Downtown Toronto, East Bayfront
Sugar Beach
Candy pink umbrellas over white sand on a former parking lot, with the working Redpath sugar refinery right across the slip.
Ideal if
"You want colour, not another grey skyline. I put couples under the pink umbrellas on white sand with a working sugar refinery across the water."
Shooting here with me
Pre-wedding sessions from $351.25 → Wedding photography from $1,401.25 →
The Essentials
What to know before the shoot.
- 01
Walking
Low
Flat two acre park. Beach and plaza are accessible and a boardwalk runs level with the sand. Loose sand underfoot.
- 02
Permits
City of Toronto park
so casual photos are free. Advance booking applies once a shoot needs exclusive use of space or blocks other visitors. Sugar Beach is not on the City's 14 site wedding photography list, so no couples rate is published for it. Outdoor permits run about May 15 to September 30.
How to book it
- Create the City booking account with both your names on it, yours and your partner's.
- Call 416-396-7378. Press 2 for Park Bookings. Give the park, the date, your two hour window and your headcount, and pay by card on the call. I tell you what to ask for. The City line is open Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
- Sign and return the emailed confirmation the same day, and bring it with you on the day.
- 03
Parking
Green P Carpark 286
an underground garage at 51 Dockside Drive, is about 200 metres from the beach. City open data lists 307 spaces and roughly 2.05 m clearance, so no roof boxes or tall vans. Rates change, so check the pay station or the Green P app. Metered Queens Quay East spots fill fast.
- 04
Travel
Downtown
- 05
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Photograph here
Want photos at Sugar Beach?
Tell me your date. I shoot here often and know the corners and the light worth chasing.
Also worth scouting
More places I love.
Each one scouted for light, variety, and feel. Not just for the photo, but for how the day flows.
Frequently Asked
Shooting at Sugar Beach.
Do I need a permit to photograph at Sugar Beach?
City of Toronto park, so casual photos are free. Advance booking applies once a shoot needs exclusive use of space or blocks other visitors. Sugar Beach is not on the City's 14 site wedding photography list, so no couples rate is published for it. Outdoor permits run about May 15 to September 30. To book it, create a City of Toronto booking account with both your names on it, then call Client Services, Park Bookings at 416-396-7378 and press 2.
Where do we park at Sugar Beach?
Green P Carpark 286, an underground garage at 51 Dockside Drive, is about 200 metres from the beach. City open data lists 307 spaces and roughly 2.05 m clearance, so no roof boxes or tall vans. Rates change, so check the pay station or the Green P app. Metered Queens Quay East spots fill fast.
How much walking is involved at Sugar Beach?
Walking is low. Flat two acre park. Beach and plaza are accessible and a boardwalk runs level with the sand. Loose sand underfoot.
When is the best time of year for photos at Sugar Beach?
Sugar Beach is at its best in Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter.
How far is Sugar Beach from downtown Toronto?
Sugar Beach is in downtown Toronto.
Ready?
Let's shoot at Sugar Beach.
Let's talk about your vision and map the perfect session.