Have you made the most of this summer? Considering we have a few days left, a beach day is in order, especially if you have yet to enjoy one this season. Ontario has no shortage of incredible beaches, from stretches of soft white sand and turquoise water to secluded shorelines tucked inside provincial parks.
Whether you’re planning a day trip, weekend getaway or one last summer adventure, there are plenty of beautiful spots around the province where you can swim, lounge on the sand and soak up the sun.
From Sandbanks and Sauble Beach to lesser-known spots along Lake Erie, Lake Huron and Lake Superior, we compiled a list of 21 of the best beach destinations in Ontario that you have to enjoy before the season is over.
Best beaches to enjoy in Ontario before summer is over
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. Visitors can make their way to the conservation area and follow a 1.3 km trail to its natural sandy shoreline.
Admission for non-resident adults is $20 if arriving by vehicle or $15 by bike or boat.
Where: Wolfe Island, Ont.
Canatara Beach
This lovely beach area has a cove that’s tucked away down this coastline in Ontario. Though you’ll need to travel down to Sarnia for this adventure, it’s totally worth it.
And it’s also worth noting that Canatar Park Beach has Blue Flag status for 2026. That award is given to world-class waterfront destinations that are managed “sustainably, are accessible, and have high-quality services and safety procedures,” according to its official website.
Where: 1200 Lake Chipican Dr, Sarnia, Ont.
Colchester Beach
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.
Where: County of Essex
Cobourg Beach (Victoria Park Beach)
Cobourg Beach offers a stunning soft white sand shoreline, a bustling boardwalk, and calm blue waters.
You’ll also find cute retro-style lifeguard towers and beach volleyball nets you can reserve.
Where: 138 Division St., Cobourg, Ont.
Bay Beach in Crystal 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.
Darlington Provincial Park
The long sandy beach is located in Darlington Provincial Park in the Clarington region, which is just east of Oshawa, about an hour east of Toronto.
The provincial park describes itself as a “hidden gem,” with gorgeous views, a number of activities, and amenities.
Where: 1600 Darlington Park Rd., Bowmanville, Ont.
Fifty Point Conservation Area
This magnificent 80-hectare park in Stoney Creek has “one of the warmest and cleanest beaches on western Lake Ontario,” according to Conservation Hamilton.
The beach does tend to get busy on summer weekends, but there are plenty of secluded areas and a promenade to enjoy the scenery.
Where: 1479 Baseline Rd, Hamilton, 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 a quieter alternative to some of Toronto Island’s busier beaches.
You’ll find the spot located between Centre Island and Hanlan’s beaches, and you can take either the Centre Island or Hanlan’s Point ferry and follow the footpath to Gibraltar Point.
It also happens to be a 2026 Blue Flag beach.
Where: Toronto Islands between Centre Island and Hanlan’s Point beaches
Long Point Provincial Park
The soft sand, warm and calm water temperatures, and massive camping area make Long Point a very popular spot to visit in the summer.
Where: 350 Erie Blvd, Port Rowan, Ont.
Mikisew Provincial Park
Cool off at one of three beautiful sand beaches found along the shoreline of Eagle Lake.
You can also let your doggo run wild at the leash-free dog park and fenced beach.
Where: 301 Park Rd. S., South River, Ont.
North Beach Provincial Park
North Beach Provincial Park sits on a sandy strip with water on both sides, giving visitors two different beaches to choose from, one facing Lake Ontario and another along the quieter waters of North Bay.
Where: 440 North Beach Rd, Consecon, Ont.
Pancake Bay Provincial Park
According to Ontario Parks, Pancake Bay is home to “more than 3 km of beautiful sand beach and Caribbean blue water.”
On sunny days, the sand and turquoise water give it a tropical effect.
Where: 12729 Highway 17N, Batchawana Bay, Ont.
Pinery Provincial Park
Located on the shores of Lake Huron in Grand Bend, Pinery is described by Ontario Parks as a “breathtakingly beautiful park with 10 km of sand beach.”
Ontario Parks says that it contains “extremely rare and fragile” Oak Savanna and Coastal Dune Ecosystems that offer breathtaking views.
Where: 9526 Lakeshore Rd., Grand Bend, Ont.
Tiny Township Beaches
Despite its name, this township is home to 70 km of gorgeous shoreline.
There are five beach parks in the area — Woodland Beach, Bluewater Beach, Jackson Park, Balm Beach, and Lafontaine Beach Park.
With their pristine sand and shallow water, these beaches are ideal for laying out and cooling off in the sun.
Where: Township of Tiny, Ont.
Port Glasgow Beach
Port Glasgow is located on the north shore of Lake Erie, a small beach described as a “hidden oasis of tranquillity.”
If you’re looking for something quieter than some of Lake Erie’s better-known beach towns, Port Glasgow is worth having on your radar.
Where: Port Glasgow, Ont.
Point Pelee National Park
Point Pelee is framed by about 20 km of sandy beach and sits at the southernmost point of mainland Canada.
If you do plan on checking it out, Parks Canada warns visitors never to swim at the Tip because of dangerous currents.
Where: 1118 Point Pelee Dr, Leamington, Ont.
Port Stanley Beach
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’s Main Beach stretches along the north shore of Lake Erie, and once again has earned Blue Flag status for 2026 for its pristine water quality.
Where: 162 William Street, Port Stanley, Ont.
Sandbanks Provincial Park
Sandbanks Provincial Park is home to some of Ontario’s most recognizable beaches as well as an enormous freshwater dune and sandbar system.
It has three big, sandy beaches that some say are among the best in Canada.
Where: 3004 County Rd 12, Picton, Ont.
Sauble Beach
Sauble Beach is not only known as Ontario’s top vacation destination, and being Canada’s number one rated freshwater beach.
Where: 46 Shore Rd S, Sauble Beach, Ont.
Spruce Beach
According to Destination Ontario, the water in Elliot Lake is beautifully crystal clear and it has white sand that’s perfect for sandcastles or volleyball courts.
The waters are among the best in the province, in fact, the beach is on Canada’s Blue Flag list for 2026.
Where: Spruce Ave, Elliot Lake, Ont.
Turkey Point Provincial Park
With a beautiful, sandy shoreline and clear blue waters, Turkey Point Provincial Park offers an escape from reality at its beach.
The beach is located in the village, steps away from local restaurants and shops.
It has a 2 km shoreline, offering ample space for families to find a spot away from the hustle and bustle.
Where: 194 Turkey Point Rd., Turkey Point, Ont.
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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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