Ontario is home to some of the world’s most gorgeous freshwater beaches. And while most Ontarians have popular spots like Grand Bend or Wasaga Beach on their vacation bucket lists, there are a few secluded coves and lesser-known shorelines that locals would rather keep quiet about (and after seeing how serene they are, you’ll understand why).
If you’re squeezing in one last weekend escape before summer disappears, here are five Ontario beaches worth having on your radar.
Katherine Cove, Lake Superior Provincial Park
This one’s a bit of a trek, about eight hours northwest of Toronto, but it’s totally worth the drive as part of an end-of-summer northern Ontario getaway. Katherine Cove is hidden along the Lake Superior shoreline in Algoma Country and has fine, powdery sand and blue-green water that’s just perfect for wading through. The water is surprisingly shallow and can warm up after stretches of calm, sunny weather, creating a soothing, almost bath-like swimming experience. And if you want the real bathtub effect, there’s another local gem hiding just down the shoreline. About half a kilometre south along the Coastal Trail sits Bathtub Island, where a natural hollow in the rock fills with Lake Superior water, creating a shallow pool that feels like a giant outdoor bathtub overlooking the lake!
Before heading home, make the drive toward Wawa, snap the obligatory photo with the giant Wawa Goose (an iconic roadside stop) and grab a meal at Kinniwabi Pines Restaurant. The rustic Highway 17 spot overlooks the Kinniwabi River and serves Lake Superior fish and internationally inspired dishes.
Little Cove, Tobermory
Everyone knows about the Grotto, but just outside Tobermory is another ridiculously blue swimming spot that’s one of the town’s best-kept open secrets. Little Cove sits within Bruce Peninsula National Park, about a three-hour drive from Toronto, and looks almost Mediterranean-like on a sunny day, with crystal-clear turquoise water washing over a shoreline of smooth white limestone! You won’t find expansive sand trails or tons of beach umbrellas dotting the site (and really, that may be exactly how locals like it), but the tiny, rugged area is surrounded by forest and rock, which is a huge part of its appeal. Expect a quieter experience, with no lifeguards, beach bars or parties, just a zen-filled spot to relax, take in the clean, fresh lake air and stroll along the shoreline.
Before you leave, stop at Little Cove Bakery for freshly baked pastries and butter tarts, then explore the colourful Little Tub Harbour marina.
Third Beach, Awenda Provincial Park
Awenda Provincial Park has a few beaches along Georgian Bay, but locals will point you toward Third Beach if you’re craving a dip in clear waters and would rather skip one of the region’s better-known beaches (hello, Wasaga). Awenda is located at Methodist Point Bay, and Ontario Parks describes it as the park’s most protected and sandiest beach area!
Make sure to explore some of Awenda’s trails before you leave. The massive 3,000-hectare park has forest, wetlands and inland Kettle Lake in addition to its Georgian Bay shoreline. For a post-beach meal, drive into nearby Penetanguishene and stop at Café Kittyhawk, a Robert Street brasserie serving oysters, tapas and cocktails.
Point Farms Provincial Park, Goderich
Grand Bend gets much of the Lake Huron beach hype, but head farther north, and you’ll find a gorgeous sandy alternative hiding just outside Goderich. Point Farms Provincial Park sits high on a bluff overlooking Lake Huron and features a large natural sandy beach with great swimming access below, as well as six kilometres of hiking trails. The park is known for its scenic western views, so you can watch one of Lake Huron’s famous sunsets directly over the water.
Afterward, take some time to explore Goderich. The picturesque lakefront town has a walkable historic centre, and for food, you can stop at West Street Willy’s Eatery just off Courthouse Square.
Dunes Beach, Sandbanks Provincial Park
Okay, so calling anything at Sandbanks a “secret” may sound like a bit of a stretch, but hear us out. Sandbanks attracts more than 700,000 visitors each year, with Outlet Beach drawing some of the biggest crowds. For a little more “me” time, locals often make their way to the lesser-known stretches of shoreline instead. Dunes Beach is an under-the-radar alternative that gives you a quieter side of Sandbanks, and bonus: it’s nestled beside the park’s dramatic dune landscape at West Lake!
Grab some beach eats without leaving the park at Currah’s Park Store and Grill. Afterward, explore Prince Edward County: sip on locally roasted coffee at GOOD Place in Wellington or head toward Picton for its wineries, restaurants and antique shops.