Summer is officially in full swing and the season of lazy beach days is upon us!
These sandy beaches in Ontario are considered to be among the best in the country, with kilometres of white sand, calm blue waters, vibrant boardwalks, and even palm trees to make you feel as if you’ve landed in the tropics.
Check out this list of five beautiful sandy beaches you can visit in Ontario and start planning that day trip!
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Point Pelee National Park
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If you’re looking for the perfect destination to lay out in the sand this summer, Northwest Beach at Point Pelee National Park is where it’s at.
According to Parks Canada, Northwest Beach is one of the most magical beaches to explore in all of Canada.
“Turquoise waters and golden sands await at Canada’s most southern point,” says Parks Canada.
Point Pelee National Park sits on a peninsula, and both the east and west sides are framed by 20 km of sandy beach.
Where: 1118 Point Pelee Drive, Leamington
Port Stanley
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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 is an underrated gem of a town and summer is the time to enjoy it in all its glory. 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.
Where: 348 Edith Cavell Blvd, Port Stanley
Turkey Point Provincial Park
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There’s a whole lot more to do than lounge on the beach at Turkey Point Provincial Park, but the pristine sand and calm blue water are definitely the main attraction.
There are three hiking trails to explore here, plus a gorgeous campground, marina, restaurants, a winery, and zip-lining all within two kilometres of the beach. Hello, day trip!
Where: 194 Turkey Point Rd, Turkey Point
Port Dover
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You’ll find this gorgeous beach in Ontario’s southwest, with palm trees lining the sand to make you feel as if you’re vacationing in the tropics. Talk about paradise!
The scenic pier is the ultimate spot for a romantic stroll and the nearby town has plenty of boutiques, cafes, and restaurants to visit after soaking up the rays and splashing in the calm Lake Erie waters.
Where: Walker St, Port Dover
Colchester Beach
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Touted as 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.
The nearby harbour also has plenty of amenities like an on-site concession stand and boater’s facilities.
Where: County of Essex
Sandbanks Provincial Park
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According to Ontario Parks, these expansive sandy shorelines are considered to be among the best in Canada. Rolling sand dunes, glittering blue water, lush hiking trails, and wildlife watching are the main attractions of this provincial park.
And as an added bonus, it’s located at the heart of Prince Edward County and is surrounded by charming historic towns, wineries, and stunning views.
Where: 3004 County Rd 12, Picton
Cobourg Beach (Victoria Park Beach)
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This beach was once a well-kept secret by locals but has since become more popular because of how special it is.
It’s located in the quaint waterfront town of Cobourg, which is less than 90 minutes from Toronto.
With soft white sand, a bustling boardwalk, and calm blue waters, Cobourg Beach checks all the right boxes.
Where:Â 138 Division Street, Cobourg
