If the idea of spending a day swimming and building sand castles in the land of the snowman sounds unconvincing to you, hesitate no more. This vast province offers a wonderful variety of sandy
shores ready to be discovered.

August, the warmest month of the year, is the perfect time to join the multitude of enthusiast beach goers who take to the many rivers and lakes located near friendly communities and provincial parks.
We are taking Toronto as a departing point for a tour of great beaches to spend the day or stay over the weekend and indulge under the Canadian sun.

Ontario says beach!

Sandbanks Provincial Park

Located at the eastern end of Lake Ontario, in charming Prince Edward County, this provincial park boasts not one, but three sandy beaches: Outlet Beach, Sandbanks Beach and Dunes Beach.

A popular summer destination, Sandbanks offers golden beaches stretching along sparkling shores with clear, shallow waters, a great place for swimming. For those who wish to enjoy a day beyond the towels, the park also offers camping, boating, windsurfing, fishing, hiking, bird watching and other pastimes. Canoes, kayaks and paddleboat rentals are also available. The camping grounds feature a basic store, restaurant and comfort stations with washroom facilities.

Sandbanks has beautiful scenery with plenty of recreational activities for all, and the fact that Prince Edward County is actually an island only adds to its many charms. Presqu’ile and North Beach Provincial Parks If you are looking for a more quiet setting, then head to Presqu’ile or to North Beach. Both parks are west of Sandbanks. They are just as
nice but less populated.

North Beach, which could be a smaller version of Sandbanks, is located south of Trenton. Picnic areas and washroom facilities are available on site. There are three kilometers of beaches and clear waters to make for a more private location.
Yet, don’t expect to be the only one around. If you want to save some driving time try Presqu’ile (Peninsula), located south of Brighton it is a bit closer to Toronto. This peaceful park is home to a large community of migrating birds and monarca butterflies.

Presqu’ile features a nice boardwalk and one of Ontario’s oldest operating lighthouses, which makes for a wonderful place to snap a few pictures. There’s a visitors’ centre, a small store, washroom and picnic facilities. Camping areas are also available.

When taking the road to both parks keep an eye open for the Big Apple sign, near Colborne. This place makes delicious apple pies and desserts. Try the apple cheesecake.

Sauble Beach

This tropi-canadian spot has been voted best beach in Ontario and is ranked among the top ten in Canada. It looks like 11 km of soft, sandy beaches and warmer waters have built its golden
reputation. If you go to Sauble Beach you’ll be heading north, towards the shores of Lake Huron, near Owen Sound. Even though this beach is not located within
a provincial park you can count on washrooms, change rooms and parking.

The town of Sauble Beach has a friendly, bubbly, almost funky atmosphere. There are lots of tiny shops and eateries to explore.
Family events, music festivals and sandcastle building competitions are some highlights of the summer.

Wasaga Beach

The people from the Wasaga region take great pride in having the longest fresh-water beach in the world. Located in the southern edge of Georgian Bay this charming town attracts over
two million visitors every year.

In reality, Wasaga boasts not one but eight beaches and each one of them has a different vibe, so there’s something for every taste.

Beaches 1 and 2 offer plenty of action, especially for the younger, teenage crowds. Beaches 3 through 6 are less hectic and more popular amongst families with younger children.
Regardless of your preference you will find white sand, shallow waters and numerous recreation areas in all of them.

Shops and restaurants along Beach 1 are great to purchase last minute treats and take in the natural energy of this lively and extremely popular summer destination.

The Grotto

This may not be a beach in the traditional concept, but swimming near the Grotto, located in the Bruce Peninsula National Park will make you think you are somewhere in the Caribbean.
Crystal, clear, pure turquoise waters await those who visit this impressive cave on the shores of Georgian Bay.

The immaculate scenery of the Bruce Peninsula is well preserved in this National Park, right at the heart of a World Biosphere Reserve. Getting to the Grotto takes a 30 min. hike from the Head of Trails parking lot, so pack lightly and wear comfortable shoes. A walk through the forest is worth every step. You will be greeted by cold, deep waters in the most gorgeous shades of blue. Unforgettable!

Pinery Provincial Park

The beaches of the Pinery are located along the shores of Lake Huron. About 10 km of soft sand graces a shoreline rich in sandbanks and dunes. Activities within the park include hiking,
kayaking, cycling and fishing. There’s a park store and equipment rental is available.

The Pinery has a designated day use area with several comfort stations and a separate dog beach. Camping grounds are popular among visitors. If you are not much of a camper but wish to have
the experience in a more comfortable setting, the Pinery offers yurt rentals. A ‘yurt’ is a more complex type of tent. There are 12 yurts at the park, all of them are furnished, include gas barbecue, bunks to accommodate up to six people and are wheelchair accessible. Reservations are needed.

Beach Travel Tips

• Pack the basics (cooler, umbrella, lots of sunscreen). Shade is limited • Get there early to make the most of your trip and avoid the crowds
• Check camping and hotel availability if planning for a weekend escapade
• Swim safely. Not all beaches are supervised
• Check water conditions in the area
• Review BBQ facilities if you plan on cooking outdoors
• Beaches may have designated dog areas
• Alcoholic drinks may not be allowed
• All Provincial Parks have fees, rules and regulations. Fines are enforced.

Visit: www.ontarioparks.com

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