Beach culture ain't what it used to be in Toronto.

With the advent of air conditioning, and the rise of cottage country and private swimming pools (not to mention the steady degradation of Lake Ontario), it hasn't been necessary to jump in the harbour to cool off in ages.

But throughout the first half of the 20th century, Toronto's beaches were immensely popular destinations when the city was blanketed in heat.

Anchored at various times by Hanlan's Point, Scarboro Beach, and Sunnyside (all of which also served as amusement parks), Toronto's beaches offered residents both a reprieve from the heat and some much-needed entertainment during a time when the city was, well, let's just say, not as vibrant as it is today.

Of these, Sunnyside was the most popular, until waning attendance and the birth of the Gardiner Expressway spelled its doom (the Bathing Pavilion still stands, though).

Although almost all of Toronto past beaches remain in some capacity (with the notable exception of Leslie Beach which was lost to the construction of the spit), few are major draws for locals and tourists nowadays.

So without further ado, here's what Toronto's beach culture used to look like:

1900s

Scarboro Beach bathers

Sunnyside

Hanlan's Point

Scarboro Beach Water chute

Scarboro Beach Park toronto

1910s

Kew Beach toronto

Beachwear at Kew Bathing Station

Hanlan's Point

Sunnyside

The former layout of Sunnyside Beach (the intersection you see is Queen St., King St., and Roncesvalles Ave.)
 

1920s

Bathing at Centre Island

Ditto

Sunnyside

Sunnyside Pool

More Sunnyside

Dudes showed off their cars at the beach back then, too (Sunnyside)

1930s

Cherry Beach

Ditto

Leslie Beach

1940s

Sunnyside pool from the roof of the Bathing Pavilion

1950s

Swimming in Toronto Harbour

1960s (late)

Toronto Island beach

1970s

Toronto Island Beach

1980s

Olympic Island Beach

Ditto