Have you made the most of this summer? Well, you still have a few weeks left, so that means a beach day is in order. Nothing beats sandy shores and refreshing waters in this heat so a trip to the best beach destinations in Ontario is a great idea. Oh, and we made a list to help with your decision-making.
Ontario is home to so many lovely beaches, you won’t need to travel so far to enjoy warm waters and white sand.
We’ve compiled a list of 21 best beach destinations in Ontario that you have to enjoy before the season is over for an unforgettable summer.
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Big Sandy Bay Conservation Area
Big Sandy Bay on Wolfe Island is a lovely beach destination in Ontario and getting there is half the fun.
Your adventure begins in the Kingston area when you board the free ferry to Wolfe Island, located at the entrance of the St. Lawrence River — from there, you can bike or walk on the nature trail to the secluded beach!
Where: Wolfe Island, Ontario
Canatara Beach
if you’re in need of some weekend ideas, we got you covered! There’s a lovely beach with a cove that’s tucked away down this coastline in Ontario.
Though you’ll need to travel down to Sarnia for this adventure, it’s totally worth it.
Where: 1200 Lake Chipican Drive, Sarnia, ON
Colchester Beach
One of the most attractive beaches in the region, Colchester Beach is a popular place to visit in the summer for its beautifully groomed sand, clear and serene water for swimming, beach volleyball courts, picnic areas, and more.
Where: County of Essex
Cobourg Beach (Victoria Park Beach)
Cobourg Beach offers a stunning soft white sand shoreline, a bustling boardwalk, and calm blue waters.
You’ll also find cute retro-style lifeguard towers and beach volleyball nets you can reserve.
Where: 138 Division Street, Cobourg
Crystal Beach/Bay Beach
Crystal Beach (also known as Bay Beach), got its name from the crystal-clear quality of its waters when it was first discovered, according to Exploring Niagara.
The pristine sand and crystalline water of Crystal Beach has also been recognized on a global scale.
Where: 4155 Erie Road, Fort Erie
When: Monday to Sunday, 9 AM to 6 PM
Darlington Provincial Park
The long sandy beach is located in Darlington Provincial Park in the Clarington region, which is just east of Oshawa and a quick 45-minute drive from Toronto.
The provincial park describes itself as a “hidden gem,” and based on the gorgeous views, activities, and amenities, we’d have to agree.
Where: 1600 Darlington Park Road, Bowmanville
Fifty Point Conservation Area
This magnificent 80-hectare park in Stoney Creek has “one of the warmest and cleanest beaches on western Lake Ontario,” according to Conservation Hamilton.
The beach does tend to get busy on summer weekends, but there are plenty of secluded areas and a promenade to enjoy the scenery.
Where: 1479 Baseline Rd, Hamilton, Ontario
Gibraltar Beach
A beach day in Toronto is the best, but the shorelines can get crowded when it’s nice out. If you’re looking for a beach that’s a little quieter but is still in the city then we have the spot for you. Gibraltar Beach is one of Toronto’s best kept secrets.
You’re going to have to head over to Toronto Island to find Gibraltar Beach but it’s well worth the journey.
You’ll find the spot located between Centre Island and Hanlan’s beaches and you can take either the Centre Island or Hanlan’s Point ferry and follow the footpath to Gibraltar Point!
Where: Toronto Islands between Centre Island and Hanlan’s beaches
Long Point Provincial Park
The soft sand, warm and calm water temperatures, and massive camping area make Long Point a very popular spot to visit in the summer.
Where: 350 Erie Blvd, Port Rowan
Mikisew Provincial Park
This Ontario park is known for its sandy beaches and its leash-free dog parkland.
Cool off at one of three beautiful sand beaches found along the shoreline of Eagle Lake.
You can also let your best four-legged friend run wild at the leash-free dog park and fenced beach.
Where: 301 Park Road South, South River
North Beach Provincial Park
North Beach is a “beautiful sandbar” that is found on Lake Ontario and North Bay, two hours east of Toronto.
North Beach actually has two beaches. There is also a sandy beach facing Lake Ontario which is slightly larger than the other beach on North Bay.
Where: 440 North Beach Rd, Consecon
Pancake Bay Provincial Park
According to Ontario Parks, Pancake Bay is home to “more than 3 km of beautiful sand beach and Caribbean blue water.”
This beach is actually the longest on Lake Superior. And on sunny days, the sand and turquoise water give it a tropical effect.
Where: 12729 Highway 17N, Batchawana Bay, Ontario
Pinery Provincial Park
Located on the shores of Lake Huron in Grand Bend, Pinery is described by Ontario Parks as a “breathtakingly beautiful park with 10 km of sand beach.”
Ontario Parks says that it contains “extremely rare and fragile” Oak Savanna and Coastal Dune Ecosystems that offer breathtaking views.
Where: 9526 Lakeshore Road, Grand Bend
Tiny Township Beaches
Despite its name, this township is home to 70 km of gorgeous shoreline.
There are five beach parks in the area — Woodland Beach, Bluewater Beach, Jackson Park, Balm Beach, and Lafontaine Beach Park.
With their pristine sand and shallow water, these beaches are ideal for laying out and cooling off in the sun.
Where: Township of Tiny, Ontario
Port Glasgow Beach
Port Glasgow is located on the north shores of Lake Erie, a small beach described as a “hidden oasis of tranquillity.”
It can be found away from the busier beaches in the area such as Port Stanley.
Where: Port Glasgow, ON
Point Pelee National Park
This national park is the closest Ontario gets to Caribbean-like beaches, with 20 kilometres of pristine sand stretching along the southernmost point of the Canadian mainland.
Where: 1118 Point Pelee Dr, Leamington
Port Stanley Beach
You don’t have to travel to Malibu to walk past sprawling sandy beaches and colourful waterfront homes. In fact, you only have to drive 2.5 hours outside of Toronto to find it.
Port Stanley’s Main Beach stretches along the north shore of Lake Erie, and it’s one of 27 in Canada to earn Blue Flag status for its pristine water quality.
If you want to relax in the sand away from the crowds, the secluded Little Beach is located just down the road, where the water is shallow and perfect for a refreshing dip.
Where: 162 William Street, Port Stanley
Sandbanks Provincial Park
This Ontario park is known for its natural sand beaches and the world’s largest freshwater dune + sandbar formation.
Sandbanks has three big, sandy beaches that some say are among the best in Canada.
Where: 3004 County Rd 12, Picton
Sauble Beach
If you’re going to hit up a beach in Ontario this summer, make it this one!
Sauble Beach is not only known as Ontario’s top vacation destination, it’s also rated number one for freshwater in Canada!
Where: 46 Shore Rd S, Sauble Beach, ON
Spruce Beach
According to Destination Ontario, “The water in Elliot Lake is crystal clear, The white sand is the perfect fodder for sandcastles or volleyball courts.”
The waters are among the best in the province in fact, with the beach receiving Blue Fag status for meeting exceptional standards of water quality.
Where: Spruce Ave, Elliot Lake, ON
Turkey Point Provincial Park
With a beautiful, sandy shoreline and clear blue waters, Turkey Point Provincial Park offers an escape from reality at its beach.
The beach is located in the village, steps away from local restaurants and shops.
It has a 2 km shoreline, offering ample space for families to find a spot away from the hustle and bustle.
Where: 194 Turkey Point Road, Turkey Point
Karen Doradea
Managing Editor, Toronto – Karen is a multimedia journalist based in Toronto. With a strong knowledge of reporting and editing through all forms of media, she has a true passion for storytelling. She carries several years of journalistic experience and has covered the Toronto scene from local stories to national news. When Karen isn’t publishing fire content, you can find her binge-watching sitcoms on Crave, at a must-try restaurant, or scrolling endlessly on TikTok looking for the next best thing – News never sleeps.
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