Best Beaches in Ontario To Visit in 2024
Ontario is our house. We’ve camped, hiked, biked, and road-tripped your entire province. As journey bloggers, you’ll suppose we’d be residing in one of many digital nomad scorching spots like Mexico or Thailand, however Ontario will all the time be our eternally house. We’re near the Nice Lakes, provincial parks, iconic locations like Niagara Falls and the CN Tower, and, after all, superb seashores.
Canadians love the summer time 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 delightful surroundings. So, in case you are planning a weekend getaway, listed here are a few of the finest seashores in Ontario to plan your trip.
Finest Ontario Seashores
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 seaside space close to you is among the finest issues to do in Ontario in summer time.
1. The Seashores – Toronto
My grandmother used to stay immediately on Kew Seashore. Her yard was Kew Gardens, and once we used to go to, we went skating on the outside rink within the winter and performed within the sand in the summertime. I want we purchased that home when she lastly moved right into a apartment! Anyway, I digress.
Toronto has completely stunning seashores. There’s a whole neighborhood within the metropolis referred to as “The Seashores.” Woodbine Seashore and Kew Seashore are two common seashores linked by an extended stretch of soppy sand. Woodbine Seashore is the very best seaside and gateway to Toronto’s seashores, which stretch 3 km alongside Lake Ontario.
There are a number of volleyball courts, so you’ll be able to be part of a recreation or select a seaside volleyball courtroom of your individual. It has a showering pavilion, showers, and foot wash stations, and even Donald D. Summerville Out of doors Olympic Pool, full with 5 to 10-meter diving platforms. You may stroll all over Kew Seashore to Silver Kew Seashore alongside the boardwalk or trip you bike alongside the Mark Goodman Path.
If you’re visiting Toronto within the summertime, make your method out to The Seashores for a day. There’s loads of eating, artwork galleries, boutique buying and even nightlife. It’s additionally house to the Seashores Jazz Pageant for the month of July.
The place to remain close to the seashores
There aren’t many lodge selections close to the Seashores, however they’re simply accessed by streetcar from downtown. If you would like a waterfront really feel, the Westin Harbour Fortress is a good alternative.
2. Wasaga Seashore – Georgian Bay
Wasaga Seashore is a really apparent alternative for seashores in Ontario, however how are you going to not put it as primary? It holds a fairly spectacular title and is globally acknowledged because the world’s longest freshwater seaside. It stretches over greater than 14km of white sand shoreline and is a beloved web site of a coastal dune ecosystem. We used to stay up north (as we wish to name cottage nation in Ontario), and this was our go-to seaside.
The nice and cozy, shallow waters are perfect for swimming and wading, particularly for younger kids. The seaside is split into eight sections and has facilities reminiscent of washrooms, picnic areas, playgrounds, and ample parking.
Wasaga Seashore can be a hub for outside lovers, offering alternatives for water sports activities reminiscent of jet snowboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing on Lake Huron. The encircling space gives wonderful climbing and biking trails, together with the Wasaga Seashore Provincial Park path system, which meanders via scenic dunes and forests. Within the winter, the park transforms right into a haven for cross-country snowboarding and snowshoeing.
The place to Keep Close to Wasaga Seashore
Situated about two hours north of Toronto, Wasaga Seashore is well accessible for a day journey or weekend getaway. Wasaga Seashore is simply 25 minutes from Blue Mountain / Collingwood. We advise staying in Blue Mountain Village at Westin Trillium House for the proper weekend getaway.
3. Agawa – Lake Superior
One of many extra distant seashores in Ontario, Agawa Seashore is the very best seaside for a distant escape. This pristine seaside is situated in Lake Superior Provincial Park. Stretching over a kilometer alongside the rugged shores of Lake Superior, Agawa Seashore has crystal-clear waters, albeit chilly waters, mushy sandy shores, and views of the encircling cliffs and forested landscapes. Take a look at The Wild Coastal Trail of Pukaskwa National Park
It could 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 Seashore can be a haven for outside lovers who take pleasure in kayaking or canoeing alongside Lake Superior’s north shore. The close by Agawa Rock Pictographs are a must-stop. Mountain climbing trails just like the Orphan Lake Path and the Coastal Path are common stops. This isn’t your typical seaside; it’s extra of an outside lover’s playground looking for one thing totally different.
This seaside is situated a whopping 9 hours drive from Toronto, so you’ll want to make a weekend out of it. Cease in Sault Sault Ste. Marie for the night time to take pleasure in some true northern hospitality after which proceed driving alongside the Trans-Canada Freeway for one more 130 kilometers. That is the very best highway journey in Ontario, so it’s value it, belief me!
The place to Keep close to Agawa Seashore
Naturally Superior Adventures is the place to ebook your weekend getaway on Lake Superior. Situated close to the city of Wawa, you’ll be able to ebook kayaking excursions, climbing journeys, do some stand-up paddle boarding, or participate in a very Canadian Canoe Journey.
4. Pancake Bay Provincial Park – Lake Superior
I’ll always remember stopping at Pancake Bay Seashore whereas driving the Circle Tour from Sault Ste. Marie via the USA. Lake Superior has a surprisingly sandy shore that may look lots like a Caribbean Island—that’s till you are feeling the water temperature. Learn extra: 12 Amazing things to see on the Slate Islands – Ontario
Stretching over 3 kilometers, it gives guests a pristine and expansive sandy shoreline that’s good for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. Pancake Bay Seashore offers a secure and fulfilling setting for households and swimmers of all ages. Though, it’s chilly.
The seaside has numerous facilities, together with clear washrooms, picnic areas with tables, and handy parking amenities.
Pancake Bay Provincial Park is a haven for outside lovers, providing quite a few leisure actions reminiscent of climbing, birdwatching, and canoeing. The park’s scenic climbing trails are just like the Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout Path. Take a look at: 21 Most Beautiful Canadian National Parks
The place to Keep
Situated roughly 75 kilometers north of Sault Ste. Marie is well accessible through the Trans-Canada Freeway. You may 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 Seashore – South Bruce Peninsula
Ontario homes not one however two of the longest freshwater seashores on the earth. Sauble Seashore is the second-longest freshwater seaside on earth, spanning 11km (7 miles) alongside the shores of Lake Huron. I’ll always remember Mother and Dad taking us on a highway journey to this seaside, 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, recent water. With its shallow waters, Sauble Seashore is common for kiteboarding and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Pack a picnic, play some seaside volleyball at one of many seaside volleyball courts, or just construct a sandcastle.
The place to Keep close to Sauble Seashore
Situated 3 hours from Toronto, you’ll want to make a weekend out of visiting Sauble Seashore. The Sands Lodge is the one upscale lodge within the space with a rooftop terrace overlooking the seaside. Nonetheless, Wiarton is simply 20 minutes away, so it’s possible you’ll wish to make a base right here, and you’ll discover Tobermory on a day journey as nicely. Learn extra: The Best Things to Do in Tobermory, Ontario
6. Grand Bend Seashore – Grand Bend
I spent many summers at Grand Bend Seashore as a result of my mother and father had their cottage there. Grand Bend was undoubtedly one among Ontario’s unique seaside cities, and through school and highschool, everybody all the time made a highway journey to seaside locations, with this being the highest! I even carried out at Huron Nation Playhouse for a season.
There are two areas: the Foremost Seashore and the quieter South Seashore. Grand Bend is a small however mighty seaside with about 1km of golden mushy sand situated on Lake Huron.
What makes it such a well-liked vacation spot is the seaside city during which it’s situated. Grand Bend has loads of outlets, eating places, ice cream parlors, and outside patios lining the streets.
Facilities 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 take pleasure in staying at Pinery Provincial Park.
The place to Keep in Grand Bend
Oakwood Resort is a superb alternative for a weekend getaway situated on an expansive parcel of land with a personal seaside. It has a wellness middle, golf course and restaurant, so you’ll be able to have a quiet retreat away from all of it.
7. Sandbanks Dunes Seashore – Prince Edward County
Sandbanks Dunes Seashore, situated in Sandbanks Provincial Park on the shores of Lake Ontario, is among the finest seashores in Ontario, with its essential seaside stretching greater than two kilometers with golden sand and majestic sand dunes that create a rolling pure panorama. Learn extra: Things to do in Prince Edward County, Ontario
The seaside is thought for its heat, shallow waters which is good for swimming and family-friendly water actions. Facilities embrace washrooms, picnic areas, and ample parking.
The seaside additionally options designated areas for barbecuing and shaded spots good for stress-free with a picnic. Lifeguards are on responsibility throughout peak seasons to make sure a secure setting for all.
The encircling Sandbanks Provincial Park has quite a few climbing and biking trails, there’s chicken watching or you’ll be able to go canoeing.
The close by Outlet Seashore gives much more alternatives for swimming and sunbathing, whereas West Lake offers a great spot for fishing and boating.
North Seashore Provincial Park can be close by. With its ribbon of sand slicing via Lake Ontario, it appears extra like a seaside from Mexico or Thailand. This was as soon as a quiet seaside, however now you want to ebook your day allow prematurely. Nonetheless, it’s value it to take pleasure in a day on the Seashore. Visit Ontario Parks to plan your visit.
The place to Keep close to Sandbanks Provincial Park
Situated in Prince Edward County, Sandbanks Dunes Seashore 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 hire with fridges and occasional makers
8. Port Dover Seashore – Port Dover
Port Dover is a small seaside overlooking an extended pier with and white-and-red-painted lighthouse but it surely 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 situated within the bay sheltered by Lengthy Level Provincial Park. You’ll discover ice cream outlets, eating places, and buying promoting native handcrafts. We love this seaside, we are able to cycle to it from our home!
The place to Keep in Port Dover
Port Dover sits on the north shore of Lake Erie and is slightly below two hours drive from Toronto. The Erie Beach Hotel is situated proper within the coronary heart of all of the motion beside the Arbor and only one block from the seaside and lighthouse.
9. Cobourg Seashore
Situated simply an hour’s drive east of Toronto and simply accessible through Freeway 401, Cobourg Seashore is a handy and common vacation spot for a day journey or weekend getaway making it one of many extra common seaside locations in Ontario.
Guests to Cobourg Seashore can take pleasure in a spread of facilities, together with washrooms, outside showers, and picnic areas. IF you’ve gotten children, the seaside can be geared up with playgrounds and splash pads. It is usually house to a picturesque boardwalk and entry to numerous outlets, cafes, and eating places. The close by Cobourg Marina is a good spot for boating and crusing, whereas Victoria Park has inexperienced areas for picnicking, live shows, and seasonal occasions just like the annual Sandcastle Pageant.
Cobourg is a good city for vacationers, with loads of its personal points of interest. You may go to the Northumberland County Archives and Museum, Sifton-Prepare dinner 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 just some hours.
The place to Keep in Cobourg
The King George Inn is. situated within 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 situated on the shores of Lake Erie. The golden sand stretches for about half a kilometer. Have you ever seen a pattern that numerous the very best seashores in Ontario are situated alongside the Nice Lakes?
The city of Port Stanley is cut up in half by a river, joined by the long-lasting King George VI Raise Bridge (which it’s best to purpose to attempt to see in motion though it drove me loopy after I visited her). And, as an additional tip, in case you discover the primary seaside too busy, head to Little Seashore. This tiny seaside is hidden away and far much less well-known.
Port Stanley is a lovely harbour village with fishing boats and a laid again environment. It’s a good place to spend a day, and it has loads of facilities, reminiscent of cafes and eating places. And there may be even a prepare that the entire household can hop aboard to take pleasure in a trip!
The place to Keep in Port Stanley
Inn on the Harbour is situated on the Lake Erie waterfront with views of the lake and the village. Guests can sit on the outside deck to absorb the views at night time and the air-conditioned rooms have a romantic hearth.
11. Centre Island Seashore
If you wish to escape the town, Centre Island Seashore within the Toronto Islands is only a quick ferry trip from downtown Toronto to the Toronto Islands of Lake Ontario. It’s stunning 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 seaside. Ooooh.
The mushy sands are backed by greenery and climbing trails via woodland, which might give it a secluded really feel if it wasn’t situated in such a well-liked space. As a substitute, Centre Island Seashore is a nook of solace within 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 take a position 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 achieve Centre Island. From there, it’s a 15-minute stroll high to Centre Island Seashore.
The place to Keep
Chances are high in case you are making your solution to Centre Island, you wish to take pleasure in the very best of Toronto. So, we recommend staying within the Leisure district. The Ritz Carlton is our go to luxurious lodge. Or you’ll be able to strive the extra reasonably priced Strathcona Hotel situated near Union Station.
12. Sugar Seashore
We couldn’t go with out mentioning Sugar Seashore in a information on the very best seashores in Ontario. This city Ontario seaside is proper in Toronto. Named after the close by Redpath Sugar Manufacturing facility, this once-industrial setting has changed into one of many trendiest seashores within the province. Learn extra: 50 Best Things to do in Toronto Canada
Sugar Seashore is a white sand seaside backed by glitzy glass skyscrapers and pink umbrellas. It comes with one caveat; no swimming. After all, this does put the extra energetic beachgoers off, preferring to journey additional and revel in a swim or two. Nonetheless, in order for you a seaside day purely to high up your tan, then Sugar Seashore is nice for you. It has seaside chairs and loungers galore. It’s someplace within the interior metropolis the place it’s socially acceptable to don swimwear and stretch out on a lounger to catch some vitamin D.
The place to Keep Close to Sugar Seashore
Situated on Toronto’s Waterfront, you’ll be able to actually keep anyplace you want, however our best choice to be closest to it’s Westin Harbour Castle. You may stroll to the seaside from right here, and it’s one among our favourite lodges within the metropolis.
13. Crystal Seashore – Fort Erie
As it’s possible you’ll guess, it coined its title from its “crystal clear” waters, and the seaside is a best choice for anybody wanting a calming seaside day. Crystal Seashore’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 beautiful day trip.
Crystal Bay Seashore, also known as simply Bay Seashore, is a slender slither of white sand that opens straight out onto stunning waters of a wealthy emerald inexperienced. The sand is mushy and there are washroom amenities onsite. The one factor to notice is that the seaside costs an entry price throughout peak occasions.
The city of Crystal Seashore sits on Lake Erie, recognized for its hotter and shallow waters, and has some nice cafes the place you will get refreshments.
The place to Keep
Fort Erie is near Niagara Falls and though you’ll be able to keep in Fort Erie, We’d extremely suggest combining a visit with Niagara and staying there. Our favourite lodges in Niagara embrace The Marriott Fallsview Hote, among the best lodges for {couples}. Sheraton Fallsview Hotel has undergone a 50 million-dollar renovation and when you have children it’s place to stick with its shut proximity to Hershey’s, Clifton Hill, and the Waterpark
Finest Seashores in Ontario
Ontario seashores are spectacular; there’s no doubting that. Earlier than you head off to your sandy seaside of alternative although, try these fast FAQs. We’ll summarize every little thing we’ve lined and clear up any indecision you’ve gotten.
What’s the nicest seaside in Ontario?
Sandbank Dunes Seashore is a very gorgeous addition to the seashores in Ontario. The sand dunes aesthetic makes it stand out that additional bit extra, successful it our vote because the nicest of the Ontario seashores.
What seaside in Ontario has the clearest water?
Sauble Seashore has a lovely, clear waterfront and is a good alternative if you wish to swim in clear water.
Which seashores have the warmest water in Ontario?
Because the shallowest of the Nice Lakes, Lake Erie sometimes has the warmest waters. Because of this, we recommend selecting one among this lake’s seashores, like Port Stanley Seashore.
What seaside has white sand in Ontario?
Wasaga and Sauble Seashore have beautiful white sands, and there are fairly a number of white-sand seashores round Ontario.
As you’ll be able to see, Ontario is admittedly blessed with seashores. The province is exclusive for seaside lovers as a result of it has predominantly freshwater seashores. The pristine nature offers solution to seashores that would truthfully rival Caribbean locations.
Ontario is an unbelievable place for pure magnificence. You’ve bought all of the provincial parks, together with Sandbanks Provincial Park, Pancake Bay Provincial Park, Lake Superior Provincial Park, and North Seashore Provincial Park. And that’s with out together with Bruce Peninsula Nationwide Park. Bruce Peninsula Nationwide Park is ready in Georgian Bay with black bears and historical cedar bushes and is ideally mixed with a go to to Toronto and Niagara Falls.
In the event you fancy extra inspiration about visiting this beautiful province, sit tight for a second. We’ve bought guides on the best glamping experiences, wellness resorts, and weekend getaways. In the event you’re actually organized, you could possibly plan your Ontario winter itinerary – when these seashores change into much less interesting.
Whichever of those finest seashores in Ontario you select, we hope you’ve gotten an unbelievable Ontario seaside day. Have a incredible keep.
Plan Your Ontario Trip