Warm weather, sunshine, and beaches go hand in hand and Ontario is packed full of sandy shorelines to explore. So load up the car with a picnic basket stuffed with your favourite goodies, a blanket, bathing suits, and sand toys, and drive to one of these refreshing Ontario beach towns this summer.
Beach towns in Ontario to visit this summer.
Sandbanks.
Get ready to explore the world’s largest baymouth barrier dune formation with a visit to the spectacular Sandbanks. Located in Prince Edward County there are three charming sandy beaches (Outlet, Sandbanks, and Dunes Beach) that visitors flock to every summer. Families with young kids will appreciate the shallow waters and gradual drop off, and everyone will love the vegetation and wildlife in all three beaches. There are four different campgrounds in the area and amenities include a playground, campsite, picnic area, hiking trails, and a beach wheelchair is available should you need it for anyone travelling with you. The park is very popular so go early to ensure it’s not full to capacity upon arrival.
Wasaga Beach.
If you adore gorgeous sunsets you will fall in love with Wasaga Beach located along the shores of Georgian Bay in Simcoe County. Not only is the view breathtaking, but Wasaga Beach is the longest freshwater beach in the world and boasts 14 km of sandy shores that are perfect for catching some rays of sunshine, splashing in the waves, or building sandcastles. The beach strip is divided into eight separate areas so you can pick the one that best suits your needs. If travelling with kids they will love the warm shallow water, and beaches numbered two and four have a playground and shady trees that are perfect for a picnic. Of course you can also dine at one of the many restaurants and snack bars in the area after a leisurely walk along the boardwalk.
Grand Bend Beach.
The Grand Bend Beach is a top vacation destination dating back to the 1870’s, and visitors keep going back yearly for the fresh clean water, safe supervised swimming, water sports, and another great Ontario sunset hot spot. The main beach has a beach house with change rooms, outdoor showers, concession, playground, splash pad, and observation deck. Walk along the boardwalk to the pavilion and pier for a drink or check out Main Street West for your souvenir shopping needs. Besides the main beach there are seven others to choose from, so plan to stay all weekend and visit as many as you can. Grand Bend is located along the shores of Lake Huron in southwestern Ontario.
Sauble Beach.
Sauble Beach, also along the shores of Lake Huron, has a strong history dating back to the early 20th century when it used to be called “La Riviere Au Sable” as named by French explorers for the sandy sable river. Sauble Beach translates to “Beach of Sand”, which of course is quite appropriate for a beach. It’s the second longest fresh water beach in the world and boasts soft white sand. There is also a beach volleyball area, picnic spot, and playground. Sauble Beach is located in the town of South Bruce Peninsula, also home to mini-golf, arcade, shopping, and restaurants for when the sun goes down.
Pancake Bay.
If the name of this beach has you craving brunch you better pack a hearty picnic lunch and bring some Canadian maple syrup. The beach is located within Pancake Bay Provincial Park along the eastern shores of Lake Superior. You will feel like you are in the Caribbean with the warm turquoise blue water and over three kilometres of sandy beaches for ultimate sandcastle building. There are comfort stations, a picnic area, 14 km of biking trails, camping, and RV sites if you want to spend the night under the stars. Bring your camera to capture the spectacular view of the lake from the Edmund Fitzgerald lookout hiking trail or paddle along the historic route of the voyageurs and look back at the flat smooth beach that resembles, you guessed it, a pancake.
