Ontario is our residence. We have now camped, hiked, biked, and road-tripped your complete province. As journey bloggers, you’d assume we’d be dwelling in one of many digital nomad sizzling spots like Mexico or Thailand, however Ontario will all the time be our ceaselessly 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 season season; it’s cottage season, once we get out on the water to benefit from the lengthy, sizzling days. Ontario seashores will shock you with their smooth white sand, heat water (in some locations), and exquisite surroundings. So, if you’re planning a weekend getaway, listed below are among the greatest seashores in Ontario to plan your trip.
Greatest 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 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 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 lovely seashores. There may be a whole neighborhood within the metropolis known 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 perfect seaside 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 recreation or select a seaside volleyball court docket of your individual. 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 may stroll during Kew Seaside to Silver Kew Seaside alongside the boardwalk or trip you bike alongside the Mark Goodman Path.
In case you are 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 residence 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 Fortress is a superb alternative.
2. Wasaga Seaside – Georgian Bay
Wasaga Seaside is a really apparent alternative for seashores in Ontario, however how will you not put it as primary? It holds a reasonably 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 web site of a coastal dune ecosystem. We used to reside 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 akin to washrooms, picnic areas, playgrounds, and ample parking.
Wasaga Seaside can also 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 provides glorious climbing and biking trails, together with the Wasaga Seaside Provincial Park path system, which meanders via 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 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 Seaside has crystal-clear waters, albeit chilly waters, smooth sandy shores, and views of the encompassing cliffs and forested landscapes. Try The Wild Coastal Path of Pukaskwa Nationwide Park
It might 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 Seaside can also be a haven for out of doors 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 seaside; it’s extra of an out of doors lover’s playground looking for one thing totally 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 night time 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 perfect street journey in Ontario, so it’s price 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 really 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 via 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 provides guests a pristine and expansive sandy shoreline that’s excellent for sunbathing, swimming, and beachcombing. Pancake Bay Seaside offers a protected and satisfying atmosphere 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 out of doors lovers, providing quite a few leisure actions akin to climbing, birdwatching, and canoeing. The park’s scenic climbing trails are just like the Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout Path. Try: 21 Most Lovely Canadian Nationwide Parks
The place to Keep
Situated roughly 75 kilometers north of Sault Ste. Marie is well accessible through the Trans-Canada Freeway. You may 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 planet. Sauble Seaside 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 smooth 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 seaside volleyball at one of many seaside volleyball courts, or just construct a sandcastle.
The place to Keep close to Sauble Seaside
Situated 3 hours from Toronto, you’ll want to make a weekend out of visiting Sauble Seaside. The Sands Resort is the one upscale lodge within the space with a rooftop terrace overlooking the seaside. Nevertheless, Wiarton is just 20 minutes away, so you could need to make a base right here, and you’ll discover Tobermory on a day journey as properly. Learn extra: The Greatest 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 positively one among 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 Most important Seaside and the quieter South Seaside. Grand Bend is a small however mighty seaside with about 1km of golden smooth sand situated on Lake Huron.
What makes it such a preferred vacation spot is the seaside city by which it’s situated. Grand Bend has loads of retailers, 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 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 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 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 greatest seashores in Ontario, with its foremost 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 good 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 enjoyable with a picnic. Lifeguards are on obligation throughout peak seasons to make sure a protected 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 via Lake Ontario, it appears extra like a seaside from Mexico or Thailand. This was as soon as a quiet seaside, however now you want to guide your day allow prematurely. Nevertheless, it’s price 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 houses for hire with fridges and low makers
8. Port Dover Seaside – Port Dover
Port Dover is a small seaside overlooking an extended pier with and white-and-red-painted lighthouse nevertheless it is likely one of 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 retailers, 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 Seaside Resort 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 Seaside
Situated simply an hour’s drive east of Toronto and simply accessible through 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 seaside locations in Ontario.
Guests to Cobourg Seaside can get pleasure from a variety of facilities, together with washrooms, out of doors showers, and picnic areas. IF you will have youngsters, the seaside can also be outfitted with playgrounds and splash pads. Additionally it is residence to a picturesque boardwalk and entry to varied retailers, 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 Pageant.
Cobourg is a superb city for vacationers, with loads of its personal sights. You may 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 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 one among Ontario’s sizzling spots situated on the shores of Lake Erie. The golden sand stretches for about half a kilometer. Have you ever seen a pattern that a number 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 Elevate Bridge (which it is best to intention to attempt to see in motion though it drove me loopy after I visited her). And, as an additional tip, when you discover the principle seaside too busy, head to Little Seaside. This tiny seaside is hidden away and far much less well-known.
Port Stanley is an exquisite 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, akin to cafes and eating places. And there may be even a practice that the entire household can hop aboard to get pleasure from 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 out of doors deck to absorb the views at night time and the air-conditioned rooms have a romantic hearth.
11. Centre Island Seaside
If you wish to escape the town, Centre Island Seaside within the Toronto Islands is only a quick ferry trip from downtown Toronto to the Toronto Islands of Lake Ontario. It’s lovely for sunbathing or planning a pleasant picnic. Dave and I had one among 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 smooth sands are backed by greenery and climbing trails via woodland, which might give it a secluded really feel if it wasn’t situated in such a preferred 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 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 succeed in Centre Island. From there, it’s a 15-minute stroll high 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 perfect 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 reasonably priced Strathcona Resort situated near Union Station.
12. Sugar Seaside
We couldn’t go with out mentioning Sugar Seaside 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 become one of many trendiest seashores within the province. Learn extra: 50 Greatest Issues to do in Toronto Canada
Sugar Seaside is a white sand seaside backed by glitzy glass skyscrapers and pink umbrellas. It comes with one caveat; no swimming. After all, this does put the extra lively beachgoers off, preferring to journey additional and revel in a swim or two. Nevertheless, in order for you a seaside day purely to high up your tan, then Sugar Seaside 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 Seaside
Situated on Toronto’s Waterfront, you may actually keep wherever you want, however our best choice to be closest to it’s Westin Harbour Fortress. You may stroll to the seaside from right here, and it’s one among our favourite inns within the metropolis.
13. Crystal Seaside – 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 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 day trip.
Crystal Bay Seaside, also known as simply Bay Seaside, is a slim slither of white sand that opens straight out onto lovely waters of a wealthy emerald inexperienced. The sand is smooth and there are washroom amenities onsite. The one factor to notice is that the seaside expenses an entry payment throughout peak occasions.
The city of Crystal Seaside 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 may keep in Fort Erie, We’d extremely advocate combining a visit with Niagara and staying there. Our favourite inns in Niagara embrace The Marriott Fallsview Hote, probably the greatest inns for {couples}. Sheraton Fallsview Resort has undergone a 50 million-dollar renovation and when you’ve got youngsters it’s a very good place to stick with its shut proximity to Hershey’s, Clifton Hill, and the Waterpark
Greatest Seashores in Ontario
Ontario seashores are spectacular; there’s no doubting that. Earlier than you head off to your sandy seaside of alternative although, try these fast FAQs. We’ll summarize all the pieces we’ve lined and clear up any indecision you will have.
What’s the nicest seaside in Ontario?
Sandbank Dunes Seaside 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 Seaside has an exquisite, 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 sometimes has the warmest waters. For that reason, we advise choosing one among this lake’s seashores, like Port Stanley Seaside.
What seaside has white sand in Ontario?
Wasaga and Sauble Seaside have attractive white sands, and there are fairly a couple of white-sand seashores round Ontario.
As you may 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 offers approach to seashores that might truthfully rival Caribbean locations.
Ontario is an unbelievable place for pure magnificence. You’ve acquired 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 historical cedar bushes and is ideally mixed with a go to to Toronto and Niagara Falls.
For those who fancy extra inspiration about visiting this attractive province, sit tight for a second. We’ve acquired 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 will have an unbelievable Ontario seaside day. Have a unbelievable keep.
Plan Your Ontario Trip