Ontario is our dwelling. We now have camped, hiked, biked, and road-tripped your entire province. As journey bloggers, you’d assume we’d be dwelling in one of many digital nomad scorching spots like Mexico or Thailand, however Ontario will all the time be our without end 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, once we get out on the water to benefit from the lengthy, scorching 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 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 seashore space close to you is likely one of the finest issues to do in Ontario in summer season.
1. The Seashores – Toronto
My grandmother used to reside immediately 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 apartment! Anyway, I digress.
Toronto has completely stunning seashores. There may be a whole neighborhood within the metropolis referred to as “The Seashores.” Woodbine Seaside and Kew Seaside are two in style seashores linked by an extended stretch of soppy sand. Woodbine Seaside 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 part of a sport or select a seashore 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 throughout Kew Seaside to Silver Kew Seaside alongside the boardwalk or journey you bike alongside the Mark Goodman Path.
If you’re visiting Toronto within the summertime, make your method 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 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. In order for you a waterfront really feel, the Westin Harbour Fort is a good 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 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 web site of a coastal dune ecosystem. We used to reside 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 Seaside can also be a hub for outside lovers, offering alternatives for water sports activities resembling jet snowboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing on Lake Huron. The encompassing space provides wonderful 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
Situated 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 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 Seaside is the most effective 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 Seaside has crystal-clear waters, albeit chilly waters, gentle sandy shores, and views of the encompassing cliffs and forested landscapes. Try The Wild Coastal Path of Pukaskwa Nationwide Park
It could appear to be the Caribbean, however be warned, the waters are chilly, so you might need to dip your toes in earlier than diving in.
Agawa Seaside can also 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 in style stops. This isn’t your typical seashore; it’s extra of an outside lover’s playground searching for 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 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 Seaside
Naturally Superior Adventures is the place to guide your weekend getaway on Lake Superior. Situated close to the city of Wawa, you may guide 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 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 lots like a Caribbean Island—that’s till you are feeling the water temperature. Learn extra: 12 Wonderful issues to see on the Slate Islands – Ontario
Stretching over 3 kilometers, it provides guests a pristine and expansive sandy shoreline that’s excellent for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. Pancake Bay Seaside offers a secure and pleasing atmosphere 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 services.
Pancake Bay Provincial Park is a haven for outside fans, 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 Stunning Canadian Nationwide Parks
The place to Keep
Situated 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 advise Naturally Superior Adventures to mix a stick with journey. The park provides 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 the earth. Sauble Seaside 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 Seaside is in style 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 Seaside
Situated 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 seashore. Nonetheless, Wiarton is simply 20 minutes away, so you might 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 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 seashore cities, and through faculty and highschool, everybody all the time 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 Seaside and the quieter South Seaside. Grand Bend is a small however mighty seashore with about 1km of golden gentle sand situated on Lake Huron.
What makes it such a well-liked vacation spot is the seashore city wherein it’s situated. Grand Bend has loads of retailers, eating places, ice cream parlors, and outside patios lining the streets.
Facilities embrace shaded picnic areas, outside showers, paid parking, and even a lifeguard on obligation throughout peak season. Water sports activities embrace 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 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 Seaside – Prince Edward County
Sandbanks Dunes Seaside, situated in Sandbanks Provincial Park on the shores of Lake Ontario, is likely one of the finest seashores in Ontario, with its essential 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 embrace washrooms, picnic areas, and ample parking.
The seashore additionally options designated areas for barbecuing and shaded spots excellent for stress-free with a picnic. Lifeguards are on obligation throughout peak seasons to make sure a secure atmosphere for all.
The encompassing Sandbanks Provincial Park has quite a few climbing and biking trails, there’s chicken watching or you may go canoeing.
The close by Outlet Seaside provides much more alternatives for swimming and sunbathing, whereas West Lake offers a great place for fishing and boating.
North Seaside Provincial Park can also be close by. With its ribbon of sand slicing by way of 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 guide your day allow prematurely. Nonetheless, it’s value 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
Situated 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 fashionable vacation properties for lease with fridges and occasional makers
8. Port Dover Seaside – Port Dover
Port Dover is a small seashore overlooking an extended pier with and white-and-red-painted lighthouse nevertheless it is likely one of the hottest seashores in Ontario, due to its full of life downtown, well-known scorching 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 retailers, eating places, and procuring 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 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 seashore and lighthouse.
9. Cobourg Seaside
Situated simply an hour’s drive east of Toronto and simply accessible by way of Freeway 401, Cobourg Seaside is a handy and in style vacation spot for a day journey or weekend getaway making it one of many extra in style seashore locations in Ontario.
Guests to Cobourg Seaside can get pleasure from a spread of facilities, together with washrooms, outside showers, and picnic areas. IF you’ve got youngsters, the seashore can also be geared up with playgrounds and splash pads. Additionally it is dwelling to a picturesque boardwalk and entry to numerous retailers, cafes, and eating places. The close by Cobourg Marina is a good 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 good 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-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. situated 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 considered one of Ontario’s scorching spots situated on the shores of Lake Erie. The golden sand stretches for about half a kilometer. Have you ever observed a pattern that a whole lot 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 enduring King George VI Raise Bridge (which you need to intention to attempt to see in motion though it drove me loopy after I visited her). And, as an additional tip, for those who discover the principle seashore too busy, head to Little Seaside. This tiny seashore is hidden away and far much less well-known.
Port Stanley is a stupendous 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, resembling 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 soak up the views at evening and the air-conditioned rooms have a romantic fire.
11. Centre Island Seaside
If you wish to escape the town, Centre Island Seaside within the Toronto Islands is only a quick ferry journey from downtown Toronto to the Toronto Islands of Lake Ontario. It’s stunning 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 seashore. Ooooh.
The gentle sands are backed by greenery and 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 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 Seaside.
The place to Keep
Chances are high 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 lodge. Or you may 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 seashore is proper in Toronto. Named after the close by Redpath Sugar Manufacturing unit, 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 Seaside 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 revel in a swim or two. Nonetheless, if you’d like a seashore day purely to prime up your tan, then Sugar Seaside 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 Seaside
Situated on Toronto’s Waterfront, you may 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 seashore from right here, and it’s considered one of our favourite accommodations within the metropolis.
13. Crystal Seaside – Fort Erie
As you might guess, it coined its identify from its “crystal clear” waters, and the seashore is a best choice for anybody wanting a soothing seashore 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 stunning time out.
Crystal Bay Seaside, also known as simply Bay Seaside, is a slim slither of white sand that opens straight out onto stunning 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 occasions.
The city of Crystal Seaside 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 may keep in Fort Erie, We’d extremely suggest combining a visit with Niagara and staying there. Our favourite accommodations in Niagara embrace The Marriott Fallsview Hote, among the best accommodations for {couples}. Sheraton Fallsview Lodge has undergone a 50 million-dollar renovation and when you’ve got youngsters 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 seashore of selection although, try these fast FAQs. We’ll summarize every thing we’ve lined and clear up any indecision you’ve got.
What’s the nicest seashore in Ontario?
Sandbank Dunes Seaside is a very beautiful addition to the seashores in Ontario. The sand dunes aesthetic makes it stand out that additional bit extra, successful it our vote because the nicest of the Ontario seashores.
What seashore in Ontario has the clearest water?
Sauble Seaside has a stupendous, clear waterfront and is a good 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 sometimes has the warmest waters. For that reason, we advise selecting considered one of this lake’s seashores, like Port Stanley Seaside.
What seashore has white sand in Ontario?
Wasaga and Sauble Seaside have attractive white sands, and there are fairly a number of white-sand seashores round Ontario.
As you may see, Ontario is absolutely 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 might truthfully rival Caribbean locations.
Ontario is an unimaginable 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 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 historic cedar timber and is ideally mixed with a go to to Toronto and Niagara Falls.
If you happen to fancy extra inspiration about visiting this attractive province, sit tight for a second. We’ve received guides on the finest glamping experiences, wellness resorts, and weekend getaways. If you happen to’re actually organized, you might 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’ve got an unimaginable Ontario seashore day. Have a implausible keep.
Plan Your Ontario Trip
