Ontario is our house. We have now camped, hiked, biked, and road-tripped all the province. As journey bloggers, you’d suppose we’d be dwelling in one of many digital nomad sizzling spots like Mexico or Thailand, however Ontario will at all times be our perpetually house. We’re near the Nice Lakes, provincial parks, iconic locations like Niagara Falls and the CN Tower, and, in fact, 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 gentle white sand, heat water (in some locations), and exquisite surroundings. So, if you’re planning a weekend getaway, listed below are among the greatest seashores in Ontario to plan your trip.
Greatest 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 among the greatest issues to do in Ontario in summer season.
1. The Seashores – Toronto
My grandmother used to dwell 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 condominium! Anyway, I digress.
Toronto has completely lovely seashores. There’s a complete neighborhood within the metropolis known as “The Seashores.” Woodbine Seashore and Kew Seashore are two standard seashores related by an extended stretch of sentimental sand. Woodbine Seashore is the most effective seashore and gateway to Toronto’s seashores, which stretch 3 km alongside Lake Ontario.
There are a number of volleyball courts, so you may be a part of a recreation or select a seashore volleyball court docket of your individual. It has a showering 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’ll be able to stroll all through Kew Seashore to Silver Kew Seashore alongside the boardwalk or journey you bike alongside the Mark Goodman Path.
In case you are visiting Toronto within the summertime, make your method out to The Seashores for a day. There’s loads of eating, artwork galleries, boutique purchasing and even nightlife. It’s additionally house to the Seashores Jazz Pageant for the month of July.
The place to remain close to the seashores
There aren’t many resort selections close to the Seashores, however they’re simply accessed by streetcar from downtown. If you need 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 seashore. 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 seashore.
The nice and cozy, shallow waters are perfect for swimming and wading, particularly for younger youngsters. The seashore is split into eight sections and has facilities resembling washrooms, picnic areas, playgrounds, and ample parking.
Wasaga Seashore can also be a hub for out of doors lovers, offering alternatives for water sports activities resembling jet snowboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing on Lake Huron. The encircling space gives wonderful 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
Situated about two hours north of Toronto, Wasaga Seashore is definitely accessible for a day journey or weekend getaway. Wasaga Seashore is simply 25 minutes from Blue Mountain / Collingwood. We propose 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 most effective seashore for a distant escape. This pristine seashore 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, gentle sandy shores, and views of the encircling cliffs and forested landscapes. Try The Wild Coastal Path of Pukaskwa Nationwide Park
It could seem 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 also be a haven for out of doors lovers who get pleasure from 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 standard stops. This isn’t your typical seashore; it’s extra of an outside lover’s playground in search of one thing totally different.
This seashore is positioned a whopping 9 hours drive from Toronto, so you’ll want to make a weekend out of it. Cease in Sault Sault Ste. Marie for the night time to get pleasure from some true northern hospitality after which proceed driving alongside the Trans-Canada Freeway for an additional 130 kilometers. That is the most effective 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 e book your weekend getaway on Lake Superior. Situated close to the city of Wawa, you may 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 lots 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 gives guests a pristine and expansive sandy shoreline that’s excellent for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. Pancake Bay Seashore offers a secure and pleasurable surroundings for households and swimmers of all ages. Though, it’s chilly.
The seashore has varied facilities, together with clear washrooms, picnic areas with tables, and handy parking services.
Pancake Bay Provincial Park is a haven for out of doors fanatics, providing quite a few leisure actions resembling climbing, birdwatching, and canoeing. The park’s scenic climbing trails are just like the Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout Path. Try: 21 Most Lovely Canadian Nationwide Parks
The place to Keep
Situated roughly 75 kilometers north of Sault Ste. Marie is definitely accessible by way of the Trans-Canada Freeway. You’ll be able to keep in Sault Ste. Marie however we advise 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 the earth. 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 gentle white sand is ideal for sunbathing and swimming in its clear, contemporary water. With its shallow waters, Sauble Seashore is standard 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
Situated 3 hours from Toronto, you’ll want to make a weekend out of visiting Sauble Seashore. The Sands Lodge is the one upscale resort within the space with a rooftop terrace overlooking the seashore. Nonetheless, Wiarton is just 20 minutes away, so you could need to make a base right here, and you’ll discover Tobermory on a day journey as nicely. Learn extra: The Greatest 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 one among Ontario’s authentic 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 Most important Seashore and the quieter South Seashore. Grand Bend is a small however mighty seashore with about 1km of golden gentle sand positioned on Lake Huron.
What makes it such a well-liked vacation spot is the seashore city wherein it’s positioned. Grand Bend has loads of retailers, 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 get pleasure from 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 seashore. It has a wellness heart, golf course and restaurant, so you may 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 greatest seashores in Ontario, with its most important 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 good for swimming and family-friendly water actions. Facilities embody 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 responsibility throughout peak seasons to make sure a secure surroundings for all.
The encircling Sandbanks Provincial Park has quite a few climbing and biking trails, there’s chicken watching or you may go canoeing.
The close by Outlet Seashore gives much more alternatives for swimming and sunbathing, whereas West Lake offers a great place for fishing and boating.
North Seashore Provincial Park can also 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 you might want to e book your day allow upfront. Nonetheless, it’s value it to get pleasure from a day on the Seashore. Go to Ontario Parks to plan your go to.
The place to Keep close to Sandbanks Provincial Park
Situated 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 properties for lease 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 but it surely is among the hottest seashores in Ontario, because of its full of life downtown, well-known sizzling tog stand and Friday thirteenth gatherings.
The waters are shallow, heat and calm because of being positioned within the bay sheltered by Lengthy Level Provincial Park. You’ll discover ice cream retailers, eating places, and purchasing promoting native handcrafts. We love this seashore, 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 slightly 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 seashore and lighthouse.
9. Cobourg Seashore
Situated simply an hour’s drive east of Toronto and simply accessible by way of Freeway 401, Cobourg Seashore is a handy and standard vacation spot for a day journey or weekend getaway making it one of many extra standard seashore locations in Ontario.
Guests to Cobourg Seashore can get pleasure from a variety of facilities, together with washrooms, out of doors showers, and picnic areas. IF you may have youngsters, the seashore can also be geared up with playgrounds and splash pads. Additionally it is house to a picturesque boardwalk and entry to numerous retailers, 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 Pageant.
Cobourg is a superb city for vacationers, with loads of its personal sights. You’ll be able to go to the Northumberland County Archives and Museum, Sifton-Cook 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 retailers 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 among 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 quite a lot of the most effective 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 Carry Bridge (which you must purpose to attempt to see in motion though it drove me loopy once I visited her). And, as an additional tip, when you discover the principle seashore too busy, head to Little Seashore. This tiny seashore is hidden away and far much less well-known.
Port Stanley is an attractive 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, resembling cafes and eating places. And there may be even a prepare that the entire household can hop aboard to get pleasure from a journey!
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 soak up the views at night time 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 brief ferry journey from downtown Toronto to the Toronto Islands of Lake Ontario. It’s lovely for sunbathing or planning a pleasant picnic. Dave and I had one among 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 gentle sands are backed by greenery and climbing trails via woodland, which might give it a secluded really feel if it wasn’t positioned in such a well-liked space. As a substitute, 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 really 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 succeed in 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 need to get pleasure from the most effective of Toronto. So, we advise staying within the Leisure district. The Ritz Carlton is our go to luxurious resort. Or you may strive the extra reasonably priced Strathcona Lodge positioned near Union Station.
12. Sugar Seashore
We couldn’t go with out mentioning Sugar Seashore in a information on the most effective 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 changed into one of many trendiest seashores within the province. Learn extra: 50 Greatest 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. In fact, this does put the extra energetic beachgoers off, preferring to journey additional and luxuriate in a swim or two. Nonetheless, if you’d like a seashore day purely to prime up your tan, then Sugar Seashore is nice for you. It has seashore chairs and loungers galore. It’s someplace within the interior 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
Situated on Toronto’s Waterfront, you may 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 seashore from right here, and it’s one among our favourite inns within the metropolis.
13. Crystal Seashore – Fort Erie
As you could guess, it coined its identify from its “crystal clear” waters, and the seashore is a best choice for anybody wanting a calming 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 day trip.
Crystal Bay Seashore, sometimes called 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 gentle and there are washroom services onsite. The one factor to notice is that the seashore expenses an entry charge throughout peak instances.
The city of Crystal Seashore sits on Lake Erie, identified for its hotter and shallow waters, and has some nice cafes the place you may get refreshments.
The place to Keep
Fort Erie is near Niagara Falls and though you may keep in Fort Erie, We’d extremely suggest combining a visit with Niagara and staying there. Our favourite inns in Niagara embody The Marriott Fallsview Hote, among the best inns for {couples}. Sheraton Fallsview Lodge has undergone a 50 million-dollar renovation and when you’ve got youngsters it’s a great place to stick with its shut proximity to Hershey’s, Clifton Hill, and the Waterpark
Greatest Seashores in Ontario
Ontario seashores are spectacular; there’s no doubting that. Earlier than you head off to your sandy seashore of alternative although, take a look at these fast FAQs. We’ll summarize every thing we’ve lined and clear up any indecision you may have.
What’s the nicest seashore in Ontario?
Sandbank Dunes Seashore is a extremely 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 seashore in Ontario has the clearest water?
Sauble Seashore has an attractive, 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 advise selecting one among this lake’s seashores, like Port Stanley Seashore.
What seashore has white sand in Ontario?
Wasaga and Sauble Seashore have beautiful white sands, and there are fairly a couple of white-sand seashores round Ontario.
As you may see, Ontario is de facto blessed with seashores. The province is exclusive for seashore 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 unbelievable place for pure magnificence. You’ve received 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 bushes and is ideally mixed with a go to to Toronto and Niagara Falls.
When you fancy extra inspiration about visiting this beautiful province, sit tight for a second. We’ve received guides on the greatest glamping experiences, wellness resorts, and weekend getaways. When you’re actually organized, you can plan your Ontario winter itinerary – when these seashores turn into much less interesting.
Whichever of those greatest seashores in Ontario you select, we hope you may have an unbelievable Ontario seashore day. Have a unbelievable keep.
Plan Your Ontario Trip
