Summer is in full swing and one great way to cool off is at one of the many swimming holes in Ontario.
Some of these natural destinations are just a short drive from the city, but all of them are well worth the trip
They provide the perfect escape from city living with gorgeous scenery and aqua blue water to match. Any one of these options make for a great day (or weekend) trip, so pick one and hit the road!
Here are 9 swimming holes in Ontario to make a splash at this summer.
ELORA QUARRY
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This special spot is a staple Ontario swimming hole. The teal-coloured waters and towering limestone cliffs are the ideal atmosphere for a hot summer day.
After about a 1.5-hour drive from the city, you’ll be met by a stunning secluded quarry where you can float the day away as well as hiking trails around the conservation area that you can explore.
Elora Quarry is open for the season from early June to Labour Day and reservations are required in advance.
Where: 319 Wellington County Road 18, Elora
TROUT LAKE QUARRY
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This Ontario swimming hole is famous for its underground waterpark. Made up of sunken ships, school buses, and planes, there’s plenty to explore with a dive here.
You can spend the day or book a campsite and make a whole weekend of it and even book a scuba diving excursion to see the sunken sights up close.
Where: 51 George Street, Innerkip
CYPRUS LAKE GROTTO AT BRUCE PENINSULA
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With water this clear, who needs the city? The Bruce Peninsula National Park is famous for its gorgeous, glistening lake and beautiful hiking trails. Plan a trip to explore the area and marvel at the amazing views from the Lion’s Head Lookout.
Bruce Peninsula is also home to one of the world’s only Mediterranean-style underground swimming pools, called The Cyprus Lake Grotto.
Where: Bruce Trail at Bruce Peninsula National Park, Tobermory
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ST MARY’S QUARRY
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As Canada’s largest outdoor freshwater swimming pool, St Mary’s Quarry is a must-visit. The place offers great outdoor vibes at their deepwater pool – you’ll literally be swimming with the fishes!
If you’d rather float on top instead of interacting with the wildlife, you can use one of the spot’s inflatable rafts. They’ve even got cliff jumping if you’re the adventurous type.
St. Mary’s Quarry will officially reopen in the summer of 2023, and when it does, you will find out here first!
Where: 425 Water Street South, St Marys
TOPAZ LAKE
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This next pick is a hidden gem but sits about 4 hours north of Toronto. The journey is absolutely worth it, with white quartzite cliffs, sapphire waters, and breathtaking forests all around.
You’ll find it when you hike the 22.7-kilometre path that is La Cloche Silhouette Trail. Once you’re there you can splash the day away in the beautiful blue waters.
Where: 960 ON-637, Killarney
PARADISE LAGOON
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You’ll be in for quite the adventure getting to this special destination. Hidden just outside of the Wanapitei Provincial Park, the swimming hole is part of the Chiniguchi River that runs through the Wolf Lake Forest Reserve.
Paradise Lagoon definitely lives up to its name, with aqua blue water, steep rock walls, majestic red pine trees, and a rushing waterfall.
Where: Greater Sudbury
BATHTUB ISLAND
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This spot makes our list purely because of its fun name. The natural bathtub is located in Katherine Cove and provides breathtaking “infinity pool-like” waters that are yours to discover.
Take a dip any day this summer to enjoy the fresh lake water, surrounding natural rock beds, and gorgeous views.
Where: Katherine Cove, Lake Superior Provincial Park, Algoma County
BALSAM LAKE
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Last but not least, we’ve got Balsam Lake. This nearby sandy beach offers much more than just swimming. Although that activity is killer here too. They’ve also got canoeing and fishing available in the water. Plus, loads of trails for biking or hiking. Is there anything more you could ask for?
Where: 2238 Kawartha Lakes County Road 48, Kirkfield
Bridal Veil Falls
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Bridal Veil Falls is located on Manitoulin Island, an island situated in northern Ontario on Lake Huron.
The tumbling falls tower at 35 feet high, with a natural pool where you can swim right under the cascading waters.
But, Bridal Veil Falls is far from the only attraction worth visiting on Manitoulin. There’s also the popular Cup and Saucer Trail, an easy and incredibly picturesque hike.
Where: Kagawong River, Manitoulin Island
Whether you plan on spending a day or a whole weekend, these Ontario swimming holes are definitely worth the trip. Let us know which you head to first!
