10 Best Beaches in Ontario

Wasaga Beach offers some of the most beautiful coastline views in Ontario while the winding rivers and woodland trails will offer a different perspective on the natural surroundings. It’s also well-suited to people who like to be active with fishing, jet-skiing, hiking, biking, and even sky-diving available.

On the southern shores of Georgian Bay, Wasaga Beach is also for those who enjoy the finer things in life. Enjoy art and history at the Nancy Island Historic Site, which tells the storey of HMS Nancy, and the Wasaga Society of Arts. For the ultimate relaxing experience, visit one of the local spas.

One of only 22 beaches in Canada to be awarded the Blue Flag for its commitment to water quality and safety criteria, Grand Bend Beach retains its natural beauty. For families, there are splash pads, playpark equipment, and a boardwalk – and with easy access to shopping and restaurants, you’ll find everything you need for a relaxing beach holiday.

Located in Ontario’s Southwest, away from the beach, there are plenty of dining options in Grand Bend with many celebrating locally grown, sustainable produce. In the evenings, you can head to Starlite Drive-In to see a film and wind down after a beach day or see a live production at the Grand Bend-Huron Country Playhouse.

Port Dover Beach combines beach charm with urban living for the best of both worlds. The city centre hub is a bustling place full of quaint boutiques, restaurants, and cafes. The scenic pier is the heart of the town and ideal for a romantic stroll, fishing, or simply watching the tugboats on the horizon.

Part of Ontario’s Southwest, you can also indulge in the Coast Wine Trail where you can visit local wineries and sample the products on offer in their wine tastings. Get on the water by partaking in watersports or by taking a more relaxing river cruise. These sightseeing cruises will show you Port Dover from a different vantage point with a sunset dinner cruise rounding off a perfect day.

One of the top holiday spots in Ontario, Sauble Beach boasts 7 miles of white sand beach, creating the ideal conditions for sandcastle building. Kids will also love splashing in the shallow and warm waters. There are also plenty of dining and shopping destinations nearby that can cater to the whole family.

Located on the eastern side of Bruce Peninsula on the shores of Lake Huron, you’ll be able to see incredible sunsets as you look out across the horizon on a warm summer’s evening. You can take advantage of the outdoor culture all day by hiking, playing tennis, fishing, or getting a round of golf in.

Sugar Beach is an urban beach park in Toronto and named after the nearby Redpath Sugar factory. While you can’t swim at this beach, there is a promenade and plaza you can enjoy. This playful and vibrant destination contrasts with the industrial feel of the city with the pink umbrellas becoming a symbol of these differences.

As it’s based in the heart of the city, Sugar Beach is more accessible for local residents in comparison to some of the more remote beaches. It’s fairly common to spend the day relaxing here before spending time visiting some of the best bars in Toronto.

Sandbanks Provincial Park features the world’s largest barrier dune formation, making it a truly unique location. Featuring 3 expansive sandy beaches, Outlet Beach is particularly good for families due to the shallow waters and gentle drop off. There’s also a kids’ programme available in summer to learn about the local history.

Jutting out from Lake Ontario, this makes it the ideal habitat for bird watchers during migration seasons in spring and fall. The many walking trails will also lead you through these natural dune and wetland habitats and their residents. Make sure you get out on the water by fishing, boating, or swimming.

Canatara Beach is an urban beach within Canatara park which boasts over 84 acres of greenery. This area includes biking and hiking trails, picnic areas, and forest areas. The beach area is a popular spot for sunbathing, swimming, and hiking.

The largest and best-known park in the city of Sarina, Cantara Beach & Park also caters for families with a nature centre, playgrounds, and a campground on site. There’s also a concert stage near the beach so make sure to check if there are any events planned when you’re visiting. Please be aware that dogs aren’t allowed on this beach.

The picture-perfect scenes of Old Woman Bay make it a must-see when you’re travelling around Lake Superior. The bay takes its name from the rock formation which is said to look like an old woman. A unique blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventure, and peaceful environments, Old Woman Bay offers something for everyone.

The beautiful cliffs, peaceful forests, and turquoise waters create truly breathtaking scenery that is a joy to hike through. This also makes a brilliant picnic spot so make sure you pack some snacks with you. Bring your camera because you won’t want to forget this stunning view.

A lakeside town surrounded by crystal blue waters and cliffs of the Niagara Escarpment, Tobermory offers an unrivalled experience. You can cruise over to Flowerpot Island and see the stunning sea stacks first-hand or explore some of the shipwrecks in the Fathom Five Park. The clear waters provide some of the best freshwater dive sites in Canada.

Located at the top of the Bruce Peninsula, the Bruce trail is one of the best hiking trails, leading you through forests, along the cliff edge of the Georgian Bay shore until you reach the Niagara Escarpment. Bring your camera, binoculars, and your sketchbook to capture the natural beauty you’ll encounter along the way.

Pancake Bay Provincial Park, located on the shore of Lake Superior, features more than 3 kilometres of beautiful sands and blue Caribbean waters. In summer, these waters provide a refreshing dip after a day in the great outdoors. You can also explore the waters of one of the world’s biggest freshwater lakes by kayak or canoe.

Make sure you spend time hiking the Lookout trail to fully grasp the drama of these sculpted shorelines as you traverse old forests, mysterious wetlands, and a meandering creek. Keep your eyes peeled for locals such as moose, wolves, and Bald Eagles. There’s also a campsite to accommodate all needs with RVs, car camping, and yurts welcome.