Tommy Thompson Light Beacon Station: Toronto's Accidental Wilderness
Explore Toronto's accidental urban wilderness: stunning lakefront views, diverse wildlife, and a historic light beacon await!
The Tommy Thompson Light Beacon Station, situated within Tommy Thompson Park (also known as the Leslie Street Spit), offers a unique blend of natural beauty and industrial history. This man-made peninsula extends five kilometers into Lake Ontario, providing stunning views of the Toronto skyline and a habitat for diverse wildlife.
A brief summary to Tommy Thompson Light Beacon Station
- Toronto, Old Toronto, Ontario, CA
- +1416-996-7765
- Visit website
Local tips
- Visit during sunrise or sunset for breathtaking views over Lake Ontario.
- Bring binoculars for birdwatching; many migratory birds can be spotted here.
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking the trails, as they can be uneven in spots.
- Pack a picnic to enjoy by the water and make the most of your visit.
Getting There
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Public Transport
From downtown Toronto, take the Line 1 (Yonge-University) subway to Queen Station. Transfer to the 501 Queen streetcar heading east to Leslie Street. Walk south on Leslie Street for approximately 20 minutes to reach the park entrance. Alternatively, take Line 2 to Donlands Station, then the 83 Jones Southbound bus to Commissioner's Street and Leslie. The park entrance is a 5-minute walk from the bus stop. A single TTC fare is $3.30 CAD [TTC website].
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Walking
If you are near the waterfront, access Tommy Thompson Park via the Martin Goodman Trail. This multi-use trail passes Tommy Thompson Park between Woodbine Beach and Cherry Beach. Follow the trail east until you reach the park entrance at the foot of Leslie Street. Note that the walk from Queen Street East and Leslie Street is approximately 28 minutes.
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Driving
From the DVP/Gardiner junction, take Lake Shore Boulevard East and exit at Leslie Street. The park entrance is located at Leslie Street and Unwin Avenue. Free parking is available at the Tommy Thompson Park entrance. Parking is also available on Leslie Street. Be aware that parking spaces can fill up quickly on busy weekends.
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