This summer heat calls for a much-needed beach day. Luckily, here in Ontario, we’re home to some of the best sandy beaches around.
These sandy beaches in Ontario are considered to be among the best in the country, with kilometres of white sand and calm blue waters. Who can say no to a day by the water?
We’ve put together a list of 10 beautiful sandy beaches you can visit in Ontario. Check it out!
Beaches in Ontario
Big Sandy Bay Conservation Area
Big Sandy Bay on Wolfe Island is a lovely beach destination in Ontario, and getting there is half the fun.
Your adventure begins in the Kingston area when you board the free ferry to Wolfe Island, located at the entrance of the St. Lawrence River — from there, you can bike or walk on the nature trail to the secluded beach.
Where: Wolfe Island, Ont.
Cobourg Beach (Victoria Park Beach)
This beach was once a well-kept secret by locals, but has since become more popular because of how special it is.
It’s located in the quaint waterfront town of Cobourg, which is less than 90 minutes from Toronto.
With soft white sand, a bustling boardwalk, and calm blue waters, Cobourg Beach checks all the right boxes.
Where: 138 Division St., Cobourg, Ont.
Crystal Beach/Bay Beach
Crystal Beach (also known as Bay Beach) got its name from the crystal-clear quality of its waters when it was first discovered, according to Exploring Niagara.
The pristine sand and crystalline water of Crystal Beach have also been recognized on a global scale.
Where: 4155 Erie Rd., Fort Erie, Ont.
Colchester Beach
Touted as one of the most attractive beaches in the region, Colchester Beach is a popular place to visit in the summer for its beautifully groomed sand, clear and serene water for swimming, beach volleyball courts, picnic areas, and more.
The nearby harbour also has plenty of amenities like an on-site concession stand and boater’s facilities.
Where: 100 Jackson St., Colchester, Ont.
Gibraltar Beach
A beach day in Toronto is the best, but the shorelines can get crowded when it’s nice out. If you’re looking for a beach that’s a little quieter but is still in the city, then we have the spot for you. Gibraltar Beach is one of Toronto’s best-kept secrets.
You’re going to have to head over to Toronto Island to find Gibraltar Beach, but it’s well worth the journey.
You’ll find the spot located between Centre Island and Hanlan’s Beach, and you can take either the Centre Island or Hanlan’s Point ferry and follow the footpath to Gibraltar Point.
Where: Toronto Islands between Centre Island and Hanlan’s Beach
Point Pelee National Park
If you’re looking for the perfect destination to lie out in the sand this summer, Northwest Beach at Point Pelee National Park is where it’s at.
According to Parks Canada, Northwest Beach is one of the most magical beaches to explore in all of Canada.
“Turquoise waters and golden sands await at Canada’s most southern point,” says Parks Canada.
Point Pelee National Park sits on a peninsula, and both the east and west sides are framed by 20 km of sandy beach.
Where: 1118 Point Pelee Dr., Leamington, Ont.
Port Dover
You’ll find this gorgeous beach in Ontario’s southwest, with palm trees lining the sand to make you feel as if you’re vacationing in the tropics. Talk about paradise!
The scenic pier is the ultimate spot for a romantic stroll, and the nearby town has plenty of boutiques, cafes, and restaurants to visit after soaking up the rays and splashing in the calm Lake Erie waters.
Where: Walker St., Port Dover, Ont.
Port Stanley
You don’t have to travel to Malibu to walk past sprawling sandy beaches and colourful waterfront homes. In fact, you only have to drive 2.5 hours outside of Toronto to find it.
Port Stanley is an underrated gem of a town, and summer is the time to enjoy it in all its glory. Port Stanley’s Main Beach stretches along the north shore of Lake Erie.
Where: 348 Edith Cavell Blvd., Port Stanley, Ont.
Sandbanks Provincial Park
According to Ontario Parks, these expansive sandy shorelines are considered to be among the best in Canada.
Rolling sand dunes, glittering blue water, lush hiking trails, and wildlife watching are the main attractions of this provincial park.
Where: 3004 County Rd. 12, Picton, Ont.
Turkey Point Provincial Park
There’s a whole lot more to do than lounge on the beach at Turkey Point Provincial Park, but the pristine sand and calm blue water are definitely the main attraction.
Where: 194 Turkey Point Rd., Turkey Point, Ont.
Beach days await!
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Karen Doradea
Managing Editor, Toronto – Karen is a multimedia journalist based in Toronto. With a strong knowledge of reporting and editing through all forms of media, she has a true passion for storytelling. She carries several years of journalistic experience and has covered the Toronto scene from local stories to national news. When Karen isn’t publishing fire content, you can find her binge-watching sitcoms on Crave, at a must-try restaurant, or scrolling endlessly on TikTok looking for the next best thing – News never sleeps.
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