Ontario is our residence. We have camped, hiked, biked, and road-tripped your complete province. As journey bloggers, you’d assume we’d be dwelling in one of many digital nomad scorching spots like Mexico or Thailand, however Ontario will at all times be our ceaselessly residence. We are near the Great Lakes, provincial parks, iconic locations like Niagara Falls and the CN Tower, and, in fact, superb seashores.
Canadians love the summer season season; it’s cottage season, once we get out on the water to benefit from the lengthy, scorching days. Ontario seashores will shock you with their mushy white sand, heat water (in some locations), and exquisite surroundings. So, in case you are planning a weekend getaway, listed below are among the greatest seashores in Ontario to plan your trip.
Best Ontario Beaches
Ontario’s freshwater seashores are superior. No worries about sharks or jellyfish right here! With sand dunes and sand bars, clear waters, and sandy shores, visiting a seashore space close to you is among the greatest issues to do in Ontario in summer season.
1. The Beaches – Toronto
My grandmother used to dwell instantly on Kew Beach. Her yard was Kew Gardens, and once we used to go to, we went skating on the outside rink in the winter and performed in the sand in the summer season. I want we purchased that home when she lastly moved right into a condominium! Anyway, I digress.
Toronto has completely stunning seashores. There is a complete neighborhood in the town referred to as “The Beaches.” Woodbine Beach and Kew Beach are two well-liked seashores related by an extended stretch of soppy sand. Woodbine Beach is one of the best seashore and gateway to Toronto’s seashores, which stretch 3 km alongside Lake Ontario.
There are a number of volleyball courts, so you may be part of a recreation or select a seashore volleyball court docket of your personal. It has a showering pavilion, showers, and foot wash stations, and even Donald D. Summerville Outdoor Olympic Pool, full with 5 to 10-meter diving platforms. You can stroll all over Kew Beach to Silver Kew Beach alongside the boardwalk or experience you bike alongside the Mark Goodman Trail.
If you’re visiting Toronto in {the summertime}, make your approach out to The Beaches for a day. There’s loads of eating, artwork galleries, boutique procuring and even nightlife. It’s additionally residence to the Beaches Jazz Festival for the month of July.
Where to remain close to the seashores
There aren’t many lodge selections close to the Beaches, however they’re simply accessed by streetcar from downtown. If you desire a waterfront really feel, the Westin Harbour Castle is a superb selection.
2. Wasaga Beach – Georgian Bay
Wasaga Beach is a really apparent selection for seashores in Ontario, however how will you not put it as primary? It holds a reasonably spectacular title and is globally acknowledged because the world’s longest freshwater seashore. It stretches over greater than 14km of white sand shoreline and is a beloved web site of a coastal dune ecosystem. We used to dwell up north (as we wish to name cottage nation in Ontario), and this was our go-to seashore.
The heat, shallow waters are perfect for swimming and wading, particularly for younger youngsters. The seashore is split into eight sections and has facilities comparable to washrooms, picnic areas, playgrounds, and ample parking.
Wasaga Beach can be a hub for outside lovers, offering alternatives for water sports activities comparable to jet snowboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing on Lake Huron. The surrounding space gives glorious mountaineering and biking trails, together with the Wasaga Beach Provincial Park path system, which meanders via scenic dunes and forests. In the winter, the park transforms right into a haven for cross-country snowboarding and snowshoeing.
Where to Stay Near Wasaga Beach
Located about two hours north of Toronto, Wasaga Beach is definitely accessible for a day journey or weekend getaway. Wasaga Beach is simply 25 minutes from Blue Mountain / Collingwood. We counsel staying in Blue Mountain Village at Westin Trillium House for the right weekend getaway.
3. Agawa – Lake Superior
One of the extra distant seashores in Ontario, Agawa Beach is one of the best seashore for a distant escape. This pristine seashore is positioned in Lake Superior Provincial Park. Stretching over a kilometer alongside the rugged shores of Lake Superior, Agawa Beach has crystal-clear waters, albeit chilly waters, mushy sandy shores, and views of the encompassing cliffs and forested landscapes. Check out The Wild Coastal Trail of Pukaskwa National Park
It might seem like the Caribbean, however be warned, the waters are chilly, so it’s possible you’ll wish to dip your toes in earlier than diving in.
Agawa Beach can be a haven for outside lovers who get pleasure from kayaking or canoeing alongside Lake Superior’s north shore. The close by Agawa Rock Pictographs are a must-stop. Hiking trails just like the Orphan Lake Trail and the Coastal Trail are well-liked stops. This is just not your typical seashore; it’s extra of an out of doors lover’s playground looking for one thing totally different.
This seashore is positioned a whopping 9 hours drive from Toronto, so you’ll want to make a weekend out of it. Stop in Sault Sault Ste. Marie for the evening to get pleasure from some true northern hospitality after which proceed driving alongside the Trans-Canada Highway for an additional 130 kilometers. This is one of the best highway journey in Ontario, so it’s value it, belief me!
Where to Stay close to Agawa Beach
Naturally Superior Adventures is the place to ebook your weekend getaway on Lake Superior. Located close to the city of Wawa, you may ebook kayaking excursions, mountaineering journeys, do some stand-up paddle boarding, or participate in a very Canadian Canoe Trip.
4. Pancake Bay Provincial Park – Lake Superior
I’ll always remember stopping at Pancake Bay Beach whereas driving the Circle Tour from Sault Ste. Marie via the USA. Lake Superior has a surprisingly sandy shore that may look rather a lot like a Caribbean Island—that’s till you are feeling the water temperature. Read extra: 12 Amazing issues to see on the Slate Islands – Ontario
Stretching over 3 kilometers, it gives guests a pristine and expansive sandy shoreline that’s excellent for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. Pancake Bay Beach gives a secure and gratifying surroundings for households and swimmers of all ages. Although, it’s chilly.
The seashore has numerous facilities, together with clear washrooms, picnic areas with tables, and handy parking services.
Pancake Bay Provincial Park is a haven for outside fans, providing quite a few leisure actions comparable to mountaineering, birdwatching, and canoeing. The park’s scenic mountaineering trails are just like the Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout Trail. Check out: 21 Most Beautiful Canadian National Parks
Where to Stay
Located roughly 75 kilometers north of Sault Ste. Marie is definitely accessible through the Trans-Canada Highway. You can keep in Sault Ste. Marie however we recommend Naturally Superior Adventures to mix a stick with journey. The park gives a well-maintained campground, permitting for prolonged stays.
5. Sauble Beach – South Bruce Peninsula
Ontario homes not one however two of the longest freshwater seashores in the world. Sauble Beach is the second-longest freshwater seashore on earth, spanning 11km (7 miles) alongside the shores of Lake Huron. I’ll always remember Mom and Dad taking us on a highway journey to this seashore, which has a sandbar alongside its shores, so we may stroll out for what felt like miles.
Its mushy white sand is ideal for sunbathing and swimming in its clear, contemporary water. With its shallow waters, Sauble Beach is well-liked for kiteboarding and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Pack a picnic, play some seashore volleyball at one of many seashore volleyball courts, or just construct a sandcastle.
Where to Stay close to Sauble Beach
Located 3 hours from Toronto, you’ll want to make a weekend out of visiting Sauble Beach. The Sands Hotel is the one upscale lodge in the world with a rooftop terrace overlooking the seashore. However, Wiarton is simply 20 minutes away, so it’s possible you’ll wish to make a base right here, and you may discover Tobermory on a day journey as effectively. Read extra: The Best Things to Do in Tobermory, Ontario
6. Grand Bend Beach – Grand Bend
I spent many summers at Grand Bend Beach as a result of my dad and mom had their cottage there. Grand Bend was positively one among Ontario’s authentic seashore cities, and through faculty and highschool, everybody at all times made a highway journey to seashore locations, with this being the highest! I even carried out at Huron Country Playhouse for a season.
There are two areas: the Main Beach and the quieter South Beach. Grand Bend is a small however mighty seashore with about 1km of golden mushy sand positioned on Lake Huron.
What makes it such a well-liked vacation spot is the seashore city in which it’s positioned. Grand Bend has loads of outlets, eating places, ice cream parlors, and outside patios lining the streets.
Amenities embrace shaded picnic areas, outside showers, paid parking, and even a lifeguard on responsibility throughout peak season. Water sports activities embrace jet snowboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, and campers can get pleasure from staying at Pinery Provincial Park.
Where to Stay in Grand Bend
Oakwood Resort is a wonderful selection for a weekend getaway positioned on an expansive parcel of land with a personal seashore. It has a wellness middle, golf course and restaurant, so you may have a quiet retreat away from all of it.
7. Sandbanks Dunes Beach – Prince Edward County
Sandbanks Dunes Beach, positioned in Sandbanks Provincial Park on the shores of Lake Ontario, is among the greatest seashores in Ontario, with its predominant seashore stretching greater than two kilometers with golden sand and majestic sand dunes that create a rolling pure panorama. Read extra: Things to do in Prince Edward County, Ontario
The seashore is thought for its heat, shallow waters which is right for swimming and family-friendly water actions. Amenities embrace washrooms, picnic areas, and ample parking.
The seashore additionally options designated areas for barbecuing and shaded spots excellent for enjoyable with a picnic. Lifeguards are on responsibility throughout peak seasons to make sure a secure surroundings for all.
The surrounding Sandbanks Provincial Park has quite a few mountaineering and biking trails, there’s chicken watching or you may go canoeing.
The close by Outlet Beach gives much more alternatives for swimming and sunbathing, whereas West Lake gives a great place for fishing and boating.
North Beach Provincial Park can be close by. With its ribbon of sand slicing via Lake Ontario, it appears extra like a seashore from Mexico or Thailand. This was as soon as a quiet seashore, however now it’s essential to ebook your day allow in advance. However, it’s value it to get pleasure from a day on the Beach. Visit Ontario Parks to plan your go to.
Where to Stay close to Sandbanks Provincial Park
Located in Prince Edward County, Sandbanks Dunes Beach is roughly a two-hour drive from Toronto and simply over an hour from Kingston. The Birch is simply 8km from Sandbanks Provincial Park and has fashionable vacation houses for lease with fridges and occasional makers
8. Port Dover Beach – Port Dover
Port Dover is a small seashore overlooking an extended pier with and white-and-red-painted lighthouse however it is among the hottest seashores in Ontario, because of its vigorous downtown, well-known scorching tog stand and Friday thirteenth gatherings.
The waters are shallow, heat and calm because of being positioned in the bay sheltered by Long Point Provincial Park. You’ll discover ice cream outlets, eating places, and procuring promoting native handcrafts. We love this seashore, we are able to cycle to it from our home!
Where to Stay in Port Dover
Port Dover sits on the north shore of Lake Erie and is just below two hours drive from Toronto. The Erie Beach Hotel is positioned proper in the guts of all of the motion beside the Arbor and only one block from the seashore and lighthouse.
9. Cobourg Beach
Located simply an hour’s drive east of Toronto and simply accessible through Highway 401, Cobourg Beach is a handy and well-liked vacation spot for a day journey or weekend getaway making it one of many extra well-liked seashore locations in Ontario.
Visitors to Cobourg Beach can get pleasure from a variety of facilities, together with washrooms, outside showers, and picnic areas. IF you have got youngsters, the seashore can be geared up with playgrounds and splash pads. It can be residence to a picturesque boardwalk and entry to varied outlets, cafes, and eating places. The close by Cobourg Marina is a superb spot for boating and crusing, whereas Victoria Park has inexperienced areas for picnicking, concert events, and seasonal occasions just like the annual Sandcastle Festival.
Cobourg is a superb city for vacationers, with loads of its personal points of interest. You can go to the Northumberland County Archives and Museum, Sifton-Cook Heritage Centre, and the East Pierhead Lighthouse. It’s a enjoyable place to wander round for a day, with sufficient to see to maintain you occupied however sufficiently small to do justice in only a few hours.
Where to Stay in Cobourg
The King George Inn is. positioned in the historic downtown, steps away from boutique outlets and eating places.
10. Port Stanley
My sister lived in Port Stanley all her life, and we watched it develop from a sleeping fishing village to one among Ontario’s scorching spots positioned on the shores of Lake Erie. The golden sand stretches for about half a kilometer. Have you seen a development that a whole lot of one of the best seashores in Ontario are positioned alongside the Great Lakes?
The city of Port Stanley is cut up in half by a river, joined by the enduring King George VI Lift Bridge (which you must goal to attempt to see in motion though it drove me loopy once I visited her). And, as an additional tip, in the event you discover the principle seashore too busy, head to Little Beach. This tiny seashore is hidden away and far much less well-known.
Port Stanley is a stupendous harbour village with fishing boats and a laid again environment. It is a pleasant place to spend a day, and it has loads of facilities, comparable to cafes and eating places. And there’s even a practice that the entire household can hop aboard to get pleasure from a experience!
Where to Stay in Port Stanley
Inn on the Harbour is positioned on the Lake Erie waterfront with views of the lake and the village. Visitors can sit on the outside deck to take in the views at evening and the air-conditioned rooms have a romantic fire.
11. Centre Island Beach
If you wish to escape the town, Centre Island Beach in the Toronto Islands is only a brief ferry experience from downtown Toronto to the Toronto Islands of Lake Ontario. It is gorgeous for sunbathing or planning a pleasant picnic. Dave and I had one among our first dates on Centre Island, the place we loved a picnic. There are a number of seashores on the Toronto Islands together with a nude seashore. Ooooh.
The mushy sands are backed by greenery and mountaineering trails via woodland, which might give it a secluded really feel if it wasn’t positioned in such a well-liked space. Instead, Centre Island Beach is a nook of solace in the whirlwind of pleasure that’s Centre Island.
You’ll discover the Centreville Amusement Park, a hedge maze, and bike leases. It’s the place to go for a break from the town with out really having to speculate a lot journey time. You simply catch a scenic ferry from the Jack Layton Ferry Terminal in central Toronto, which takes actually quarter-hour to succeed in Centre Island. From there, it’s a 15-minute stroll high to Centre Island Beach.
Where to Stay
Chances are in case you are making your option to Centre Island, you wish to get pleasure from one of the best of Toronto. So, we recommend staying in the Entertainment district. The Ritz Carlton is our go to luxurious lodge. Or you may strive the extra reasonably priced Strathcona Hotel positioned near Union Station.
12. Sugar Beach
We couldn’t go with out mentioning Sugar Beach in a information on one of the best seashores in Ontario. This city Ontario seashore is proper in Toronto. Named after the close by Redpath Sugar Factory, this once-industrial setting has become one of many trendiest seashores in the province. Read extra: 50 Best Things to do in Toronto Canada
Sugar Beach is a white sand seashore backed by glitzy glass skyscrapers and pink umbrellas. It comes with one caveat; no swimming. Of course, this does put the extra lively beachgoers off, preferring to journey additional and luxuriate in a swim or two. However, if you’d like a seashore day purely to high up your tan, then Sugar Beach is nice for you. It has seashore chairs and loungers galore. It’s someplace in the inside metropolis the place it’s socially acceptable to don swimwear and stretch out on a lounger to catch some vitamin D.
Where to Stay Near Sugar Beach
Located on Toronto’s Waterfront, you may actually keep wherever you want, however our best choice to be closest to it’s Westin Harbour Castle. You can stroll to the seashore from right here, and it’s one among our favourite resorts in the town.
13. Crystal Beach – Fort Erie
As it’s possible you’ll guess, it coined its identify from its “crystal clear” waters, and the seashore is a best choice for anybody wanting a soothing seashore day. Crystal Beach’s shallow waters are dreamy for swimming and water sports activities, and the truth that it backs onto a pleasant lakefront township is simply an added bonus for a stunning day trip.
Crystal Bay Beach, also known as simply Bay Beach, is a slim slither of white sand that opens straight out onto stunning waters of a wealthy emerald inexperienced. The sand is mushy and there are washroom services onsite. The solely factor to notice is that the seashore expenses an entry payment throughout peak occasions.
The city of Crystal Beach sits on Lake Erie, identified for its hotter and shallow waters, and has some nice cafes the place you will get refreshments.
Where to Stay
Fort Erie is near Niagara Falls and though you may keep in Fort Erie, We’d extremely advocate combining a visit with Niagara and staying there. Our favourite resorts in Niagara embrace The Marriott Fallsview Hote, the most effective resorts for {couples}. Sheraton Fallsview Hotel has undergone a 50 million-dollar renovation and when you’ve got youngsters it’s a great place to stick with its shut proximity to Hershey’s, Clifton Hill, and the Waterpark
Best Beaches in Ontario
Ontario seashores are spectacular; there’s no doubting that. Before you head off to your sandy seashore of selection although, take a look at these fast FAQs. We’ll summarize every little thing we’ve coated and clear up any indecision you have got.
What is the nicest seashore in Ontario?
Sandbank Dunes Beach is a extremely gorgeous addition to the seashores in Ontario. The sand dunes aesthetic makes it stand out that further bit extra, profitable it our vote because the nicest of the Ontario seashores.
What seashore in Ontario has the clearest water?
Sauble Beach has a stupendous, clear waterfront and is a superb selection if you wish to swim in clear water.
Which seashores have the warmest water in Ontario?
As the shallowest of the Great Lakes, Lake Erie sometimes has the warmest waters. For this purpose, we recommend selecting one among this lake’s seashores, like Port Stanley Beach.
What seashore has white sand in Ontario?
Wasaga and Sauble Beach have beautiful white sands, and there are fairly a couple of white-sand seashores round Ontario.
As you may see, Ontario is de facto blessed with seashores. The province is exclusive for seashore lovers as a result of it has predominantly freshwater seashores. The pristine nature offers option to seashores that would truthfully rival Caribbean locations.
Ontario is an unimaginable place for pure magnificence. You’ve acquired all of the provincial parks, together with Sandbanks Provincial Park, Pancake Bay Provincial Park, Lake Superior Provincial Park, and North Beach Provincial Park. And that’s with out together with Bruce Peninsula National Park. Bruce Peninsula National Park is ready in Georgian Bay with black bears and historic cedar timber and is ideally mixed with a go to to Toronto and Niagara Falls.
If you fancy extra inspiration about visiting this beautiful province, sit tight for a second. We’ve acquired guides on the greatest glamping experiences, wellness resorts, and weekend getaways. If you’re actually organized, you could possibly plan your Ontario winter itinerary – when these seashores turn into much less interesting.
Whichever of those greatest seashores in Ontario you select, we hope you have got an unimaginable Ontario seashore day. Have a incredible keep.
Plan Your Ontario Vacation