Ontario is our residence. We have camped, hiked, biked, and road-tripped your complete province. As journey bloggers, you’d suppose we’d be dwelling in one of many digital nomad sizzling spots like Mexico or Thailand, however Ontario will at all times be our perpetually residence. We are near the Great 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, after we get out on the water to benefit from the lengthy, sizzling days. Ontario seashores will shock you with their smooth white sand, heat water (in some locations), and delightful surroundings. So, if you’re planning a weekend getaway, listed here are a few of 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 seaside space close to you is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Ontario in summer time.
1. The Beaches – Toronto
My grandmother used to dwell straight on Kew Beach. Her yard was Kew Gardens, and after we used to go to, we went skating on the out of doors rink in the winter and performed in the sand in the summer time. I want we purchased that home when she lastly moved right into a rental! Anyway, I digress.
Toronto has completely lovely seashores. There is a complete neighborhood in town referred to as “The Beaches.” Woodbine Beach and Kew Beach are two in style seashores linked by an extended stretch of soppy sand. Woodbine Beach 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 possibly can be a part of a sport or select a seaside volleyball court docket of your individual. 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 trip you bike alongside the Mark Goodman Trail.
If you’re visiting Toronto in {the summertime}, make your manner out to The Beaches for a day. There’s loads of eating, artwork galleries, boutique purchasing 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 resort decisions 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 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 website of a coastal dune ecosystem. We used to dwell up north (as we prefer to name cottage nation in Ontario), and this was our go-to seaside.
The heat, shallow waters are perfect for swimming and wading, particularly for younger youngsters. The seaside is split into eight sections and has facilities similar to washrooms, picnic areas, playgrounds, and ample parking.
Wasaga Beach can also be a hub for out of doors lovers, offering alternatives for water sports activities similar to jet snowboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing on Lake Huron. The surrounding space provides glorious mountaineering and biking trails, together with the Wasaga Beach Provincial Park path system, which meanders by way of 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 proper weekend getaway.
3. Agawa – Lake Superior
One of the extra distant seashores in Ontario, Agawa Beach 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 Beach has crystal-clear waters, albeit chilly waters, smooth sandy shores, and views of the encircling cliffs and forested landscapes. Check out The Wild Coastal Trail of Pukaskwa National Park
It could appear to be the Caribbean, however be warned, the waters are chilly, so chances are you’ll need to dip your toes in earlier than diving in.
Agawa Beach can also be a haven for out of doors lovers who take pleasure in 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 in style stops. This shouldn’t be your typical seaside; it’s extra of an outside lover’s playground searching for one thing completely different.
This seaside is situated 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 night time to take pleasure in some true northern hospitality after which proceed driving alongside the Trans-Canada Highway for an additional 130 kilometers. This is the very best street journey in Ontario, so it’s price 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 possibly can ebook kayaking excursions, mountaineering journeys, do some stand-up paddle boarding, or participate in a really 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 by way of the USA. Lake Superior has a surprisingly sandy shore that may look loads 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 provides guests a pristine and expansive sandy shoreline that’s excellent for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. Pancake Bay Beach gives a protected and satisfying atmosphere for households and swimmers of all ages. Although, it’s chilly.
The seaside has varied facilities, together with clear washrooms, picnic areas with tables, and handy parking amenities.
Pancake Bay Provincial Park is a haven for out of doors fans, providing quite a few leisure actions similar 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 by way of 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 provides 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 seaside on earth, spanning 11km (7 miles) alongside the shores of Lake Huron. I’ll always remember Mom and Dad taking us on a street journey to this seaside, which has a sandbar alongside its shores, so we may stroll out for what felt like miles.
Its smooth white sand is ideal for sunbathing and swimming in its clear, contemporary water. With its shallow waters, Sauble Beach is in style 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.
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 resort in the world with a rooftop terrace overlooking the seaside. However, Wiarton is simply 20 minutes away, so chances are you’ll need to make a base right here, and you may discover Tobermory on a day journey as nicely. 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 in every of Ontario’s authentic seaside cities, and through faculty and highschool, everybody at all times made a street journey to seaside 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 seaside with about 1km of golden smooth sand situated on Lake Huron.
What makes it such a well-liked vacation spot is the seaside city in which it’s situated. Grand Bend has loads of outlets, eating places, ice cream parlors, and out of doors patios lining the streets.
Amenities embody shaded picnic areas, out of doors showers, paid parking, and even a lifeguard on responsibility throughout peak season. Water sports activities embody jet snowboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, and campers can take pleasure in staying at Pinery Provincial Park.
Where to Stay in Grand Bend
Oakwood Resort is a superb selection for a weekend getaway situated on an expansive parcel of land with a personal seaside. It has a wellness heart, golf course and restaurant, so you possibly can have a quiet retreat away from all of it.
7. Sandbanks Dunes Beach – Prince Edward County
Sandbanks Dunes Beach, situated in Sandbanks Provincial Park on the shores of Lake Ontario, is likely one of the greatest seashores in Ontario, with its primary seaside 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 seaside is thought for its heat, shallow waters which is good for swimming and family-friendly water actions. Amenities embody washrooms, picnic areas, and ample parking.
The seaside additionally options designated areas for barbecuing and shaded spots excellent for stress-free with a picnic. Lifeguards are on responsibility throughout peak seasons to make sure a protected atmosphere for all.
The surrounding Sandbanks Provincial Park has quite a few mountaineering and biking trails, there’s chook watching or you possibly can go canoeing.
The close by Outlet Beach provides much more alternatives for swimming and sunbathing, whereas West Lake gives a great place for fishing and boating.
North Beach Provincial Park can also be close by. With its ribbon of sand slicing by way of 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 in advance. However, it’s price it to take pleasure in 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 low makers
8. Port Dover Beach – Port Dover
Port Dover is a small seaside overlooking an extended pier with and white-and-red-painted lighthouse however it is likely one of the hottest seashores in Ontario, due to its vigorous downtown, well-known sizzling tog stand and Friday thirteenth gatherings.
The waters are shallow, heat and calm due to being situated in the bay sheltered by Long Point Provincial Park. You’ll discover ice cream outlets, eating places, and purchasing promoting native handcrafts. We love this seaside, 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 situated proper in the center of all of the motion beside the Arbor and only one block from the seaside and lighthouse.
9. Cobourg Beach
Located simply an hour’s drive east of Toronto and simply accessible by way of Highway 401, Cobourg Beach is a handy and in style vacation spot for a day journey or weekend getaway making it one of many extra in style seaside locations in Ontario.
Visitors to Cobourg Beach can take pleasure in a spread of facilities, together with washrooms, out of doors showers, and picnic areas. IF you might have children, the seaside can also be geared up with playgrounds and splash pads. It can also be residence to a picturesque boardwalk and entry to numerous 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, live shows, 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. situated 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 in every of Ontario’s sizzling spots situated on the shores of Lake Erie. The golden sand stretches for about half a kilometer. Have you observed a pattern that loads of the very best seashores in Ontario are situated 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 it’s best to intention to attempt to see in motion though it drove me loopy after I visited her). And, as an additional tip, for those who discover the primary seaside too busy, head to Little Beach. This tiny seaside is hidden away and far much less well-known.
Port Stanley is a fantastic harbour village with fishing boats and a laid again ambiance. It is a pleasant place to spend a day, and it has loads of facilities, similar to cafes and eating places. And there’s even a prepare that the entire household can hop aboard to take pleasure in a trip!
Where to Stay in Port Stanley
Inn on the Harbour is situated on the Lake Erie waterfront with views of the lake and the village. Visitors can sit on the out of doors deck to take in the views at night time and the air-conditioned rooms have a romantic hearth.
11. Centre Island Beach
If you need to escape town, Centre Island Beach in the Toronto Islands is only a quick ferry trip 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 in every of 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 smooth sands are backed by greenery and mountaineering trails by way of woodland, which might give it a secluded really feel if it wasn’t situated 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 town with out truly 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 achieve Centre Island. From there, it’s a 15-minute stroll high to Centre Island Beach.
Where to Stay
Chances are if you’re making your option to Centre Island, you need to take pleasure in the very best of Toronto. So, we recommend staying in the Entertainment district. The Ritz Carlton is our go to luxurious resort. Or you possibly can attempt the extra inexpensive Strathcona Hotel situated near Union Station.
12. Sugar Beach
We couldn’t go with out mentioning Sugar Beach 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 Factory, this once-industrial setting has became one of many trendiest seashores in the province. Read extra: 50 Best Things to do in Toronto Canada
Sugar Beach is a white sand seaside backed by glitzy glass skyscrapers and pink umbrellas. It comes with one caveat; no swimming. Of course, this does put the extra energetic beachgoers off, preferring to journey additional and revel in a swim or two. However, if you need a seaside day purely to high up your tan, then Sugar Beach is nice for you. It has seaside chairs and loungers galore. It’s someplace in the internal 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 possibly can actually keep anyplace you want, however our best choice to be closest to it’s Westin Harbour Castle. You can stroll to the seaside from right here, and it’s one in every of our favourite inns in town.
13. Crystal Beach – Fort Erie
As chances are you’ll guess, it coined its title from its “crystal clear” waters, and the seaside is a best choice for anybody wanting a soothing seaside 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 time out.
Crystal Bay Beach, also known as simply Bay Beach, is a slim slither of white sand that opens straight out onto lovely waters of a wealthy emerald inexperienced. The sand is smooth and there are washroom amenities onsite. The solely factor to notice is that the seaside fees an entry price throughout peak instances.
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 possibly can keep in Fort Erie, We’d extremely suggest combining a visit with Niagara and staying there. Our favourite inns in Niagara embody The Marriott Fallsview Hote, among the finest inns for {couples}. Sheraton Fallsview Hotel has undergone a 50 million-dollar renovation and you probably have children it’s an excellent 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 seaside of selection although, take a look at these fast FAQs. We’ll summarize every part we’ve coated and clear up any indecision you might have.
What is the nicest seaside in Ontario?
Sandbank Dunes Beach is a extremely beautiful addition to the seashores in Ontario. The sand dunes aesthetic makes it stand out that further bit extra, successful it our vote because the nicest of the Ontario seashores.
What seaside in Ontario has the clearest water?
Sauble Beach has a fantastic, 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 cause, we recommend choosing one in every of this lake’s seashores, like Port Stanley Beach.
What seaside 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 possibly can see, Ontario is de facto blessed with seashores. The province is exclusive for seaside lovers as a result of it has predominantly freshwater seashores. The pristine nature offers option to seashores that would actually rival Caribbean locations.
Ontario is an unbelievable place for pure magnificence. You’ve obtained 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 about 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 obtained guides on the greatest glamping experiences, wellness resorts, and weekend getaways. If you’re actually organized, you possibly can plan your Ontario winter itinerary – when these seashores develop into much less interesting.
Whichever of those greatest seashores in Ontario you select, we hope you might have an unbelievable Ontario seaside day. Have a unbelievable keep.
Plan Your Ontario Vacation