Ontario is our dwelling. Now we have camped, hiked, biked, and road-tripped the complete province. As journey bloggers, you’ll assume we’d be residing in one of many digital nomad sizzling spots like Mexico or Thailand, however Ontario will at all times be our eternally dwelling. We’re near the Nice Lakes, provincial parks, iconic locations like Niagara Falls and the CN Tower, and, after all, wonderful seashores.
Canadians love the summer season season; it’s cottage season, after we get out on the water to benefit from the lengthy, sizzling days. Ontario seashores will shock you with their smooth white sand, heat water (in some locations), and delightful surroundings. So, if you’re planning a weekend getaway, listed here are among the finest seashores in Ontario to plan your trip.
Finest 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 among the finest issues to do in Ontario in summer season.
1. The Seashores – Toronto
My grandmother used to dwell immediately on Kew Seashore. Her yard was Kew Gardens, and after we used to go to, we went skating on the out of doors 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 Seashore and Kew Seashore are two fashionable seashores linked by a protracted stretch of sentimental sand. Woodbine Seashore 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 part of a sport or select a seaside volleyball courtroom of your personal. 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’ll be able to stroll right through Kew Seashore to Silver Kew Seashore alongside the boardwalk or trip you bike alongside the Mark Goodman Path.
If you’re visiting Toronto within the summertime, make your manner out to The Seashores for a day. There’s loads of eating, artwork galleries, boutique procuring and even nightlife. It’s additionally dwelling to the Seashores Jazz Competition for the month of July.
The place to remain close to the seashores
There aren’t many lodge decisions close to the Seashores, however they’re simply accessed by streetcar from downtown. In order for you a waterfront really feel, the Westin Harbour Citadel is a superb alternative.
2. Wasaga Seashore – Georgian Bay
Wasaga Seashore is a really apparent alternative for seashores in Ontario, however how are you going to 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 web site of a coastal dune ecosystem. We used to dwell up north (as we prefer 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 corresponding to washrooms, picnic areas, playgrounds, and ample parking.
Wasaga Seashore can be a hub for out of doors lovers, offering alternatives for water sports activities corresponding to jet snowboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing on Lake Huron. The encompassing space presents wonderful mountaineering and biking trails, together with the Wasaga Seashore Provincial Park path system, which meanders by way 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 Seashore
Positioned about two hours north of Toronto, Wasaga Seashore is well accessible for a day journey or weekend getaway. Wasaga Seashore is simply 25 minutes from Blue Mountain / Collingwood. We recommend staying in Blue Mountain Village at Westin Trillium Home for the proper weekend getaway.
3. Agawa – Lake Superior
One of many extra distant seashores in Ontario, Agawa Seashore is the very best seaside for a distant escape. This pristine seaside is positioned in Lake Superior Provincial Park. Stretching over a kilometer alongside the rugged shores of Lake Superior, Agawa Seashore has crystal-clear waters, albeit chilly waters, smooth sandy shores, and views of the encompassing cliffs and forested landscapes. Take a look at The Wild Coastal Path of Pukaskwa Nationwide Park
It could appear to be the Caribbean, however be warned, the waters are chilly, so it’s possible you’ll wish to dip your toes in earlier than diving in.
Agawa Seashore can be a haven for out of doors lovers who take pleasure in kayaking or canoeing alongside Lake Superior’s north shore. The close by Agawa Rock Pictographs are a must-stop. Mountain climbing trails just like the Orphan Lake Path and the Coastal Path are fashionable stops. This isn’t your typical seaside; it’s extra of an outside lover’s playground in search of one thing totally different.
This seaside is positioned 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 night time to take pleasure in some true northern hospitality after which proceed driving alongside the Trans-Canada Freeway for an additional 130 kilometers. That is the very best street journey in Ontario, so it’s value it, belief me!
The place to Keep close to Agawa Seashore
Naturally Superior Adventures is the place to guide your weekend getaway on Lake Superior. Positioned close to the city of Wawa, you possibly can guide kayaking excursions, mountaineering 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 Seashore whereas driving the Circle Tour from Sault Ste. Marie by way of the USA. Lake Superior has a surprisingly sandy shore that may look quite a bit like a Caribbean Island—that’s till you’re feeling the water temperature. Learn extra: 12 Wonderful issues to see on the Slate Islands – Ontario
Stretching over 3 kilometers, it presents guests a pristine and expansive sandy shoreline that’s good for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. Pancake Bay Seashore supplies a secure and gratifying surroundings for households and swimmers of all ages. Though, it’s chilly.
The seaside has varied facilities, together with clear washrooms, picnic areas with tables, and handy parking amenities.
Pancake Bay Provincial Park is a haven for out of doors fanatics, providing quite a few leisure actions corresponding to mountaineering, birdwatching, and canoeing. The park’s scenic mountaineering trails are just like the Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout Path. Take a look at: 21 Most Lovely Canadian Nationwide Parks
The place to Keep
Positioned roughly 75 kilometers north of Sault Ste. Marie is well accessible through the Trans-Canada Freeway. You’ll be able to keep in Sault Ste. Marie however we propose Naturally Superior Adventures to mix a stick with journey. The park presents a well-maintained campground, permitting for prolonged stays.
5. Sauble Seashore – South Bruce Peninsula
Ontario homes not one however two of the longest freshwater seashores on this planet. Sauble Seashore 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 street journey to this seaside, which has a sandbar alongside its shores, so we may stroll out for what felt like miles.
Its smooth white sand is ideal for sunbathing and swimming in its clear, contemporary water. With its shallow waters, Sauble Seashore is fashionable 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 Seashore
Positioned 3 hours from Toronto, it would be best to make a weekend out of visiting Sauble Seashore. The Sands Lodge is the one upscale lodge within the space with a rooftop terrace overlooking the seaside. Nonetheless, Wiarton is barely 20 minutes away, so it’s possible you’ll wish to make a base right here, and you may discover Tobermory on a day journey as properly. Learn extra: The Finest Issues to Do in Tobermory, Ontario
6. Grand Bend Seashore – Grand Bend
I spent many summers at Grand Bend Seashore as a result of my dad and mom had their cottage there. Grand Bend was positively one in all Ontario’s authentic seaside cities, and through faculty and highschool, everybody at all times made a street 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 Fundamental Seashore and the quieter South Seashore. Grand Bend is a small however mighty seaside with about 1km of golden smooth sand positioned on Lake Huron.
What makes it such a well-liked vacation spot is the seaside city by which it’s positioned. Grand Bend has loads of outlets, eating places, ice cream parlors, and out of doors patios lining the streets.
Facilities embody shaded picnic areas, out of doors showers, paid parking, and even a lifeguard on responsibility throughout peak season. Water sports activities embody jet snowboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, and campers can take pleasure in staying at Pinery Provincial Park.
The place to Keep in Grand Bend
Oakwood Resort is a superb alternative for a weekend getaway positioned on an expansive parcel of land with a non-public 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 Seashore – Prince Edward County
Sandbanks Dunes Seashore, positioned in Sandbanks Provincial Park on the shores of Lake Ontario, is among the finest seashores in Ontario, with its major seaside stretching greater than two kilometers with golden sand and majestic sand dunes that create a rolling pure panorama. Learn extra: Issues to do in Prince Edward County, Ontario
The seaside is understood for its heat, shallow waters which is right 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 responsibility throughout peak seasons to make sure a secure surroundings for all.
The encompassing Sandbanks Provincial Park has quite a few mountaineering and biking trails, there’s chicken watching or you possibly can go canoeing.
The close by Outlet Seashore presents much more alternatives for swimming and sunbathing, whereas West Lake supplies a great spot for fishing and boating.
North Seashore Provincial Park can be close by. With its ribbon of sand slicing by way of Lake Ontario, it appears extra like a seaside from Mexico or Thailand. This was as soon as a quiet seaside, however now it’s essential guide your day allow upfront. Nonetheless, it’s value it to take pleasure in a day on the Seashore. Go to Ontario Parks to plan your go to.
The place to Keep close to Sandbanks Provincial Park
Positioned in Prince Edward County, Sandbanks Dunes Seashore 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 fashionable vacation houses for lease with fridges and occasional makers
8. Port Dover Seashore – Port Dover
Port Dover is a small seaside overlooking a protracted pier with and white-and-red-painted lighthouse however it is among the hottest seashores in Ontario, due to its energetic downtown, well-known sizzling tog stand and Friday thirteenth gatherings.
The waters are shallow, heat and calm due to being positioned within the bay sheltered by Lengthy Level Provincial Park. You’ll discover ice cream outlets, eating places, and procuring 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 just below two hours drive from Toronto. The Erie Seashore Lodge is positioned proper within the coronary heart of all of the motion beside the Arbor and only one block from the seaside and lighthouse.
9. Cobourg Seashore
Positioned simply an hour’s drive east of Toronto and simply accessible through Freeway 401, Cobourg Seashore is a handy and fashionable vacation spot for a day journey or weekend getaway making it one of many extra fashionable seaside locations in Ontario.
Guests to Cobourg Seashore can take pleasure in a spread of facilities, together with washrooms, out of doors showers, and picnic areas. IF you will have children, the seaside can be outfitted with playgrounds and splash pads. Additionally it is dwelling to a picturesque boardwalk and entry to numerous outlets, cafes, and eating places. The close by Cobourg Marina is a superb spot for boating and crusing, whereas Victoria Park has inexperienced areas for picnicking, concert events, and seasonal occasions just like the annual Sandcastle Competition.
Cobourg is a superb city for vacationers, with loads of its personal points of interest. You’ll be able to 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 just some hours.
The place to Keep in Cobourg
The King George Inn is. positioned within the historic downtown, steps away from boutique outlets 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 all Ontario’s sizzling spots positioned on the shores of Lake Erie. The golden sand stretches for about half a kilometer. Have you ever seen a development that a number of the very best seashores in Ontario are positioned alongside the Nice Lakes?
The city of Port Stanley is cut up in half by a river, joined by the enduring King George VI Elevate Bridge (which you must purpose to attempt to see in motion though it drove me loopy after I visited her). And, as an additional tip, if you happen to discover the principle seaside too busy, head to Little Seashore. 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 ambiance. It’s a good place to spend a day, and it has loads of facilities, corresponding to cafes and eating places. And there’s even a practice that the entire household can hop aboard to take pleasure in a trip!
The place to Keep in Port Stanley
Inn on the Harbour is positioned on the Lake Erie waterfront with views of the lake and the village. Guests can sit on the out of doors deck to absorb the views at night time and the air-conditioned rooms have a romantic fire.
11. Centre Island Seashore
If you wish to escape town, Centre Island Seashore within the Toronto Islands is only a quick ferry trip 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 all 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 smooth sands are backed by greenery and mountaineering trails by way of woodland, which might give it a secluded really feel if it wasn’t positioned in such a well-liked space. As an alternative, Centre Island Seashore 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 achieve Centre Island. From there, it’s a 15-minute stroll prime to Centre Island Seashore.
The place to Keep
Likelihood is if you’re making your approach to Centre Island, you wish to take pleasure in the very best of Toronto. So, we propose staying within the Leisure district. The Ritz Carlton is our go to luxurious lodge. Or you possibly can strive the extra inexpensive Strathcona Lodge positioned near Union Station.
12. Sugar Seashore
We couldn’t go with out mentioning Sugar Seashore 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 Finest Issues to do in Toronto Canada
Sugar Seashore is a white sand seaside backed by glitzy glass skyscrapers and pink umbrellas. It comes with one caveat; no swimming. In fact, this does put the extra lively beachgoers off, preferring to journey additional and luxuriate in a swim or two. Nonetheless, if you need a seaside day purely to prime up your tan, then Sugar Seashore 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 Seashore
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 Citadel. You’ll be able to stroll to the seaside from right here, and it’s one in all our favourite inns within the metropolis.
13. Crystal Seashore – Fort Erie
As it’s possible you’ll 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 Seashore’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 beautiful day trip.
Crystal Bay Seashore, also known as simply Bay Seashore, is a slender slither of white sand that opens straight out onto stunning waters of a wealthy emerald inexperienced. The sand is smooth and there are washroom amenities onsite. The one factor to notice is that the seaside prices an entry price throughout peak instances.
The city of Crystal Seashore sits on Lake Erie, recognized 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, among the finest inns for {couples}. Sheraton Fallsview Lodge has undergone a 50 million-dollar renovation and you probably have children it’s place to stick with its shut proximity to Hershey’s, Clifton Hill, and the Waterpark
Finest Seashores in Ontario
Ontario seashores are spectacular; there’s no doubting that. Earlier than you head off to your sandy seaside of alternative although, try these fast FAQs. We’ll summarize the whole lot we’ve lined and clear up any indecision you will have.
What’s the nicest seaside in Ontario?
Sandbank Dunes Seashore is a very gorgeous 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 Seashore has a wonderful, clear waterfront and is a superb alternative 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. For that reason, we propose selecting one in all this lake’s seashores, like Port Stanley Seashore.
What seaside has white sand in Ontario?
Wasaga and Sauble Seashore have attractive white sands, and there are fairly a couple 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 approach to seashores that would actually rival Caribbean locations.
Ontario is an unimaginable place for pure magnificence. You’ve acquired all of the provincial parks, together with Sandbanks Provincial Park, Pancake Bay Provincial Park, Lake Superior Provincial Park, and North Seashore 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 timber and is ideally mixed with a go to to Toronto and Niagara Falls.
In case you fancy extra inspiration about visiting this attractive province, sit tight for a second. We’ve acquired guides on the finest glamping experiences, wellness resorts, and weekend getaways. In case you’re actually organized, you can plan your Ontario winter itinerary – when these seashores grow to be much less interesting.
Whichever of those finest seashores in Ontario you select, we hope you will have an unimaginable Ontario seaside day. Have a improbable keep.
Plan Your Ontario Trip