Best Beaches in Ontario To Visit in 2024
Ontario is our residence. We’ve camped, hiked, biked, and road-tripped the complete province. As journey bloggers, you’ll suppose we’d be residing in one of many digital nomad sizzling spots like Mexico or Thailand, however Ontario will at all times be our perpetually residence. We’re near the Nice 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, sizzling days. Ontario seashores will shock you with their tender white sand, heat water (in some locations), and delightful surroundings. So, in case you are planning a weekend getaway, listed below are among the greatest seashores in Ontario to plan your trip.
Greatest 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 without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Ontario in summer season.
1. The Seashores – Toronto
My grandmother used to dwell straight on Kew Seaside. 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 rental! Anyway, I digress.
Toronto has completely stunning seashores. There’s a whole neighborhood within the metropolis known as “The Seashores.” Woodbine Seaside and Kew Seaside are two common seashores related by a protracted stretch of soppy sand. Woodbine Seaside 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 washing pavilion, showers, and foot wash stations, and even Donald D. Summerville Outside Olympic Pool, full with 5 to 10-meter diving platforms. You may stroll during Kew Seaside to Silver Kew Seaside alongside the boardwalk or journey you bike alongside the Mark Goodman Path.
If you’re visiting Toronto within the summertime, make your approach out to The Seashores for a day. There’s loads of eating, artwork galleries, boutique buying and even nightlife. It’s additionally residence to the Seashores Jazz Pageant for the month of July.
The place to remain close to the seashores
There aren’t many resort decisions close to the Seashores, however they’re simply accessed by streetcar from downtown. If you’d like a waterfront really feel, the Westin Harbour Fortress is a good selection.
2. Wasaga Seaside – Georgian Bay
Wasaga Seaside 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 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 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 youngsters. The seaside is split into eight sections and has facilities comparable to washrooms, picnic areas, playgrounds, and ample parking.
Wasaga Seaside can be a hub for outside lovers, offering alternatives for water sports activities comparable to jet snowboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing on Lake Huron. The encircling space affords glorious climbing and biking trails, together with the Wasaga Seaside Provincial Park path system, which meanders by means of 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 Seaside
Positioned about two hours north of Toronto, Wasaga Seaside is definitely accessible for a day journey or weekend getaway. Wasaga Seaside is simply 25 minutes from Blue Mountain / Collingwood. We recommend 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 Seaside 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 Seaside has crystal-clear waters, albeit chilly waters, tender sandy shores, and views of the encompassing cliffs and forested landscapes. Take a look at The Wild Coastal Trail of Pukaskwa National Park
It might appear to be the Caribbean, however be warned, the waters are chilly, so you might need to dip your toes in earlier than diving in.
Agawa Seaside 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. 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 completely different.
This seaside is situated a whopping 9 hours drive from Toronto, so it would be best to make a weekend out of it. Cease in Sault Sault Ste. Marie for the evening to get pleasure from some true northern hospitality after which proceed driving alongside the Trans-Canada Freeway for an additional 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 Seaside
Naturally Superior Adventures is the place to e-book your weekend getaway on Lake Superior. Positioned close to the city of Wawa, you possibly can e-book kayaking excursions, climbing journeys, do some stand-up paddle boarding, or participate in a really Canadian Canoe Journey.
4. Pancake Bay Provincial Park – Lake Superior
I’ll always remember stopping at Pancake Bay Seaside whereas driving the Circle Tour from Sault Ste. Marie by means of the USA. Lake Superior has a surprisingly sandy shore that may look quite a bit 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 affords guests a pristine and expansive sandy shoreline that’s good for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. Pancake Bay Seaside supplies a secure and pleasant surroundings 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 services.
Pancake Bay Provincial Park is a haven for outside fanatics, providing quite a few leisure actions comparable to 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
Positioned roughly 75 kilometers north of Sault Ste. Marie is definitely accessible by way of 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 affords a well-maintained campground, permitting for prolonged stays.
5. Sauble Seaside – South Bruce Peninsula
Ontario homes not one however two of the longest freshwater seashores on this planet. Sauble Seaside 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 might stroll out for what felt like miles.
Its tender white sand is ideal for sunbathing and swimming in its clear, contemporary water. With its shallow waters, Sauble Seaside 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 Seaside
Positioned 3 hours from Toronto, it would be best to make a weekend out of visiting Sauble Seaside. The Sands Lodge is the one upscale resort within the space with a rooftop terrace overlooking the seaside. Nevertheless, Wiarton is simply 20 minutes away, so you might need to make a base right here, and you’ll discover Tobermory on a day journey as properly. Learn extra: The Best Things to Do in Tobermory, Ontario
6. Grand Bend Seaside – Grand Bend
I spent many summers at Grand Bend Seaside as a result of my mother and father had their cottage there. Grand Bend was undoubtedly one in every of Ontario’s authentic seaside cities, and through faculty and highschool, everybody at all times 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 Essential Seaside and the quieter South Seaside. Grand Bend is a small however mighty seaside with about 1km of golden tender sand situated on Lake Huron.
What makes it such a well-liked vacation spot is the seaside city through which it’s situated. Grand Bend has loads of retailers, eating places, ice cream parlors, and outside patios lining the streets.
Facilities embody shaded picnic areas, outside showers, paid parking, and even a lifeguard on obligation throughout peak season. Water sports activities embody jet snowboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, and campers can get pleasure from staying at Pinery Provincial Park.
The place to Keep 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 middle, golf course and restaurant, so you possibly can have a quiet retreat away from all of it.
7. Sandbanks Dunes Seaside – Prince Edward County
Sandbanks Dunes Seaside, situated in Sandbanks Provincial Park on the shores of Lake Ontario, is without doubt one of the greatest seashores in Ontario, with its important 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 understood for its heat, shallow waters which is good for swimming and family-friendly water actions. Facilities embody 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 obligation throughout peak seasons to make sure a secure surroundings for all.
The encircling Sandbanks Provincial Park has quite a few climbing and biking trails, there’s fowl watching or you possibly can go canoeing.
The close by Outlet Seaside affords much more alternatives for swimming and sunbathing, whereas West Lake supplies a great place for fishing and boating.
North Seaside Provincial Park can be close by. With its ribbon of sand slicing by means of Lake Ontario, it appears extra like a seaside from Mexico or Thailand. This was as soon as a quiet seaside, however now you’ll want to e-book your day allow upfront. Nevertheless, it’s value it to get pleasure from a day on the Seaside. Visit Ontario Parks to plan your visit.
The place to Keep close to Sandbanks Provincial Park
Positioned in Prince Edward County, Sandbanks Dunes Seaside 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 trendy vacation houses for hire with fridges and occasional makers
8. Port Dover Seaside – Port Dover
Port Dover is a small seaside overlooking a protracted pier with and white-and-red-painted lighthouse but it surely is without doubt one of the hottest seashores in Ontario, because of its vigorous downtown, well-known sizzling 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 retailers, eating places, and buying promoting native handcrafts. We love this seaside, we will 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 Seaside
Positioned simply an hour’s drive east of Toronto and simply accessible by way of Freeway 401, Cobourg Seaside 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 Seaside can get pleasure from a spread of facilities, together with washrooms, outside showers, and picnic areas. IF you’ve got children, the seaside can be outfitted with playgrounds and splash pads. Additionally it is residence to a picturesque boardwalk and entry to varied retailers, 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 sights. 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 only a few hours.
The place to Keep in Cobourg
The King George Inn is. situated within the historic downtown, steps away from boutique retailers 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 ever seen a development that loads of the very best seashores in Ontario are situated alongside the Nice Lakes?
The city of Port Stanley is break up in half by a river, joined by the long-lasting King George VI Raise Bridge (which you must purpose to attempt to see in motion though it drove me loopy once I visited her). And, as an additional tip, when you discover the primary seaside too busy, head to Little Seaside. This tiny seaside is hidden away and far much less well-known.
Port Stanley is a wonderful 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, comparable to cafes and eating places. And there may be even a practice that the entire household can hop aboard to get pleasure from a journey!
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 evening and the air-conditioned rooms have a romantic hearth.
11. Centre Island Seaside
If you wish to escape town, Centre Island Seaside within the Toronto Islands is only a brief ferry journey 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 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 tender sands are backed by greenery and climbing trails by means of woodland, which might give it a secluded really feel if it wasn’t situated in such a well-liked space. As an alternative, Centre Island Seaside 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 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 succeed in Centre Island. From there, it’s a 15-minute stroll high to Centre Island Seaside.
The place to Keep
Chances are high in case you are making your solution to Centre Island, you need to get pleasure from the very best of Toronto. So, we recommend staying within the Leisure 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 Seaside
We couldn’t go with out mentioning Sugar Seaside 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 become one of many trendiest seashores within the province. Learn extra: 50 Best Things to do in Toronto Canada
Sugar Seaside 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 lively beachgoers off, preferring to journey additional and luxuriate in a swim or two. Nevertheless, if you need a seaside day purely to high up your tan, then Sugar Seaside is nice for you. It has seaside chairs and loungers galore. It’s someplace within the inside 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 Seaside
Positioned on Toronto’s Waterfront, you possibly can actually keep wherever 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 in every of our favourite inns within the metropolis.
13. Crystal Seaside – Fort Erie
As you might 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 Seaside’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 Seaside, sometimes called simply Bay Seaside, is a slim slither of white sand that opens straight out onto stunning waters of a wealthy emerald inexperienced. The sand is tender and there are washroom services onsite. The one factor to notice is that the seaside expenses an entry payment throughout peak occasions.
The city of Crystal Seaside sits on Lake Erie, identified 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 possibly can keep in Fort Erie, We’d extremely advocate combining a visit with Niagara and staying there. Our favourite inns in Niagara embody The Marriott Fallsview Hote, top-of-the-line inns 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
Greatest Seashores in Ontario
Ontario seashores are spectacular; there’s no doubting that. Earlier than you head off to your sandy seaside 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’ve got.
What’s the nicest seaside in Ontario?
Sandbank Dunes Seaside is a extremely beautiful addition to the seashores in Ontario. The sand dunes aesthetic makes it stand out that additional bit extra, profitable it our vote because the nicest of the Ontario seashores.
What seaside in Ontario has the clearest water?
Sauble Seaside has a wonderful, clear waterfront and is a good selection 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 usually has the warmest waters. Because of this, we recommend choosing one in every of this lake’s seashores, like Port Stanley Seaside.
What seaside has white sand in Ontario?
Wasaga and Sauble Seaside have attractive white sands, and there are fairly a number of white-sand seashores round Ontario.
As you possibly can see, Ontario is absolutely 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 might actually rival Caribbean locations.
Ontario is an unimaginable 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 Seaside Provincial Park. And that’s with out together with Bruce Peninsula Nationwide Park. Bruce Peninsula Nationwide Park is about in Georgian Bay with black bears and historic cedar bushes and is ideally mixed with a go to to Toronto and Niagara Falls.
If you happen to fancy extra inspiration about visiting this attractive province, sit tight for a second. We’ve obtained guides on the best glamping experiences, wellness resorts, and weekend getaways. If you happen to’re actually organized, you may plan your Ontario winter itinerary – when these seashores grow to be much less interesting.
Whichever of those greatest seashores in Ontario you select, we hope you’ve got an unimaginable Ontario seaside day. Have a implausible keep.
Plan Your Ontario Trip