Ontario is our residence. We’ve camped, hiked, biked, and road-tripped your entire province. As journey bloggers, you’d assume we’d be residing in one of many digital nomad scorching spots like Mexico or Thailand, however Ontario will all the time be our eternally residence. 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 time 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 delicate white sand, heat water (in some locations), and exquisite surroundings. So, if you’re planning a weekend getaway, listed here are among the greatest 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 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 reside instantly on Kew Seashore. Her yard was Kew Gardens, and once 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 stunning seashores. There may be a whole neighborhood within the metropolis known as “The Seashores.” Woodbine Seashore and Kew Seashore are two fashionable seashores linked by a protracted stretch of soppy sand. Woodbine Seashore is the very best seaside and gateway to Toronto’s seashores, which stretch 3 km alongside Lake Ontario.
There are a number of volleyball courts, so you possibly can be a part of a sport or select a seaside volleyball courtroom 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 possibly can stroll throughout Kew Seashore to Silver Kew Seashore alongside the boardwalk or experience you bike alongside the Mark Goodman Path.
If you’re visiting Toronto within the summertime, make your means out to The Seashores for a day. There’s loads of eating, artwork galleries, boutique procuring and even nightlife. It’s additionally residence to the Seashores Jazz Competition 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. If you need a waterfront really feel, the Westin Harbour Fortress is a superb alternative.
2. Wasaga Seashore – Georgian Bay
Wasaga Seashore is a really apparent alternative for seashores in Ontario, however how will you not put it as primary? It holds a fairly 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 reside 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 kids. The seaside is split into eight sections and has facilities akin to washrooms, picnic areas, playgrounds, and ample parking.
Wasaga Seashore can be a hub for out of doors lovers, offering alternatives for water sports activities akin to jet snowboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing on Lake Huron. The encompassing space affords wonderful mountaineering and biking trails, together with the Wasaga Seashore 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 Seashore
Positioned 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 very best 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 Seashore has crystal-clear waters, albeit chilly waters, delicate sandy shores, and views of the encompassing 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 be a haven for out of doors lovers who take pleasure in kayaking or canoeing alongside Lake Superior’s north shore. The close by Agawa Rock Pictographs are a must-stop. Mountain climbing trails just like the Orphan Lake Path and the Coastal Path are fashionable stops. This isn’t your typical seaside; it’s extra of an outside lover’s playground in search of one thing completely different.
This seaside is situated 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 evening to take pleasure in some true northern hospitality after which proceed driving alongside the Trans-Canada Freeway for one more 130 kilometers. That is the very best street journey in Ontario, so it’s price 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. Positioned close to the city of Wawa, you possibly can e book kayaking excursions, mountaineering 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 by way of the USA. Lake Superior has a surprisingly sandy shore that may look quite a bit 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 affords guests a pristine and expansive sandy shoreline that’s excellent for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. Pancake Bay Seashore offers a secure and pleasurable atmosphere for households and swimmers of all ages. Though, it’s chilly.
The seaside has varied facilities, together with clear washrooms, picnic areas with tables, and handy parking amenities.
Pancake Bay Provincial Park is a haven for out of doors fans, providing quite a few leisure actions akin to mountaineering, birdwatching, and canoeing. The park’s scenic mountaineering trails are just like the Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout Path. Try: 21 Most Lovely Canadian Nationwide Parks
The place to Keep
Positioned roughly 75 kilometers north of Sault Ste. Marie is definitely accessible through the Trans-Canada Freeway. You possibly can keep in Sault Ste. Marie however we advise Naturally Superior Adventures to mix a stick with journey. The park affords 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 this planet. Sauble Seashore 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 street journey to this seaside, which has a sandbar alongside its shores, so we may stroll out for what felt like miles.
Its delicate white sand is ideal for sunbathing and swimming in its clear, contemporary water. With its shallow waters, Sauble Seashore is fashionable 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 Seashore
Positioned 3 hours from Toronto, you’ll want to make a weekend out of visiting Sauble Seashore. The Sands Lodge is the one upscale lodge within the space with a rooftop terrace overlooking the seaside. Nonetheless, Wiarton is barely 20 minutes away, so you could need to make a base right here, and you may discover Tobermory on a day journey as effectively. Learn extra: The Finest 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 dad and mom had their cottage there. Grand Bend was positively considered one of Ontario’s authentic seaside cities, and through faculty and highschool, everybody all the time made a street 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 Foremost Seashore and the quieter South Seashore. Grand Bend is a small however mighty seaside with about 1km of golden delicate sand situated on Lake Huron.
What makes it such a well-liked vacation spot is the seaside city through which it’s situated. Grand Bend has loads of outlets, eating places, ice cream parlors, and out of doors patios lining the streets.
Facilities embrace shaded picnic areas, out of doors showers, paid parking, and even a lifeguard on responsibility throughout peak season. Water sports activities embrace jet snowboarding, paddleboarding, and windsurfing, and campers can take pleasure in staying at Pinery Provincial Park.
The place to Keep in Grand Bend
Oakwood Resort is a wonderful alternative for a weekend getaway situated on an expansive parcel of land with a non-public seaside. It has a wellness middle, golf course and restaurant, so you possibly can have a quiet retreat away from all of it.
7. Sandbanks Dunes Seashore – Prince Edward County
Sandbanks Dunes Seashore, situated in Sandbanks Provincial Park on the shores of Lake Ontario, is likely one of the greatest seashores in Ontario, with its fundamental 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 thought for its heat, shallow waters which is right for swimming and family-friendly water actions. Facilities embrace washrooms, picnic areas, and ample parking.
The seaside additionally options designated areas for barbecuing and shaded spots excellent for stress-free with a picnic. Lifeguards are on responsibility throughout peak seasons to make sure a secure atmosphere for all.
The encompassing Sandbanks Provincial Park has quite a few mountaineering and biking trails, there’s chicken watching or you possibly can go canoeing.
The close by Outlet Seashore affords much more alternatives for swimming and sunbathing, whereas West Lake offers a great spot for fishing and boating.
North Seashore 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 essential to e book your day allow upfront. Nonetheless, it’s price it to take pleasure in a day on the Seashore. 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 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 houses for hire with fridges and occasional makers
8. Port Dover Seashore – Port Dover
Port Dover is a small seaside overlooking a protracted pier with and white-and-red-painted lighthouse nevertheless it is likely one of the hottest seashores in Ontario, because of its energetic downtown, well-known scorching 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 procuring 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 Seashore 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 Seashore
Positioned simply an hour’s drive east of Toronto and simply accessible through Freeway 401, Cobourg Seashore is a handy and fashionable vacation spot for a day journey or weekend getaway making it one of many extra fashionable seaside locations in Ontario.
Guests to Cobourg Seashore can take pleasure in a variety of facilities, together with washrooms, out of doors showers, and picnic areas. IF you could have youngsters, the seaside can be outfitted with playgrounds and splash pads. Additionally it is 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, live shows, and seasonal occasions just like the annual Sandcastle Competition.
Cobourg is a superb city for vacationers, with loads of its personal sights. You possibly can 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 only a few 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 scorching spots situated on the shores of Lake Erie. The golden sand stretches for about half a kilometer. Have you ever seen a pattern that numerous the very best 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 Carry Bridge (which it is best to intention to attempt to see in motion though it drove me loopy once I visited her). And, as an additional tip, in case you discover the principle seaside too busy, head to Little Seashore. This tiny seaside is hidden away and far much less well-known.
Port Stanley is a stupendous 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, akin to cafes and eating places. And there’s even a prepare that the entire household can hop aboard to take pleasure in a experience!
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 out of doors deck to absorb the views at evening and the air-conditioned rooms have a romantic fire.
11. Centre Island Seashore
If you wish to escape town, Centre Island Seashore within the Toronto Islands is only a brief ferry experience 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 seaside. Ooooh.
The delicate sands are backed by greenery and mountaineering 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 an alternative, 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 go for a break from 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 achieve Centre Island. From there, it’s a 15-minute stroll high to Centre Island Seashore.
The place to Keep
Chances are high if you’re making your option to Centre Island, you need to take pleasure in the very best of Toronto. So, we advise staying within the Leisure district. The Ritz Carlton is our go to luxurious lodge. Or you possibly can strive the extra reasonably priced Strathcona Lodge situated near Union Station.
12. Sugar Seashore
We couldn’t go with out mentioning Sugar Seashore in a information on the very best 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 changed into one of many trendiest seashores within the province. Learn extra: 50 Finest Issues to do in Toronto Canada
Sugar Seashore 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 luxuriate in a swim or two. Nonetheless, if you’d like a seaside day purely to high up your tan, then Sugar Seashore 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 Seashore
Positioned on Toronto’s Waterfront, you possibly can actually keep wherever you want, however our best choice to be closest to it’s Westin Harbour Fortress. You possibly can stroll to the seaside from right here, and it’s considered one of our favourite accommodations within the metropolis.
13. Crystal Seashore – Fort Erie
As you could guess, it coined its title from its “crystal clear” waters, and the seaside is a best choice for anybody wanting a calming seaside 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 stunning waters of a wealthy emerald inexperienced. The sand is delicate and there are washroom amenities onsite. The one factor to notice is that the seaside costs an entry payment throughout peak instances.
The city of Crystal Seashore 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 possibly can keep in Fort Erie, We’d extremely advocate combining a visit with Niagara and staying there. Our favourite accommodations in Niagara embrace The Marriott Fallsview Hote, top-of-the-line accommodations for {couples}. Sheraton Fallsview Lodge has undergone a 50 million-dollar renovation and when you have 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 seaside of alternative although, take a look at these fast FAQs. We’ll summarize all the pieces we’ve lined and clear up any indecision you could have.
What’s the nicest seaside in Ontario?
Sandbank Dunes Seashore is a very beautiful addition to the seashores in Ontario. The sand dunes aesthetic makes it stand out that further bit extra, profitable it our vote because the nicest of the Ontario seashores.
What seaside in Ontario has the clearest water?
Sauble Seashore has a stupendous, 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 choosing considered one of this lake’s seashores, like Port Stanley Seashore.
What seaside has white sand in Ontario?
Wasaga and Sauble Seashore have attractive white sands, and there are fairly just a few white-sand seashores round Ontario.
As you possibly can 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 provides option to seashores that might 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 historic cedar timber and is ideally mixed with a go to to Toronto and Niagara Falls.
In case you fancy extra inspiration about visiting this attractive province, sit tight for a second. We’ve received guides on the greatest glamping experiences, wellness resorts, and weekend getaways. In case you’re actually organized, you may plan your Ontario winter itinerary – when these seashores develop into much less interesting.
Whichever of those greatest seashores in Ontario you select, we hope you could have an unbelievable Ontario seaside day. Have a unbelievable keep.
Plan Your Ontario Trip