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Cherry Beach in the east and Hanlan’s Point (see Hanlan’s Point) are two of Toronto’s best beaches. While the city has made strides in improving water quality, beaches are often posted with no-swimming signs, often after heavy rains. More reliable are the public pools.

Among Toronto’s free outdoor rinks are Nathan Phillips Square (see City Hall) and Harbourfront’s Natrel Rink. Both have skate rentals.

Daring in-line skaters take to the streets, but recreational rollers head to the lake-hugging Martin Goodman Trail (see Martin Goodman Trail).

Extensive park and ravine trails mean lots of choice. Head to the Beach boardwalk (see The Beach), High Park (see High Park), or the more secluded paths by the Don River.

Many major roads and parks have bike lanes. A terrific recreational cycle is on the Martin Goodman Trail (see Martin Goodman Trail) or at Leslie Street Spit.

Toronto Field Naturalists (TFN) offer daily tours of natural areas, led by knowledgeable volunteers. The 500-mile (800-km) Bruce Trail, running along the Niagara Escarpment from Niagara to Tobermory, has many access points. The Bruce Trail Association (BTA) is a mine of information.

You can take windsurfing lessons or rent a board by joining the Toronto Windsurfing Club at Cherry Beach, the city’s best surfing spot. Sailors can choose from four public marinas – the largest at Bluffer’s Park (see Bluffer’s Park) – or a number of private ones (see By Boat or Ferry).

The Toronto Islands’ lagoons are ideal for paddling; rent a canoe on Centre Island or the mainland at Harborfront Canoe & Kayak Centre, which also offers one-evening classes and local outings.

The famous Glen Abbey is just 30 minutes west of Toronto; there are also five golf courses in the city.

Within city limits, at North York Ski Centre and Centennial Park, are only small hills; two hours north of Toronto, at Collingwood, is Ontario’s best skiing (see Collingwood). Phone the city’s ski hotline for details.