Long Branch Neighbourhood Guide

Home to South Etobicoke's beachfront, historic lakeside estates, Degrassi Junior High, a family favourite park, delicious deluxe burgers, and an authentic 1940's barbershop. 

Reasons To Love Long Branch

  • You can swim, tan, and play in the sand at Marie Curtis Beach. Long Branch is home to Marie Curtis Park, which is one of South Etobicoke's most popular parks for families. It has a big playground, splash pad, wading pool, picnic areas, bike trails, a dog off-leash area, and lots of open green space for kids to run around. It is the only park in South Etobicoke that has a sandy beach to enjoy a dip in Lake Ontario on those hot summer days.

  • Toronto's elite used to have their cottages here, and some of them are still standing today. In the late 1800s, Long Branch Summer Resort was built on the shores of Lake Ontario, only a short train or ferry ride from downtown Toronto. Developers promoted Long Branch to wealthy Torontonians as an escape from the city, where they could own a cottage and be a part of the prestigious new vacation community situated at Long Branch Grove. The gated community had a large dining hall, swimming, a merry-go-round, a 10 acre park, lawn bowling, and residents were not to have any "intoxicating beverages." A week long stay cost $15.

  • The smell of Woody's Burgers. It is almost impossible not to stop for a burger at Woody's when you catch the smell of their wood burning grills in action. Everything on their menu, including their burgers, are made in house, and everything is delicious. Burgers, poutine, mac and cheese, and kids choices too. You can call ahead for pick up, or dine in. If you're dining in, plan to wait about 20-30 minutes for your meal because everything is prepared fresh and well worth the wait.

  • Degrassi Junior High was filmed in Long Branch. Fans of the show can still see the school where the popular 80s series was filmed at on Daisy Ave in Long Branch. While the building is currently used as a daycare centre, Vincent Massey Public School will have Degrassi fans feeling nostalgic. In addition to it's Degrassi fame, the 1929 building is known for it's "Tudor-Revival details designed in a Collegiate Gothic Style with a broad stairway leading to a central entrance" according to a city planning report.

  • Lake views, for real. Many Long Branch residents have clear views of Lake Ontario from their home and from their street, with some being so lucky to back right onto the lake or be located only a few houses up from the water.

  • Houses with character, history, and charm. You will find lots of houses built in the 1920s-1950s in Long Branch, and even some from the late 1800s, and many of the owners have maintained the original charm of the property. Dreamy millwork, original glass door knobs, and stained glass windows!

  • No shortage of great dining and snack options. For a nice dinner out, we suggest 850 Degree Pizzeria or Pulcinella. For a casual bite check out Buster's, The Empanada Company, George The Greek, or Sloppy Joes for really good chicken wings. Grab a coffee and treat from The Happy Bakers, Black Goat, and Fair Grounds Organic Coffee. For a lighter option, try Thrive Organic for vegan, vegetarian, gluten free, organic, and raw options. Scoops N'More is the neighbourhood hot spot for ice cream.

  • An easy commute to downtown Toronto. With close access to the Ling Branch station on the Lakeshore GO Train line, the TTC streetcar line, and Gardiner Expressway or Highway 427 getting around is pretty easy. The 501 streetcar line is somewhat of a Toronto legend, being the longest streetcar route in North America, running between Long Branch in the west and Neville Park in the east. The 501 streetcar is a locals answer to the the double decker tour bus.

  • House prices have increased steadily, however it is still more affordable to buy a house in Long Branch than in Toronto proper. Lots of young families are moving into Long Branch after realizing their dollar goes farther here - often getting a larger home, with a bigger yard, and more parking than they were looking at getting closer to downtown.

  • Farm Boy and Sherway Gardens are a stones throw away. In five minutes, you can be at Sherway Gardens Mall and all the big box stores along The Queensway, and get to Farm Boy to do your weekly grocery shop and undoubtedly grab a few impulse items. Why is everything so good there?


Things To Do, Eat, and See in Long Branch

  • Grab your swimsuit and spend the day at Marie Curtis beach and park. Long Branch is lucky to call Marie Curtis Park theirs. We love cycling here, and this this is a perfect spot to spend a summer afternoon. Stroll along the boardwalk, escape the heat with a dip in Lake Ontario, or sunbath on the sandy beach. The kids will love the big playground, splash pad, and watching the ducks from the bridge. There are lots of picnic tables and open green space for your lunch in the park, and usually an icecream truck parked nearby too.

  • Get a hair cut or shave in an authentic 1940s barber shop. Nite Owl Barber Shop has been operating on Lake Shore Blvd since the late 1940s, but was re-launched by Brian Hurson, the shop's new owner, who has maintained the charm and history of the original barber shop. If you appreciate a vintage vibe, this place is definitely worth visiting for your next cut.

  • Grab lunch at Woodfire Sandwich Co. Located next door to Woody's Burgers, Woodfire Sandwich Co is not your average sandwich shops. Many of the sandwiches feature meat that has been smoked in house, and on weekends they also have breakfast sandwiches and bowls. Nic highly recommends their Texas Brisket sandwich.

  • Let the kids use up some energy at Long Branch Park. Located right on the shores of Lake Ontario, Long Branch Park is a popular spot for kids to play on the playground and run around the open green space. Parents can relax in the Muskoka chairs or in the gazebo, and enjoy the view of the sailboats on Lake Ontario. We also really like Len Ford Park which offers a secluded place to sit down beside the water.

  • Treat yourself to some pampering at Jaja Spa. Owned by two best friends, Jaja Spa is a stylish and relaxing atmosphere for your manicures, pedicures, massages, facials, and more.

  • Lace up your skates and enjoy the city's first outdoor skating trail. Bordering Long Branch, you will find Colonel Samuel Smith Park in New Toronto, which is home to Toronto's first outdoor skating trail shaped like a figure eight. It is extra fun at night under the lights with the holiday music playing in the background. If the weather isn't ideal for an outdoor skate, check out Long Branch Arena for public skate sessions.

  • Bike or walk the Waterfront Trail into Port Credit. The trail snakes along Lake Ontario and through some residential areas, and is a great way to spend an afternoon. When you get to Port Credit, stop and have some ice cream by the lighthouse overlooking the pier. Ice cream is essential!

  • Grab a smoothie from The Fix + Co. Two cousins started the business with the goal "to provide delicious, fresh, plant based products such as cold pressed juices, shakes, elixirs, salads, and soups using organic, local, and seasonal produce when possible." Their Banana Choco Chai smoothie taste like a chocolate banana milkshake, but it's good for you! Stop by their storefront and relax while you enjoy your juice, or have it delivered right to your doorstep.

  • Get turned around on the winding trails of Colonel Sam Smith Park. This park has so many hidden gems we almost feel bad putting it on blast. On the border between Long Branch and New Toronto, you will find winding trails that will take you deep into the park and along the shores of Lake Ontario. You will almost forget you are in the city, it's that peaceful! The park is known for bird watching but is also a great place to watch the boats cruise into the Lakeshore Yacht Club, go fishing, lace up your skates and enjoy the views from the outdoor skating trail at the Powerhouse Rec Centre, head to the dog park, relax on the beachfront, catch a game of Aussie Rules football on the east fields, or wander the Lakeshore Grounds - formerly the Lakeshore Psychiatric Hospital and now part of the Humber College campus. One of our favourite spots is Whimbrel Point, the piece of the park that extends furthest south into Lake Ontario. This park is packed with so much to explore so we'll let you discover the rest.

  • Get in the holiday spirit at the Etobicoke Lakeshore Santa Claus Parade. The parade has been ranked the 4th best Santa Claus parade in Ontario (yes, somebody actually ranks Santa Clause Parades) and is filled with floats, marching bands, the jolly man himself, all with its own Etobicoke kind of flare. The parade runs from Dwight Ave in Mimico into Long Branch, along Lake Shore Blvd.

  • Enjoy a yoga class at Branch Yoga. Hosting an extensive range of yoga classes, including aerial yoga, Branch Yoga is a popular spot where you will see locals walking to class with their yoga mats in hand. Branch Yoga also offers spa services like massages and facials.


The Lay of the Land

Located in the south west corner of Etobicoke, bordering Lake Ontario, New Toronto to the east, and Lakeview to the west. Official boundaries are Twenty Third Street in the east, Etobicoke Creek to the west, Lake Ontario in the south, and north to the train tracks. 

Long Branch offers easy access to Lake Ontario, the Gardiner Expressway, Highway 427, and Lake Shore Blvd. Lots of shopping and restaurant options are available on Lake Shore Blvd, and nearby Sherway Gardens Mall and The Queensway.

Usually residents outside of Toronto benefit most from commuting by GO Train, but South Etobicoke residents have a unique advantage of utilizing this speedy and cost effective transit method to travel within their own city. The GO Train line runs through South Etobicoke, with stops in Long Branch and Mimico. Jump on the GO Train at Long Branch station and you will be at Union Station in 20 minutes. The 501 streetcar running along Lake Shore into downtown is also a convenient and scenic commuting option.


Long Branch Real Estate

Style of Homes In Long Branch

House styles in Long Branch range from large lakeside estates with some backing onto Lake Ontario, to two storey detached homes on 25-50 foot wide lots, to cozy two bedroom bungalows built in the early 1900s. Some of the Long Branch Summer Resort cottages from the late 1800s are still standing and are now home to Long Branch families. On average, the houses in Long Branch seem to be a bit larger than in New Toronto and Mimico, but that is not a hard and fast rule. Quite a number of homes have gone through complete renovations, although many of them have maintained the historical character of the home. Over the past few years, there has been an increase in the number of 50 foot wide lots that have been severed to create mirror image custom homes on 25 foot lots. This has been met with mixed opinions from local residents. High rise condo options are still minimal, but there are quite a few newer built stacked townhomes located just north of Lake Shore off of Long Branch Ave which have been popular with first time buyers and commuters given the walking distance to Long Branch GO Train station. 


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