Looking for the best beaches in Ontario? These 10 summer spots are perfect for swimming, sunsets, and lakeside getaways near and far.
There’s just something about an Ontario summer. The kind that smells like sunscreen, sounds like wave on the shore, and ends with golden sunsets over a still lake. While Ontario might not be the first place people think of when they hear “beach getaway,” trust me, this province is packed with stunning shoreline spots worth the drive.
Looking for soft sand and crystal-clear water? Planning a quiet solo escape or a fun day at the lake with friends? These 10 beaches in Ontario deliver it all. From popular family spots with easy access and amenities to hidden gems tucked inside provincial parks, there’s a beach on this list with your name on it.
So grab your towel, pack a few snacks, and let’s dive into 10 of the best beaches in Ontario for a perfect summer getaway.
Looking for more Summer Ontario travel ideas? Check out my other blog posts for itineraries, hiking trails, and hidden gems across the province!
10 best beaches in Ontario!
1. Sandbanks Provincial Park – Best for Soft Sand & Family Days
Location: Prince Edward County, Lake Ontario
What makes it special: Famous for its sweeping sandy dunes and three distinct beach areas, Sandbanks is one of Ontario’s most iconic beach destinations. The water is warmer than most lakes, the sand is ultra soft, and it’s ideal for families or anyone who just wants to lounge lakeside with a good book.
Pro tip // Sandbanks is popular in the summer, and the park often hits capacity by mid-morning. Plan to arrive early, especially on weekends, and book a day-use permit in advance if possible. You’ll also find picnic areas, washrooms, and other facilities to make your beach day stress-free.
Facilities: Washrooms, change rooms, picnic areas, and a Visitor Centre.
Nearby food/attractions: You’re a short drive from Bloomfield and Picton, perfect for grabbing ice cream, coffee, or browsing cute boutiques. There are also local wineries and roadside farm stands for a little après-beach adventure.
PLANNING A FULL VISIT? Check out my guide to Prince Edward County !
2. Sauble Beach – Best for Sunset Lovers
Location: Sauble Beach, Bruce County, Lake Huron
What makes it special: With 11 km of shoreline, Sauble is one of the longest freshwater beaches in the world. It’s the ultimate mix of beach-town energy and natural beauty, especially when the sun starts dipping over Lake Huron.
Parking info: Paid street parking and municipal lots along the beach strip.
Facilities: Public washrooms, changing areas, and beach gear rentals.
Nearby food/attractions: You’ll find no shortage of summer staples: beach bars, diners, cafes, and the occasional live music spot on the strip.
NEED MORE IDEAS? Here’s my post on what to do in Sauble Beach!
3. Pancake Bay Provincial Park – Best for Scenic Vibes
Location: Lake Superior, north of Sault Ste. Marie
What makes it special: Imagine calm, turquoise water backed by dense forest and sweeping shoreline—it’s like a pocket of the West Coast tucked into Northern Ontario.
Parking info: On-site parking included with your park day pass or camping reservation.
Facilities: Washrooms, picnic areas, trails, and campgrounds.
Nearby food/attractions: Check out Agawa Crafts for souvenirs and snacks, and don’t skip the drive along the Lake Superior Coastal Route, it’s full of jaw-dropping lookouts.
4. Grand Bend – Best for Social Beach Days
Location: Lambton Shores, Lake Huron
What makes it special: If you want a beach day with a buzz, this is it. Volleyball courts, soft sand, and a busy boardwalk make it perfect for social summer days.
Parking info: Several paid lots near the beach and marina area.
Facilities: Washrooms, splash pad, beach patrol, and public boardwalk.
Nearby food/attractions: Grab tacos, smoothies, burgers, or a cold drink just steps from the sand. Grand Bend is built for a beach day and an evening out.
5. Pinery Provincial Park – Best for Dunes & Sunsets
Location: Lake Huron, just south of Grand Bend
What makes it special: Pinery is a dreamscape of rolling dunes, oak savanna, and glowing orange sunsets that spill over the lake. It’s perfect for beachgoers who also love a good trail or bike ride.
Parking info: Multiple lots within the park; included with a day-use or seasonal pass.
Facilities: Restrooms, picnic shelters, campsites, bike trails, and interpretive programs.
Nearby food/attractions: Grand Bend is just up the road if you need supplies or a bite to eat, but the park itself is best for a full-day nature escape.
6. Killbear Provincial Park – Best for Beach + Camping Combo
Location: Parry Sound, Georgian Bay
What makes it special: A mix of sandy beaches and smooth granite outcrops. Swim, sunbathe, or climb out onto a rock with a killer view.
Parking info: Multiple lots throughout the park; a day-use or camping permit is required.
Facilities: Washrooms, trails, campsites, picnic areas, and a visitor centre.
Nearby food/attractions: You’re close to Parry Sound for quick supply runs, and there are scenic boat tours available from town.
7. Batchawana Bay Provincial Park – Best for Calm Water on Superior
Location: Lake Superior, north of Pancake Bay
What makes it special: A rare warm-water spot on Lake Superior with shallow, super swimmable water and a laid-back beach feel. Great stop on a Northern Ontario road trip.
Parking info: On-site parking included with your park day pass
Facilities: Minimal, picnic tables and basic restrooms.
Nearby food/attractions: The Voyageurs’ Lodge across the road is perfect for ice cream, snacks, and local gifts.
8. Wasaga Beach – Best for Classic Ontario Nostalgia
Location: Simcoe County, Lake Huron
What makes it special: A go-to for generations of Ontarians, Wasaga is huge, lively, and super accessible. The shallow shoreline stretches out forever, making it great for young swimmers.
Parking info: Paid municipal and private lots all along the waterfront.
Facilities: Boardwalk, washrooms, picnic tables, and tons of vendors.
Nearby food/attractions: From poutine stands to beach bars, there’s something for every kind of beach day craving.
9. Singing Sands – Best for Shallow, Calm Water
Location: Bruce Peninsula National Park
What makes it special: Named for the sound the sand makes underfoot, this quiet beach is calm, shallow, and endlessly walkable—perfect for wading or floating in peace.
Parking info: National park day-use parking (limited capacity, come early in summer).
Facilities: Basic washrooms and access to a short interpretive trail.
Nearby food/attractions: Just a short drive from Tobermory, where you can hop a ferry to Flowerpot Island or grab a bite by the harbour.
PLANNING A TRIP? Don’t miss my guide to exploring Bruce Peninsula!
10. Old Woman Bay – Best for Dramatic Scenery
Location: Lake Superior Provincial Park
What makes it special: This is the kind of place that leaves you speechless. Towering cliffs wrap around a crescent bay with cold, clear water and a wild feel.
Parking info: Free, small lot just off the Trans-Canada Highway.
Facilities: Vault toilets. No services, just raw beauty.
Nearby food/attractions: Plan a stop at the Agawa Bay Visitor Centre or hike the nearby Nokomis Trail for even more epic views.
Ready to Plan Your Beach Day?
Ontario’s beaches have a way of surprising people, in the best way. From turquoise waters up north to golden sand dunes down south, there’s no shortage of places to throw down a towel, go for a swim, or catch an unreal sunset.
So, which beach is calling your name this summer? Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just a spontaneous day trip, these spots are proof that you don’t need to cross a border for a dreamy beach day. Let me know in the comments which one you’ve visited or which one you’re adding to your list!
Looking for more Ontario travel ideas? Check out my other blog posts for itineraries, hiking trails, and hidden gems across the province!
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✨ These trendy Ontario motels aren’t just Insta-famous, they actually live up to the hype.
From wine country escapes to lakeside slowdowns, here are 5 design-forward places to stay in Ontario that deliver on vibes and comfort:
🏩 The June Motel – Prince Edward County
The OG! Think wine country views, pink doors, and retro summer energy in PEC.
🌲 Somewhere Inn – Calabogie
A minimalist dream tucked between the mountains and the lake. Perfect for après-hike wine and no-alarm mornings.
🌊 The June Motel – Sauble Beach
Beachy, breezy, and very nostalgic in the best way. Just steps from Lake Huron.
🌾 The Beach Motel – Southampton
Light, airy, and super stylish. A grown-up coastal escape without the fuss.
🍂 The June Motel – Beaver Valley
The latest June gem, nestled in the hills. Fireplaces, forest views, and coffee ready on check-in.
✨ Save this post for your next Ontario getaway and tag someone you’d road trip with. Which one are you booking first?
🇫🇷 La version française est dans les commentaires!
#OntarioMotels #PlacesToStayInOntario #WeekendGetawayOntario #TrendyMotels #ExploreOntario
🌊 Think Niagara Falls is just about the Falls? Not even close. 👇
Here are 3 unforgettable things to do in Niagara Falls, Ontario — beyond the big cascade:
1️⃣ White Water Walk — Walk right alongside the world’s wildest whitewater rapids. Nature is LOUD here 🌊
2️⃣ Whirlpool Aero Car — Soar high above the Niagara Gorge for panoramic views you won’t forget 🚡
3️⃣ Niagara Glen Nature Centre — Hike through ancient trails and discover a quieter side of Niagara 🌿
Planning a trip to Niagara Falls? Save this post, tag your travel buddy, and let me know which one you’re doing first 👇
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#NiagaraFalls #NiagaraFallsCanada #ExploreOntario #OntarioTravel #discoverontario
I knew Tuscany would be beautiful… but I didn’t expect to feel so enchanted by its smaller towns.
Here are four stops that completely stole the show on my trip:
1. San Gimignano
Known as the Manhattan of the Middle Ages (because of its towers), this hilltop town has views for days and some of the best gelato I’ve ever had. It’s busy, yes, but worth every step. Go early or stay late to see it glow in the golden hour.
2. Monteriggioni
This one feels like a secret. A perfectly preserved medieval village perched on a hill, surrounded by ancient stone walls. You can walk the ramparts, sip wine in the tiny square, and imagine what life looked like hundreds of years ago.
3. Siena
Florence’s historical rival, and a city with serious soul. The Piazza del Campo is stunning, but it’s the backstreets that really charmed me. Don’t skip the Duomo, it’s easily one of the most incredible churches I’ve ever seen.
4. Lucca
Soft light, quiet charm, and tree-lined walls you can walk or bike on. Lucca doesn’t try too hard, and that’s what makes it special. It’s a town for slow mornings and long lunches.
Swipe through to see a little glimpse of each.
And if you’ve ever been, tell me: which one stole your heart? ❤️
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#TuscanyTowns #TuscanyTravel #ItalyItinerary #SanGimignano #Monteriggioni #SienaItaly #LuccaTuscany #SlowTravel #ItalianEscape
7 ways to make your summer in the Thousand Islands not boring 🛶🍻🍎⛺️
If you’ve only driven past Gananoque on the 401… you’ve been seriously missing out. This region along the St. Lawrence River is packed with scenic views, cider tastings, and unforgettable outdoor adventures.
Here’s your non-boring summer to-do list in the 1000 Islands, Ontario:
1️⃣ Hike up to Landon Bay Lookout for one of the best views in the region
2️⃣ Sip local cider at the beautiful @buslcider
3️⃣ Climb the 1000 Islands Tower for a panoramic view of the islands
4️⃣ Try beer and wood-fired pizza at @arbrubeer
5️⃣ Paddle your way through the islands on a guided kayak tour
6️⃣ Take a scenic helicopter ride over the Thousand Islands 🚁
7️⃣ Spend the night in a Parks Canada O’Tentik tent, part cabin, part tent, fully cozy
This is your sign to explore the Thousand Islands this summer and turn a day trip into a full weekend escape.
Which one are you adding to your bucket list?👇
🇫🇷 La version française de ce texte se trouve dans les commentaires.
#ThousandIslands #1000IslandsOntario #ExploreOntario #SummerInOntario #Gananoque #OntarioWeekendTrip #OntarioTravel #StLawrenceRiver #OutdoorAdventure #TravelOntario #ThingsToDoInOntario #OntarioGetaways
Sippin’ my way through Prince Edward County like it’s a full-time job 🍷🍸🍺
If you’re the type who plans your Ontario summer trip around what you can drink as much as what you can do… this one’s for you.
From award-winning wineries to farm-based distilleries and lakeside cideries, here’s your ultimate guide to raising a glass (or three) in Prince Edward County this summer:
📍 Bare Bones for small-batch gin
🍷 Karlo Estates for award winning wines in a charming barn
🥂 Hinterland for bubbles with a view
🍎 County Cider for that perfect patio moment
🍷 The Grange for elegant sips in a heritage setting
🍸 Wild Lot for cocktails in the middle of the countryside
🍺 Parson’s Brewing for chill vibes & beer flights
🍷 Closson Chase for iconic lavender-lined photos & Pinot
🍺 Slake Brewery for that sunset magic
🍸 BONUS: The Russ & Co for an elevated cocktail hour in downtown Picton
This is your summer drink-lover guide to Prince Edward County, Ontario — whether you’re into wine tasting, craft beer, or creative cocktails, there’s a pour waiting for you.
Tag your drinking buddy & start planning your County crawl 🥂
