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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You don’t need a plane ticket to feel like you’re on vacation. These Ontario destinations deliver major summer energy.
They’ve got that just-right mix of nature, good food, small-town charm, and scenic views:
☀️ Prince Edward County – Wineries, beach days, charming towns, and always a good coffee around the corner.
🌊 Bruce County – That Lake Huron turquoise? Real. So are the sunsets, cliff hikes, and quiet harbor towns.
🌾 Beaver Valley – Rolling hills, peaceful hikes, and one of the coziest motels in the province. A slow weekend dream.
🛶 Thousand Islands – Not just a day trip. Think island paddles, cliff lookouts, and laid-back riverside towns.
🍇 Niagara-on-the-Lake – Lavender fields, wine tastings, and brunch with a view. Yes, it’s popular, for good reason.
💾 Save this if you’re planning summer getaways across Ontario
Tag someone you’re always road-tripping with — and tell me what destination I need to add to my list! ⬇️
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#OntarioSummer #ExploreOntario #OntarioRoadTrip #WeekendGetawaysOntario #HiddenGemsOntario #CanadaTravelIdeas #NatureAndFood #PEC #BruceCounty #BeaverValley #ThousandIslands #niagaraonthelake
Looking for something peaceful, powerful, a little different for your next Ontario park day? 🌿✨
Petroglyphs Provincial Park is home to sacred rock carvings, crystal-clear lakes, and quiet forest trails that make it one of the most unique parks in the province.
Located just north of Peterborough, it’s perfect for a meaningful day trip where nature and history go hand in hand.
✨ Why visit Petroglyphs this summer:
• See 1,200+ Indigenous rock carvings at the Teaching Rocks 🪨
• Learn about Anishinaabe culture and spiritual teachings
• Hike forest trails like Nanabush Trail
• Visit McGinnis Lake: one of Canada’s few meromictic lakes (that turquoise glow is real)
This isn’t your typical hike. t’s a place to learn, pause, and experience something deeper.
💾 Save this guide for your next Ontario park day.
Have you visited? Drop your favorite peaceful park in the comments ⬇️
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#PetroglyphsProvincialPark #OntarioParks #IndigenousHeritage #McGinnisLake #ExploreOntario #daytripsfromtoronto
This stay was something else. ⛰️✨
I spent three quiet, soul-filling nights at Skyridge Glamping in Kananaskis and it completely lived up to the hype.
These eco-luxury cabins are made for slowing down : adults-only, beautifully designed, and surrounded by mountains on all sides.
Woke up to pink skies, stretched out on the patio for morning yoga, and mapped out hikes with a coffee in hand.
(And yes, it sleeps two, but makes an incredible solo getaway too.)
It’s one of those rare places where doing nothing feels like a plan, and doing everything is just minutes away.
💾 Save this spot for your next Alberta escape.
Been to Kananaskis? Drop your favourite trail below! 👇
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*gifted stay*
#Kananaskis #SkyridgeGlamping #AlbertaGetaways #CanadianRockies #UniqueStaysCanada #GlampingAlberta #SoloTravelCanada
Looking for your next cozy girls’ getaway in Ontario? This one’s all rolling hills, waterfalls, beautiful lookouts, and wine with a view. ✨
Beaver Valley might just be one of Ontario’s best-kept secrets, and it’s perfect for a slow, scenic 24-hour escape. Think:
☕️ Morning coffee at The June Motel
🥾 A quick hike with big views
🍕 Local eats in Kimberley
💦 A waterfall stop that feels straight out of a fairytale
🍷 Laid-back wine tasting
🔥 And a retro riverside stay that ends with sauna steam and firepit chats
If you need a soft reset with your besties, this is your sign.
Save this itinerary and tag your crew. Where should we plan next? ⬇️
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#BeaverValley #GirlsTripOntario #OntarioWeekendGetaway #ExploreOntario #HiddenGemsOntario #BeaverValleyItinerary
Just mountain sheep casually taking over the road like they own it.
No rush. No shame. No concept of traffic flow.
And honestly? I kind of respect it. 🐑✨
Still more polite than most city drivers, tbh.
Tag the friend who’d try to befriend one. 🐑😂
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#AlbertaAdventures #OnlyInCanada #MountainSheepMoment #RoadTripRealities #ExploreAlberta #travelfailsbutmakeitcute
