Ontario is our dwelling. We now have camped, hiked, biked, and road-tripped the complete province. As journey bloggers, you’ll suppose we’d be dwelling in one of many digital nomad sizzling spots like Mexico or Thailand, however Ontario will all the time be our perpetually 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 time season; it’s cottage season, after we get out on the water to benefit from the lengthy, sizzling days. Ontario seashores will shock you with their delicate 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.
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 among the greatest issues to do in Ontario in summer time.
1. The Seashores – Toronto
My grandmother used to stay instantly on Kew Seashore. Her yard was Kew Gardens, and after 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’s a whole neighborhood within the metropolis known as “The Seashores.” Woodbine Seashore and Kew Seashore are two well-liked seashores linked by a protracted stretch of soppy sand. Woodbine Seashore is the perfect 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 part of a recreation or select a seaside volleyball court docket of your personal. 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’ll be able to stroll right through Kew Seashore to Silver Kew Seashore alongside the boardwalk or trip 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 buying 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. If you’d like a waterfront really feel, the Westin Harbour Fort is a good selection.
2. Wasaga Seashore – Georgian Bay
Wasaga Seashore 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 seaside. It stretches over greater than 14km of white sand shoreline and is a beloved website of a coastal dune ecosystem. We used to stay up north (as we wish 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 corresponding to washrooms, picnic areas, playgrounds, and ample parking.
Wasaga Seashore can also 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 presents glorious mountaineering and biking trails, together with the Wasaga Seashore Provincial Park path system, which meanders by means 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
Situated 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 advise staying in Blue Mountain Village at Westin Trillium Home for the right weekend getaway.
3. Agawa – Lake Superior
One of many extra distant seashores in Ontario, Agawa Seashore is the perfect 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 encircling cliffs and forested landscapes. Take a look at The Wild Coastal Path of Pukaskwa Nationwide Park
It might appear like the Caribbean, however be warned, the waters are chilly, so it’s possible you’ll wish to dip your toes in earlier than diving in.
Agawa Seashore can also be a haven for outside 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 well-liked stops. This isn’t your typical seaside; it’s extra of an outside 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 take pleasure in some true northern hospitality after which proceed driving alongside the Trans-Canada Freeway for an additional 130 kilometers. That is the perfect street journey in Ontario, so it’s value 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. Situated 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 means of the USA. Lake Superior has a surprisingly sandy shore that may look loads like a Caribbean Island—that’s till you’re feeling the water temperature. Learn extra: 12 Superb issues to see on the Slate Islands – Ontario
Stretching over 3 kilometers, it presents guests a pristine and expansive sandy shoreline that’s excellent for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. Pancake Bay Seashore offers a secure and fulfilling setting 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 amenities.
Pancake Bay Provincial Park is a haven for outside lovers, providing quite a few leisure actions corresponding to mountaineering, birdwatching, and canoeing. The park’s scenic mountaineering trails are just like the Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout Path. Take a look at: 21 Most Lovely Canadian Nationwide Parks
The place to Keep
Situated roughly 75 kilometers north of Sault Ste. Marie is definitely accessible by way of the Trans-Canada Freeway. You’ll be able to keep in Sault Ste. Marie however we propose Naturally Superior Adventures to mix a stick with journey. The park presents 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 well-liked 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
Situated 3 hours from Toronto, it would be best 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 simply 20 minutes away, so it’s possible you’ll wish to make a base right here, and you’ll discover Tobermory on a day journey as properly. 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 one in all Ontario’s unique seaside cities, and through school 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 Major 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 preferred vacation spot is the seaside city wherein 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 obligation throughout peak season. Water sports activities embody 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 superb selection for a weekend getaway situated on an expansive parcel of land with a personal seaside. It has a wellness heart, 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 among the greatest seashores in Ontario, with its primary 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 good 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 excellent for stress-free with a picnic. Lifeguards are on obligation throughout peak seasons to make sure a secure setting for all.
The encompassing Sandbanks Provincial Park has quite a few mountaineering and biking trails, there’s chook watching or you possibly can go canoeing.
The close by Outlet Seashore presents much more alternatives for swimming and sunbathing, whereas West Lake offers a great spot for fishing and boating.
North Seashore Provincial Park can also be close by. With its ribbon of sand slicing by means of Lake Ontario, it appears extra like a seaside from Mexico or Thailand. This was as soon as a quiet seaside, however now you might want to e book your day allow upfront. Nonetheless, it’s value 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
Situated 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 among the hottest seashores in Ontario, because of its vigorous 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 buying 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 slightly 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
Situated simply an hour’s drive east of Toronto and simply accessible by way of Freeway 401, Cobourg Seashore is a handy and well-liked vacation spot for a day journey or weekend getaway making it one of many extra well-liked seaside locations in Ontario.
Guests to Cobourg Seashore can take pleasure in a variety of facilities, together with washrooms, outside showers, and picnic areas. IF you’ve got children, the seaside can also be outfitted with playgrounds and splash pads. It’s also dwelling to a picturesque boardwalk and entry to varied outlets, 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 sights. 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 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 one in all Ontario’s sizzling spots situated on the shores of Lake Erie. The golden sand stretches for about half a kilometer. Have you ever observed a development that quite a lot of the perfect seashores in Ontario are situated alongside the Nice Lakes?
The city of Port Stanley is break up in half by a river, joined by the enduring King George VI Carry Bridge (which you need to goal to attempt to see in motion though it drove me loopy after I visited her). And, as an additional tip, in the event 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 fantastic 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, corresponding to cafes and eating places. And there’s even a practice that the entire household can hop aboard to take pleasure in a trip!
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 fire.
11. Centre Island Seashore
If you wish to escape the town, Centre Island Seashore within the Toronto Islands is only a brief ferry trip from downtown Toronto to the Toronto Islands of Lake Ontario. It’s stunning for sunbathing or planning a pleasant picnic. Dave and I had one in all 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 means of woodland, which might give it a secluded really feel if it wasn’t situated in such a preferred 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 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 Seashore.
The place to Keep
Likelihood is in case you are making your approach to Centre Island, you wish to take pleasure in the perfect of Toronto. So, we propose staying within the Leisure district. The Ritz Carlton is our go to luxurious lodge. Or you possibly can attempt 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 perfect seashores in Ontario. This city Ontario seaside is proper in Toronto. Named after the close by Redpath Sugar Manufacturing unit, 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 revel in a swim or two. Nonetheless, if you need 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 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 Seashore
Situated on Toronto’s Waterfront, you possibly can 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 one in all our favourite motels within the metropolis.
13. Crystal Seashore – 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 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 beautiful time out.
Crystal Bay Seashore, sometimes called simply Bay Seashore, is a slim 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 expenses an entry price throughout peak occasions.
The city of Crystal Seashore sits on Lake Erie, identified 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 suggest combining a visit with Niagara and staying there. Our favourite motels in Niagara embody The Marriott Fallsview Hote, among the finest motels for {couples}. Sheraton Fallsview Lodge has undergone a 50 million-dollar renovation and when you’ve got children it’s a great 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 selection although, take a look at these fast FAQs. We’ll summarize every thing we’ve coated and clear up any indecision you’ve got.
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 additional bit extra, successful it our vote because the nicest of the Ontario seashores.
What seaside in Ontario has the clearest water?
Sauble Seashore has a fantastic, 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 propose choosing one in all this lake’s seashores, like Port Stanley Seashore.
What seaside has white sand in Ontario?
Wasaga and Sauble Seashore have beautiful white sands, and there are fairly a number of white-sand seashores round Ontario.
As you possibly can see, Ontario is admittedly blessed with seashores. The province is exclusive for seaside lovers as a result of it has predominantly freshwater seashores. The pristine nature offers approach to seashores that might actually rival Caribbean locations.
Ontario is an unimaginable place for pure magnificence. You’ve obtained 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.
For those who fancy extra inspiration about visiting this beautiful province, sit tight for a second. We’ve obtained guides on the greatest glamping experiences, wellness resorts, and weekend getaways. For those who’re actually organized, you would 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’ve got an unimaginable Ontario seaside day. Have a implausible keep.
Plan Your Ontario Trip