As lifelong, proud residents of Scarberia we know exactly what our reputation can be across the GTA. And we couldn’t care less what the stuffy and uptight think of us! We know what our city has to offer and we know that if you’ve spent any time in Scarborough you know it too.
One of the most incredible views you’ll get in Toronto is the view looking over the Scarborough Bluffs. From hiking to photography to splashing in the cool waters of Lake Ontario we are kind of shocked that this is still a hidden gem.
If you’re looking for recommendations on how to spend the day at the Scarborough Bluffs, check out A Stoner’s Guide to the Scarborough Bluffs For a fascinating background the Scarborough Bluffs and its surrounding communities read on!
Whether you start or end your day on the Scarborough Bluffs at Stok’d Cliffside, we stand as proud as the escarpment to be part of this neighbourhood. Just a short drive to Bluffer’s Park and Beach, stopping off at our shop to get your stoner supplies for a great day outdoors is a must. If you need to pick up snacks for the day, we have a Bulk Barn right next door. Once you’re finished soaking in the views and activities of the Scarborough Bluffs there’s plenty of great eats on Kingston road and our budtenders are happy to recommend their favourites.
The limestone cliffs that make up the escarpment of the Scarborough Bluffs stretches 90 m (300 feet for the metrically impaired 😂) above the cool waters of Lake Ontario at their highest point. Many people don’t know that the name of this majestic wonder has changed a few times over the years. If you’ve studied Canadian history in school the Scarborough Bluffs have featured prominently in the evolution of the region. Indigenous peoples created agricultural settlements, water and portaging transportation routes in the area and waterways around the Scarborough Bluffs. We learned that “Chi Sippi” is the name the Anishnawbe used for the Rouge River, which means Large Creek, although we weren’t able to find any other references to any Indigenous names of the Scarborough Bluffs themselves. The first Europeans in the area were French traders in the 1600s. They named The Scarborough Bluffs “Les Grands Ecores” which translates to “the tall points or cliffs on the shore” (thanks Wikipedia 😅).
Once the Brits came to town, surveyor Alexander Aitken creatively named the area the High Lands in 1788. Wife of Upper Canada’s first Lieutenant Governor – a thoroughly complicated historical figure and the reason for Ontario’s August long weekend – Elizabeth Simcoe thought the Bluffs reminded her of home in Yorkshire, a little place called Scarborough. The Scarborough Bluffs, as they are known today, were called the Scarborough Highlands for over a century, in addition to the township that grew up around it.
Originally much larger, much of the Scarborough Bluffs on the western side were blasted away to make room for the industries and settlers that flocked to the area. Even today, development and erosion are a strain on the Scarborough Bluffs and visitors are warned to stay within the boundaries to avoid injury.
The Bluffs aren’t just a great place to visit, many people live here too. The area around them has some of the swankiest homes and neighbourhoods in Scarborough. Before we dive into how to spend a day at Scarborough’s hidden gem, here’s some intel on the community around The Bluffs.
Home to Stok’d Cliffside, or “Spliffside” as customer’s christened it, is one of the oldest residential neighbourhoods in Scarborough. The most likely spot for visitors and residents alike is Cliffside Village, a stretch of Kingston Road with shops, cafes and restaurants. Tree lined streets with flags and murals of the neighbourhood make this a quaint but lively place to visit. In addition to Cliffside Village, there’s some beautiful old homes that also draw in the architecture nerds. Built up in the 20s, 30s, 40s and post-war era, the houses of Cliffside are worth spending a day to discover:
“Cliffside houses were built mostly in the 1920’s, 30’s, and 40’s. These houses include an eclectic mix of architectural styles including Tudor, Cape Cod, Edwardian, Craftsman style bungalows and newer, contemporary homes. Chine Drive south of Kingston Road is known for its fine collection of Tudor and Elizabethan style houses that are set back from the road in a forest like setting. Fishleigh Drive, located at the south end of this neighbourhood, offers homeowners magnificent views of Lake Ontario.”
Cliffside is boundaried by Kennedy Road to the west, St Clair Ave East to the north, Brimley Road on the East and the Bluffs on Lakeshore to the south.
Birch Cliff is one of the oldest neighbourhoods in Scarborough, built in the 1920s from farmland surrounding The Hunt Club, a lovely golf and country club that first built by British soldiers for “hunting” foxes 🤬. Since then this community has become a mix of homes for both the muckety-mucks and middle class Scarberians. If you’re in the area you’ll want to check out the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail. In addition don’t miss The Birchcliff Cafe for coffee, a baked treat or famous pumpkin pie around Thanksgiving (The Canadian version in October for any Yankees reading this 😂).
This neighbourhood is Beaches adjacent and although Scarborough is now “officially” 😏part of the City of Toronto, Birch Cliff has always been the bridge between the Six and the Scarbs. Bordered by Victoria Park to the west, St Clair Ave East to the north and Lake Ontario to the south and Kennedy road to the east, this community is definitely all about the Bluffs.
Cliffcrest, (are you sensing a naming pattern? lol), is one of the more affordable neighbourhoods near the Bluffs and is charming af. Almost a cottage vibe, which you know we love, Cliffcrest is full of single family homes and ethnic cuisine. A great place to just meander around and check out the area. Cudia Park is also a great place to spend the day. Cliffcrest is bordered by Midland ave on the west, Eglinton ave East to the north and Lake Ontario to the south and west.
Aka Guildwood, Guildwood Village has a history that stretches back over 100 years. The Guild Inn was built 1914 and served many purposes including a place for artists as well as a base for the Women’s Royal Navy Service during World War 2. Home to a plethora of parks, trails and recreation, Guildwood Village is one of the main neighbourhoods that has grown up around the Bluffs. Parks and recreation is not only a great show, we feel our owner Lisa <Link to Lisa Author Page> is a slightly cooler version of Lesely Knopes 😉, it’s also what Guildwood Village is all aboot:
“Parks in Guildwood include Elizabeth Simcoe Park, Grey Abbey Park, Guild Park and Gardens, South Marine Park, and Sylvan Park. Guild Park and Gardens is notable for its collection of relics, collected from the remains of demolished buildings primarily from Downtown Toronto.”
Float Homes, unlike houseboats, are waterfront dwellings that exist nestled under the Scarborough Bluffs. Soundproofed from the hustle and bustle of the city, these are highly sought after for those that don’t mind being rocked to sleep Lake Ontario. These quaint watery properties always have one or two for sale and come without a land transfer fee (if you know you know). Definitely worth a gander, although having a friend invite you over probably preferred to lurking around with your camera. Speaking of gander, you’ll find lots of fowl-y friends like trumpeter swans, beavers and even salmon in this community. To get there take Brimley Road South and don’t stop till you hit the water.
Of course we can’t talk about the Bluffs without mentioning the spectacular parks. A total of 11 City of Toronto and 7 other parks dot the 15 km coastline that make up the Scarborough Bluffs. From beachfront to hiker’s paradise to a lover’s picnic, you’ll find something for everyone in these well maintained city parks. Of course you’ll want pop by Stok’d Cliffside for some elevated treats to really enjoy these urban natural spots 😉:
Cannabis Dispensary Niagara Falls, Stok’d welcomes you to shop with us!Is there a cannabis store near me in Guildwood? Yes, we deliver and are Stok’d about our neighbours!ScarboroughNEW Cannabis Products this January 2022 at Stok’d Cannabis