

The prime surfing season in Toronto is during the fall and winter months, from September to March. This is when the winds are strongest and most consistent, creating the best swells. Yes, it's cold water surfing, so a thick wetsuit, boots, gloves, and a hood are essential. But the reward is uncrowded waves and a truly unique Canadian surfing experience.

Skill Levels

Surfing in Toronto is for everyone, from beginners to seasoned pros. The surf community is known for being welcoming and supportive. However, due to the cold water and sometimes challenging conditions, it's recommended that beginners take a lesson from a local surf school like Surf the Greats to learn the basics and safety protocols.

What Makes It Unique?

Surfing in Toronto is all about the juxtaposition of nature and city life. It's about the camaraderie of a passionate community that has carved out a surfing niche in an unexpected place. It's about the thrill of catching a wave on a freshwater lake, with the bustling city just a stone's throw away. It's a raw, adventurous, and truly unforgettable surfing experience.