Categories: Travel

Stunning natural swimming holes to check out in Ontario before summer ends

Beaches and pools are great but there’s something about swimming holes that makes taking a dip extra special! If you haven’t had the chance to get out and enjoy one or two yet this summer, there is still time. As a long weekend is coming up, and we have a few weeks of warmth left, here are some natural swimming holes to check out in Ontario before summer ends!

Bathtub Island

You can find this natural swimming hole near Katherine Cove in Lake Superior Provincial Park.

The natural rock pool, replenished by the fresh lake water, overlooks the Superior lakescape!

Where: 96 Broadway Ave Wawa, ON

Elora Quarry 

This natural teal-coloured swimming hole is almost a full hectare in size!

Make a day of visiting this spot. The Elora Quarry is managed and maintained by the Grand River Conservation Authority where visitors can use the park facilities including washrooms, picnic tables and barbecues for a fee.

Where: 19 Wellington Rd 18, Elora, ON

Paradise Lagoon 

Hidden just outside of the Wanapitei Provincial Park, this swimming hole is part of the Chiniguchi River that runs through the Wolf Lake Forest Reserve.

Paradise Lagoon boasts aqua-blue water, steep rock walls, majestic red pine trees, and a rushing waterfall.

Where: Greater Sudbury, ON

The Grotto and Indian Head Cove

The Bruce Peninsula is home to one of the world’s only Mediterranean-style underground swimming pools, The Grotto. According to Bruce County, “The Grotto is a cave with a natural pool of clear blue water and Indian Head Cove is a scenic inlet located next to the Grotto.”

If you haven’t checked out this stunning spot, definitely try to check it out on a week day as it does get busy.

Where: 469 Cyprus Lake Rd, Tobermory, ON

Bridal Veil Falls

Bridal Veil Falls can be found on Manitoulin Island, situated on Lake Huron.

The falls tower at 35 feet high, with a natural pool below where you can swim right under the flowing waters!

Where: 50-64 Main St., Kagawong, ON

St Mary’s Quarry 

Canada’s largest outdoor freshwater swimming pool, St Mary’s Quarry, has an amazing deepwater pool and a lineup of other activities and amenities including:

Be sure to visit soon as it closes on September 2nd!

Where: 425 Water St S, St. Marys, ON

Happy exploring, be safe out there, and pack a bathing suit when visiting these natural swimming holes, Ontario!

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