Sunnyside Park, Toronto

Sunnyside, situated in Toronto, is a delightful lakefront district. Stretching along the shores of Lake Ontario's Humber Bay, from west of Exhibition Place to the mouth of the Humber River, it boasts a beach and park area. This charming locale offers a range of recreational activities, such as rowing clubs, sports clubs, picnic areas, playgrounds, a nightclub, a bathing pavilion, and a public pool.

Spanning a 3-kilometer (1.9-mile) strip along the lakeshore, Sunnyside is bounded by the Gardiner Expressway and rail lines, which act as a natural barrier, separating it from the Parkdale, Roncesvalles, and Swansea neighborhoods to the north. Its name originates from the local farm once owned by John Howard, located just north of the area, where the current Saint Joseph's Health Centre hospital stands.

Historically, Sunnyside gained prominence as the landing site of an 1813 attack during the War of 1812. As Toronto expanded, the open space to the north was preserved by High Park, while the Sunnyside area along the lake underwent development with the addition of new rail lines and a hydroelectric line serving the city. Despite these changes, Sunnyside remained a beloved spot for boating and swimming.

In the early 1900s, efforts were made to revitalize the area, leading to a significant waterfront reclamation project in the 1910s. This ambitious endeavor expanded the land area by 38 hectares (94 acres), constructed a breakwater for boating, and created several beaches. The region's popularity soared as it transformed into a cherished summer recreation destination.