Southern Ontario is known for its bustling cities, picturesque countryside, and stunning natural attractions. One of the most popular natural attractions in Southern Ontario is its beaches. Whether you’re looking for a place to relax and soak up the sun, swim in the crystal clear waters, or enjoy water sports, Southern Ontario has a beach for you.
Here are some of the most amazing beaches in Southern Ontario
Wasaga Beach
Wasaga Beach is located roughly 2 hours north of Toronto, on the southern shore of Georgian Bay in Ontario, Canada. With its 14 kilometres of sandy shoreline, it is the longest freshwater beach in the world and a major tourist destination.
The beach offers a wide range of activities, making it a great place for families, couples, and friends to spend a day or an entire vacation. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, play beach volleyball, or rent watercraft such as kayaks, paddleboards, and jet skis. There are also designated areas for fishing and picnicking, and the beach is equipped with picnic tables, shelters, and BBQ pits.
In addition to the beach activities, Wasaga Beach offers plenty of entertainment and amenities. The town is home to various restaurants, cafes, and shops, as well as an amusement park, waterpark, and mini-golf course. The main street, Beach Drive, is a popular spot for visitors to stroll, enjoy the sunset, and soak up the lively atmosphere.
Sandbanks Provincial Park
Sandbanks Provincial Park is a stunning natural attraction located in Prince Edward County, Ontario, Canada. The park is known for its long sandy beaches, crystal-clear water, and towering sand dunes, making it one of the most popular destinations for beachgoers in Southern Ontario.
The park features three main beaches, each with its own unique features and attractions. The Outlet Beach is the largest of the three, offering a long stretch of white sand and shallow waters perfect for swimming and sunbathing. The Sandbanks Beach, located on a narrow strip of land, features impressive sand dunes that rise up to 20 meters in height. Finally, the Dunes Beach is a quieter and more secluded spot, with sand dunes that provide a scenic backdrop for beach activities such as volleyball and Frisbee.
In addition to the beaches, Sandbanks Provincial Park also offers a range of outdoor activities and amenities. Visitors can enjoy hiking and cycling on the many trails that wind through the park, or rent canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards to explore the park’s waterways. Picnic areas, campsites, and cabins are also available for overnight stays.
One of the unique features of Sandbanks Provincial Park is its location in Prince Edward County, which is known for its wineries, orchards, and quaint villages. Visitors can take a break from the beach to explore the area’s rural charm or attend one of the many festivals and events that take place throughout the year. Read more about the things to do in Prince Edward County.
Sauble Beach
Sauble Beach is a picturesque beach town located on the eastern shore of Lake Huron in Ontario, Canada. It is one of Canada’s most popular and longest freshwater beaches, stretching over 11 kilometres.
The main attraction of Sauble Beach is, of course, the beach itself. The beach is wide and sandy, with crystal-clear waters and spectacular sunsets. Visitors can spend their time swimming, sunbathing, building sandcastles, or playing beach volleyball. There are also opportunities for water sports, such as windsurfing, kayaking, and stand-up paddleboarding.
In addition to the beach, Sauble Beach offers plenty of other activities and attractions for visitors. The town has a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as several ice cream parlours and souvenir shops. There is also a boardwalk that stretches along the beach and provides stunning views of the water and surrounding landscape.
For nature lovers, several hiking and cycling trails wind through the nearby forests and wetlands, offering opportunities to spot wildlife such as turtles, birds, and beavers. The town is also located close to several provincial parks, including the Bruce Peninsula National Park and Fathom Five National Marine Park, which offers even more outdoor activities and opportunities to explore the area’s natural beauty.
Grand Bend Beach
Grand Bend Beach is a popular freshwater beach located on the southern shore of Lake Huron in Ontario, Canada. It is a well-known destination for tourists and locals alike, offering a range of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages.
The beach itself is approximately 3 kilometres long and features soft, white sand and clear waters. It is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing and is also popular among water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can rent watercraft such as paddleboats, kayaks, and jet skis or participate in parasailing and kiteboarding activities.
Grand Bend Beach is surrounded by a lively and bustling community, offering plenty of amenities and entertainment options. There are numerous restaurants, cafes, and shops in the area, as well as ice cream parlours, arcades, and amusement parks. The town also hosts several events and festivals throughout the year, including the Grand Bend Motorplex racing events and the annual Lambton County Music Festival.
In addition to the beach and town, Grand Bend is located close to several natural attractions and outdoor activities. The nearby Pinery Provincial Park offers opportunities for hiking, cycling, and wildlife viewing, and there are several golf courses and wineries in the surrounding area.
Port Stanley Beach
Port Stanley Beach is a charming and picturesque freshwater beach located on the north shore of Lake Erie in Ontario, Canada. The beach is known for its soft, white sand and clear waters and its laid-back and welcoming atmosphere.
The beach is approximately 2 kilometres long and is divided into several sections. The main beach area offers plenty of space for swimming, sunbathing, and playing beach volleyball. There are also several picnic areas and shelters for visitors and a playground for children.
In addition to the beach, Port Stanley offers a range of other activities and attractions for visitors to enjoy. The town has a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as several art galleries and antique shops. Visitors can stroll along the town’s charming main street or visit the Port Stanley Terminal Rail, which offers train rides along the scenic Lake Erie shoreline.
For nature lovers, there are several hiking and cycling trails in the area, including the Catfish Creek Trail and the Elgin Hiking Trail. There are also several parks and conservation areas nearby, including the Backus Heritage Conservation Area and the Port Bruce Provincial Park.
Cobourg Beach
Cobourg Beach is a lovely freshwater beach located in the town of Cobourg, Ontario, Canada. The beach is situated on the north shore of Lake Ontario and is known for its beautiful sandy beach, clear waters, and well-maintained facilities.
The beach is about one kilometre long and offers plenty of space for swimming, sunbathing, and playing beach volleyball. There is also a playground for children and several picnic areas and shelters for visitors. The beach is patrolled by trained lifeguards during the summer months, making it a safe place to swim and play in the water.
In addition to the beach, the town of Cobourg offers plenty of other activities and attractions for visitors. There are several restaurants, cafes, and shops in the area, as well as a marina and yacht club. Visitors can take a stroll along the town’s historic main street or visit the local art galleries and museums.
For nature lovers, there are several parks and conservation areas in the area, including the nearby Presqu’ile Provincial Park. The park offers hiking, cycling, birdwatching, and wildlife viewing opportunities and is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
Ipperwash Beach
Ipperwash Beach is a beautiful freshwater beach located on the eastern shore of Lake Huron in southwestern Ontario, Canada. The beach is situated in Ipperwash Provincial Park, which is a popular destination for camping, swimming, and outdoor recreation.
The beach itself is approximately 2 kilometres long and features soft, white sand and clear waters. It is a great spot for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing and is also popular among water sports enthusiasts. Visitors can rent watercraft such as paddleboards, kayaks, and canoes, or take part in activities such as windsurfing and kiteboarding.
In addition to the beach, Ipperwash Provincial Park offers a range of other activities and amenities for visitors. There are several hiking and cycling trails in the park and opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. The park also has several picnic areas, shelters, and campsites for those looking to stay overnight.
Port Dover Beach
Port Dover Beach is a popular freshwater beach located on the north shore of Lake Erie in the town of Port Dover, Ontario, Canada. The beach is known for its soft, white sand, clear waters, and lively and bustling atmosphere.
The beach is approximately one kilometre long and offers plenty of space for swimming, sunbathing, and playing beach volleyball. Several picnic areas and shelters are available for visitors to use, as well as a playground for children.
In addition to the beach, Port Dover offers visitors a range of other activities and attractions. The town has a variety of shops, restaurants, and cafes, as well as several art galleries and antique shops. Visitors can take a stroll along the town’s picturesque main street or visit the Port Dover Harbour Museum, which offers exhibits and displays on the town’s maritime history.
For nature lovers, there are several parks and conservation areas in the area, including the Backus Heritage Conservation Area and the Port Rowan Wetlands. Visitors can also take a scenic drive along the Long Point Causeway, which offers stunning views of Lake Erie and the surrounding countryside.
In conclusion, Southern Ontario is home to some of the most beautiful and amazing beaches in Canada. From the soft white sand and crystal-clear waters of Wasaga Beach and Sauble Beach, to the stunning natural beauty of Sandbanks Provincial Park and the lively atmosphere of Port Dover and Grand Bend, there is no shortage of options for those seeking a day or longer vacation at a freshwater beach.
Whether you are looking to swim, sunbathe, play beach volleyball, or simply relax and take in the scenery, there is something for everyone at these amazing Southern Ontario beaches. So pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and head to one of these incredible destinations to experience the best that Ontario’s freshwater beaches have to offer!
Have you visited any of the amazing beaches in Southern Ontario listed above? If so, we’d love to hear about your experience in the comments below.
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