Ontario is our residence. We’ve got camped, hiked, biked, and road-tripped all the province. As journey bloggers, you’ll assume we’d be dwelling in one of many digital nomad sizzling spots like Mexico or Thailand, however Ontario will at all times be our without end residence. We’re near the Nice Lakes, provincial parks, iconic locations like Niagara Falls and the CN Tower, and, after all, superb seashores.
Canadians love the summer time season; it’s cottage season, once 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 exquisite surroundings. So, in case you are planning a weekend getaway, listed here 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 seaside space close to you is likely one of the greatest issues to do in Ontario in summer time.
1. The Seashores – Toronto
My grandmother used to dwell instantly on Kew Seaside. Her yard was Kew Gardens, and once we used to go to, we went skating on the outside 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 may be a whole neighborhood within the metropolis referred to as “The Beaches.” Woodbine Seaside and Kew Seaside are two widespread seashores related by an extended stretch of soppy sand. Woodbine Seaside is the most effective seaside and gateway to Toronto’s seashores, which stretch 3 km alongside Lake Ontario.
There are a number of volleyball courts, so you’ll be able to be part of a recreation or select a seaside volleyball court docket of your individual. It has a showering 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 Seaside to Silver Kew Seaside alongside the boardwalk or journey you bike alongside the Mark Goodman Path.
In case you are visiting Toronto within the summertime, make your manner 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 selections close to the Seashores, however they’re simply accessed by streetcar from downtown. In order for you a waterfront really feel, the Westin Harbour Fort is a superb selection.
2. Wasaga Seaside – Georgian Bay
Wasaga Seaside is a really apparent selection 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 website 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 Seaside can be a hub for outside lovers, offering alternatives for water sports activities corresponding to jet snowboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing on Lake Huron. The encompassing space gives wonderful mountain climbing and biking trails, together with the Wasaga Seaside 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 Seaside
Positioned about two hours north of Toronto, Wasaga Seaside is well accessible for a day journey or weekend getaway. Wasaga Seaside 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 Seaside is the most effective seaside for a distant escape. This pristine seaside is situated in Lake Superior Provincial Park. Stretching over a kilometer alongside the rugged shores of Lake Superior, Agawa Seaside has crystal-clear waters, albeit chilly waters, smooth 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 it’s possible you’ll need to dip your toes in earlier than diving in.
Agawa Seaside can be a haven for outside 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 widespread stops. This isn’t your typical seaside; it’s extra of an out of doors lover’s playground looking for one thing completely different.
This seaside 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 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 highway journey in Ontario, so it’s price it, belief me!
The place to Keep close to Agawa Seaside
Naturally Superior Adventures is the place to guide your weekend getaway on Lake Superior. Positioned close to the city of Wawa, you’ll be able to guide kayaking excursions, mountain climbing 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 Seaside whereas driving the Circle Tour from Sault Ste. Marie by way of the USA. Lake Superior has a surprisingly sandy shore that may look so much like a Caribbean Island—that’s till you are 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 good for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. Pancake Bay Seaside offers a protected and pleasant atmosphere for households and swimmers of all ages. Though, it’s chilly.
The seaside has numerous facilities, together with clear washrooms, picnic areas with tables, and handy parking services.
Pancake Bay Provincial Park is a haven for outside fans, providing quite a few leisure actions corresponding to mountain climbing, birdwatching, and canoeing. The park’s scenic mountain 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 by way of the Trans-Canada Freeway. You’ll be able to keep in Sault Ste. Marie however we recommend Naturally Superior Adventures to mix a stick with journey. The park gives a well-maintained campground, permitting for prolonged stays.
5. Sauble Seaside – South Bruce Peninsula
Ontario homes not one however two of the longest freshwater seashores on this planet. Sauble Seaside 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 highway 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 Seaside is widespread 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 Seaside
Positioned 3 hours from Toronto, it would be best to make a weekend out of visiting Sauble Seaside. The Sands Lodge is the one upscale lodge within the space with a rooftop terrace overlooking the seaside. Nevertheless, Wiarton is simply 20 minutes away, so it’s possible you’ll need to make a base right here, and you may discover Tobermory on a day journey as properly. Learn extra: The Greatest Issues to Do in Tobermory, Ontario
6. Grand Bend Seaside – Grand Bend
I spent many summers at Grand Bend Seaside as a result of my dad and mom had their cottage there. Grand Bend was undoubtedly considered one of Ontario’s unique seaside cities, and through school and highschool, everybody at all times made a highway 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 Most important Seaside and the quieter South Seaside. Grand Bend is a small however mighty seaside with about 1km of golden smooth sand situated on Lake Huron.
What makes it such a well-liked vacation spot is the seaside city by which it’s situated. Grand Bend has loads of outlets, eating places, ice cream parlors, and outside patios lining the streets.
Facilities embody shaded picnic areas, outside 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 selection for a weekend getaway situated on an expansive parcel of land with a personal seaside. It has a wellness middle, golf course and restaurant, so you’ll be able to have a quiet retreat away from all of it.
7. Sandbanks Dunes Seaside – Prince Edward County
Sandbanks Dunes Seaside, situated in Sandbanks Provincial Park on the shores of Lake Ontario, is likely one of the greatest seashores in Ontario, with its principal 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 protected atmosphere for all.
The encompassing Sandbanks Provincial Park has quite a few mountain climbing and biking trails, there’s fowl watching or you’ll be able to go canoeing.
The close by Outlet Seaside gives much more alternatives for swimming and sunbathing, whereas West Lake offers a great place for fishing and boating.
North Seaside 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 worthwhile to guide your day allow upfront. Nevertheless, it’s price it to get pleasure from a day on the Seaside. 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 Seaside 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 houses for hire with fridges and occasional makers
8. Port Dover Seaside – Port Dover
Port Dover is a small seaside overlooking an extended pier with and white-and-red-painted lighthouse nevertheless it is likely one of 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 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 seaside, 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 just below two hours drive from Toronto. The Erie Seaside Lodge is situated proper within the coronary heart of all of the motion beside the Arbor and only one block from the seaside and lighthouse.
9. Cobourg Seaside
Positioned simply an hour’s drive east of Toronto and simply accessible by way of Freeway 401, Cobourg Seaside is a handy and widespread vacation spot for a day journey or weekend getaway making it one of many extra widespread seaside locations in Ontario.
Guests to Cobourg Seaside can get pleasure from a variety of facilities, together with washrooms, outside showers, and picnic areas. IF you’ve gotten youngsters, the seaside can be outfitted with playgrounds and splash pads. It is usually residence 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 Pageant.
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. 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 considered 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 seen a pattern that lots of the most effective 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 long-lasting King George VI Raise Bridge (which it’s best to purpose to attempt to see in motion though it drove me loopy once I visited her). And, as an additional tip, for those who discover the primary seaside too busy, head to Little Seaside. 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 get pleasure from a journey!
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 outside deck to absorb the views at evening and the air-conditioned rooms have a romantic hearth.
11. Centre Island Seaside
If you wish to escape the town, Centre Island Seaside 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 considered 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 seaside. Ooooh.
The smooth sands are backed by greenery and mountain climbing trails by way of woodland, which might give it a secluded really feel if it wasn’t situated in such a well-liked space. As a substitute, Centre Island Seaside 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 Seaside.
The place to Keep
Likelihood is in case you are making your technique to Centre Island, you need to get pleasure from the most effective of Toronto. So, we recommend staying within the Leisure district. The Ritz Carlton is our go to luxurious lodge. Or you’ll be able to strive the extra inexpensive Strathcona Lodge situated near Union Station.
12. Sugar Seaside
We couldn’t go with out mentioning Sugar Seaside in a information on the most effective 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 Greatest Issues to do in Toronto Canada
Sugar Seaside 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 energetic beachgoers off, preferring to journey additional and revel in a swim or two. Nevertheless, if you need a seaside day purely to high up your tan, then Sugar Seaside is nice for you. It has seaside 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 Seaside
Positioned on Toronto’s Waterfront, you’ll be able to actually keep anyplace you want, however our best choice to be closest to it’s Westin Harbour Fort. You’ll be able to stroll to the seaside from right here, and it’s considered one of our favourite inns within the metropolis.
13. Crystal Seaside – Fort Erie
As it’s possible you’ll guess, it coined its identify from its “crystal clear” waters, and the seaside is a best choice for anybody wanting a soothing seaside day. Crystal Seaside’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 time out.
Crystal Bay Seaside, sometimes called simply Bay Seaside, is a slender slither of white sand that opens straight out onto lovely waters of a wealthy emerald inexperienced. The sand is smooth and there are washroom services onsite. The one factor to notice is that the seaside costs an entry price throughout peak instances.
The city of Crystal Seaside 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’ll be able to 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, top-of-the-line inns for {couples}. Sheraton Fallsview Lodge has undergone a 50 million-dollar renovation and you probably have 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 seaside of selection although, take a look at these fast FAQs. We’ll summarize every thing we’ve coated and clear up any indecision you’ve gotten.
What’s the nicest seaside in Ontario?
Sandbank Dunes Seaside 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 Seaside 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. For that reason, we recommend selecting considered one of this lake’s seashores, like Port Stanley Seaside.
What seaside has white sand in Ontario?
Wasaga and Sauble Seaside have beautiful white sands, and there are fairly a couple of white-sand seashores round Ontario.
As you’ll be able to 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 technique to seashores that might truthfully rival Caribbean locations.
Ontario is an unimaginable place for pure magnificence. You’ve bought all of the provincial parks, together with Sandbanks Provincial Park, Pancake Bay Provincial Park, Lake Superior Provincial Park, and North Seaside 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.
Should you fancy extra inspiration about visiting this beautiful province, sit tight for a second. We’ve bought guides on the greatest glamping experiences, wellness resorts, and weekend getaways. Should you’re actually organized, you could possibly plan your Ontario winter itinerary – when these seashores grow to be much less interesting.
Whichever of those greatest seashores in Ontario you select, we hope you’ve gotten an unimaginable Ontario seaside day. Have a unbelievable keep.
Plan Your Ontario Trip
