The Scarborough Bluffs, or simply The Bluffs, the main access is through Bluffer’s Park at 1 Brimley Rd S in Scarborough.
How the Scarborough Bluffs Were Formed
This natural wonder is a geological record of the latter stages of the Great Ice Age. About 70,000 years ago, sediments made up of plant and animal fossils were left in a river delta. This occurred in the first advance of the Wisconsinan glacier. The fossil sediments formed the lower 46 m or 150 ft portion of The Bluffs. This was then covered by 61 m or 200 ft of alternating layers of sand and boulder clay, put there by later advances and retreats of ice. The last withdrawal of the glacier happened about 12,000 years ago. Wind, along with water erosion from Lake Ontario, are what formed the Scarborough Bluffs.
Along 15 km of Lake Ontario’s Shore
The Bluffs has attracted scientific interest from around the world. They run along a 15 km stretch on the shore of Lake Ontario, from the Eastern Beaches in Toronto to East Point Park in Scarborough. There are 11 waterfront parks that allow visitors to admire the magnificent beauty of The Bluffs; however, the main area is Bluffer’s Park.
How to Access Bluffer’s Park
Follow Brimley Rd South, going towards Lake Ontario. Take the beautiful, winding, tree-lined road down to Bluffer’s Park. Keeping to the right, a large paid parking area is also on the right. Once parked, head towards the lake. Follow the path along the lake to the right, leading to the beautiful Bluffs.
Be sure to check the City of Toronto website for hours of operation.
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Scarborough Bluffs Photos
Scarborough Bluffs
“The layers of sand and clay exposed in these bluffs display a remarkable geological record of the last stages of the Great Ice Age. Unique in North America, they have attracted worldwide scientific interest. The first 46 metres (150 feet) of sediments contain fossil plants and animals that were deposited in a large river delta during the first advance of the Wisconsinan glacier some 70,000 years ago. They are covered by 61 metres (200 feet) of boulder clay and sand in alternating layers left by four subsequent advances and retreats of the ice. The final withdrawal of the glacier occurred some 12,000 years ago.”
Ontario Heritage Foundation, Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Recreation
SOURCE
- City of Toronto: Scarborough Bluffs
- Ontario Heritage Trust: Scarborough Bluffs plaque
- The Toronto Daily Star Newspaper Archives: Aug 4, 1915, pg 3
- Photos: Denise Marie for TorontoJourney416
- Vintage Photos: City of Toronto Archives
I’ve never been been to the Scarborough Bluffs. I guess it’s time for me to visit.
It’s a nice outing.