Ontario is our residence. We’ve camped, hiked, biked, and road-tripped all the province. As journey bloggers, you’d 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 ceaselessly residence. 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 time 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 delicate white sand, heat water (in some locations), and delightful surroundings. So, if you’re planning a weekend getaway, listed below are a number of the greatest 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 seashore space close to you is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Ontario in summer time.
1. The Seashores – Toronto
My grandmother used to stay straight 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 apartment! Anyway, I digress.
Toronto has completely lovely seashores. There’s a complete neighborhood within the metropolis referred to as “The Seashores.” Woodbine Seashore and Kew Seashore are two common seashores related by an extended stretch of sentimental sand. Woodbine Seashore is one of the best seashore 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 seashore volleyball court docket of your individual. It has a washing pavilion, showers, and foot wash stations, and even Donald D. Summerville Out of doors Olympic Pool, full with 5 to 10-meter diving platforms. You possibly can stroll during Kew Seashore to Silver Kew Seashore alongside the boardwalk or trip you bike alongside the Mark Goodman Path.
In case you are visiting Toronto within the summertime, make your means out to The Seashores for a day. There’s loads of eating, artwork galleries, boutique purchasing and even nightlife. It’s additionally residence to the Seashores Jazz Pageant 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. If you would like a waterfront really feel, the Westin Harbour Fort is a superb selection.
2. Wasaga Seashore – Georgian Bay
Wasaga Seashore is a really apparent selection for seashores in Ontario, however how will you not put it as primary? It holds a fairly spectacular title and is globally acknowledged because the world’s longest freshwater seashore. It stretches over greater than 14km of white sand shoreline and is a beloved website of a coastal dune ecosystem. We used to stay up north (as we wish to name cottage nation in Ontario), and this was our go-to seashore.
The nice and cozy, shallow waters are perfect for swimming and wading, particularly for younger kids. The seashore 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 encircling space gives glorious climbing and biking trails, together with the Wasaga Seashore Provincial Park path system, which meanders via 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 advise 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 one of the best seashore for a distant escape. This pristine seashore is situated 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, delicate sandy shores, and views of the encircling cliffs and forested landscapes. Take a look at The Wild Coastal Path of Pukaskwa Nationwide Park
It could appear like the Caribbean, however be warned, the waters are chilly, so you could need 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. Climbing trails just like the Orphan Lake Path and the Coastal Path are common stops. This isn’t your typical seashore; it’s extra of an out of doors lover’s playground in search of one thing totally different.
This seashore is situated 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 evening to take pleasure in some true northern hospitality after which proceed driving alongside the Trans-Canada Freeway for one more 130 kilometers. That is one of the best street journey in Ontario, so it’s price it, belief me!
The place to Keep close to Agawa Seashore
Naturally Superior Adventures is the place to e-book your weekend getaway on Lake Superior. Positioned close to the city of Wawa, you possibly can e-book kayaking excursions, climbing journeys, do some stand-up paddle boarding, or participate in a very 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 via the USA. Lake Superior has a surprisingly sandy shore that may look so much like a Caribbean Island—that’s till you’re feeling the water temperature. Learn extra: 12 Superb issues to see on the Slate Islands – Ontario
Stretching over 3 kilometers, it gives guests a pristine and expansive sandy shoreline that’s excellent for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. Pancake Bay Seashore gives a protected and pleasing surroundings for households and swimmers of all ages. Though, it’s chilly.
The seashore has numerous facilities, together with clear washrooms, picnic areas with tables, and handy parking amenities.
Pancake Bay Provincial Park is a haven for out of doors fans, providing quite a few leisure actions corresponding to climbing, birdwatching, and canoeing. The park’s scenic climbing trails are just like the Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout Path. Take a look at: 21 Most Stunning 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 possibly can keep in Sault Ste. Marie however we propose Naturally Superior Adventures to mix a stick with journey. The park gives 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 seashore 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 seashore, which has a sandbar alongside its shores, so we may stroll out for what felt like miles.
Its delicate white sand is ideal for sunbathing and swimming in its clear, recent water. With its shallow waters, Sauble Seashore is common for kiteboarding and stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Pack a picnic, play some seashore volleyball at one of many seashore 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 Resort is the one upscale lodge within the space with a rooftop terrace overlooking the seashore. Nevertheless, Wiarton is barely 20 minutes away, so you could need to make a base right here, and you’ll discover Tobermory on a day journey as effectively. 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 mother and father had their cottage there. Grand Bend was positively certainly one of Ontario’s unique seashore cities, and through faculty and highschool, everybody at all times made a street journey to seashore locations, with this being the highest! I even carried out at Huron Nation Playhouse for a season.
There are two areas: the Primary Seashore and the quieter South Seashore. Grand Bend is a small however mighty seashore with about 1km of golden delicate sand situated on Lake Huron.
What makes it such a well-liked vacation spot is the seashore city by which it’s situated. Grand Bend has loads of outlets, eating places, ice cream parlors, and out of doors patios lining the streets.
Facilities embrace shaded picnic areas, out of doors showers, paid parking, and even a lifeguard on obligation throughout peak season. Water sports activities embrace 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 selection for a weekend getaway situated on an expansive parcel of land with a non-public seashore. 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, situated in Sandbanks Provincial Park on the shores of Lake Ontario, is without doubt one of the greatest seashores in Ontario, with its primary seashore 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 seashore is thought for its heat, shallow waters which is right for swimming and family-friendly water actions. Facilities embrace washrooms, picnic areas, and ample parking.
The seashore additionally options designated areas for barbecuing and shaded spots excellent for enjoyable with a picnic. Lifeguards are on obligation throughout peak seasons to make sure a protected surroundings for all.
The encircling Sandbanks Provincial Park has quite a few climbing and biking trails, there’s fowl watching or you possibly can go canoeing.
The close by Outlet Seashore gives much more alternatives for swimming and sunbathing, whereas West Lake gives a great spot for fishing and boating.
North Seashore Provincial Park can be close by. With its ribbon of sand slicing via Lake Ontario, it appears extra like a seashore from Mexico or Thailand. This was as soon as a quiet seashore, however now it’s essential to e-book your day allow prematurely. Nevertheless, it’s price 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 trendy vacation properties for hire with fridges and low makers
8. Port Dover Seashore – Port Dover
Port Dover is a small seashore overlooking an extended pier with and white-and-red-painted lighthouse however it is without doubt one of the hottest seashores in Ontario, due to its vigorous downtown, well-known sizzling tog stand and Friday thirteenth gatherings.
The waters are shallow, heat and calm due to being situated within the bay sheltered by Lengthy Level Provincial Park. You’ll discover ice cream outlets, eating places, and purchasing promoting native handcrafts. We love this seashore, we are able to 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 slightly below two hours drive from Toronto. The Erie Seashore Resort is situated proper within the coronary heart of all of the motion beside the Arbor and only one block from the seashore 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 common vacation spot for a day journey or weekend getaway making it one of many extra common seashore locations in Ontario.
Guests to Cobourg Seashore can take pleasure in a variety of facilities, together with washrooms, out of doors showers, and picnic areas. IF you could have youngsters, the seashore can be geared up with playgrounds and splash pads. It’s also residence to a picturesque boardwalk and entry to varied 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, live shows, and seasonal occasions just like the annual Sandcastle Pageant.
Cobourg is a superb city for vacationers, with loads of its personal points of interest. You possibly can 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. situated 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 certainly one of Ontario’s sizzling spots situated on the shores of Lake Erie. The golden sand stretches for about half a kilometer. Have you ever observed a development that a number of one of the best seashores in Ontario are situated alongside the Nice Lakes?
The city of Port Stanley is cut up in half by a river, joined by the enduring King George VI Carry Bridge (which it is best to purpose to attempt to see in motion though it drove me loopy once I visited her). And, as an additional tip, if you happen to discover the primary seashore too busy, head to Little Seashore. This tiny seashore is hidden away and far much less well-known.
Port Stanley is a wonderful harbour village with fishing boats and a laid again environment. It’s a good place to spend a day, and it has loads of facilities, corresponding to cafes and eating places. And there may be even a prepare 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 situated on the Lake Erie waterfront with views of the lake and the village. Guests can sit on the out of doors deck to soak up the views at evening and the air-conditioned rooms have a romantic fire.
11. Centre Island Seashore
If you wish to escape the 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 lovely for sunbathing or planning a pleasant picnic. Dave and I had certainly one of 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 seashore. Ooooh.
The delicate sands are backed by greenery and climbing trails via woodland, which might give it a secluded really feel if it wasn’t situated 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 move for a break from the 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 high to Centre Island Seashore.
The place to Keep
Chances are high if you’re making your method to Centre Island, you need to take pleasure in one of the best of Toronto. So, we propose staying within the Leisure district. The Ritz Carlton is our go to luxurious lodge. Or you possibly can attempt the extra reasonably priced Strathcona Resort situated near Union Station.
12. Sugar Seashore
We couldn’t go with out mentioning Sugar Seashore in a information on one of the best seashores in Ontario. This city Ontario seashore is proper in Toronto. Named after the close by Redpath Sugar Manufacturing facility, this once-industrial setting has was one of many trendiest seashores within the province. Learn extra: 50 Finest Issues to do in Toronto Canada
Sugar Seashore is a white sand seashore backed by glitzy glass skyscrapers and pink umbrellas. It comes with one caveat; no swimming. After all, this does put the extra lively beachgoers off, preferring to journey additional and revel in a swim or two. Nevertheless, if you need a seashore day purely to high up your tan, then Sugar Seashore is nice for you. It has seashore 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 anyplace you want, however our best choice to be closest to it’s Westin Harbour Fort. You possibly can stroll to the seashore from right here, and it’s certainly one of our favourite lodges within the metropolis.
13. Crystal Seashore – Fort Erie
As you could guess, it coined its title from its “crystal clear” waters, and the seashore is a best choice for anybody wanting a soothing seashore 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 stunning time out.
Crystal Bay Seashore, also known as simply Bay Seashore, is a slender slither of white sand that opens straight out onto lovely waters of a wealthy emerald inexperienced. The sand is delicate and there are washroom amenities onsite. The one factor to notice is that the seashore expenses an entry payment throughout peak occasions.
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 lodges in Niagara embrace The Marriott Fallsview Hote, top-of-the-line lodges for {couples}. Sheraton Fallsview Resort has undergone a 50 million-dollar renovation and in case you have youngsters it’s a great 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 seashore of selection although, try these fast FAQs. We’ll summarize every thing we’ve coated and clear up any indecision you could have.
What’s the nicest seashore in Ontario?
Sandbank Dunes Seashore is a very beautiful addition to the seashores in Ontario. The sand dunes aesthetic makes it stand out that further bit extra, profitable it our vote because the nicest of the Ontario seashores.
What seashore in Ontario has the clearest water?
Sauble Seashore has a wonderful, clear waterfront and is a superb selection 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. Because of this, we propose choosing certainly one of this lake’s seashores, like Port Stanley Seashore.
What seashore has white sand in Ontario?
Wasaga and Sauble Seashore have attractive white sands, and there are fairly just a few white-sand seashores round Ontario.
As you possibly can see, Ontario is admittedly blessed with seashores. The province is exclusive for seashore lovers as a result of it has predominantly freshwater seashores. The pristine nature provides method to seashores that would actually rival Caribbean locations.
Ontario is an unimaginable place for pure magnificence. You’ve obtained 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 historical cedar timber and is ideally mixed with a go to to Toronto and Niagara Falls.
Should you fancy extra inspiration about visiting this attractive province, sit tight for a second. We’ve obtained guides on the greatest glamping experiences, wellness resorts, and weekend getaways. Should you’re actually organized, you may plan your Ontario winter itinerary – when these seashores develop into much less interesting.
Whichever of those greatest seashores in Ontario you select, we hope you could have an unimaginable Ontario seashore day. Have a unbelievable keep.
Plan Your Ontario Trip