Looking for one of the best seashores in Ontario to go to this summer season? Whether you’re craving smooth white sand, heat waters, or a family-friendly escape just some hours from Toronto, this up to date 2025 information has you coated. We’ve traveled the province to search out the highest spots for enjoyable, swimming, or snapping that good lakeside sundown. So seize your towel—Ontario’s seashores are higher than ever.
Best Beaches in Ontario in 2025
1. Wasaga Beach – Georgian Bay
We’ve been coming to Wasaga Beach since childhood, and it nonetheless delivers. Stretching over 14 kilometres, it’s acknowledged because the world’s longest freshwater seashore and gives all the pieces from energetic boardwalk spots to quieter, family-friendly sections. The shoreline is damaged into eight seashore areas—Beach 1 is the place the motion is, with retailers, meals stalls, and a youthful crowd, whereas areas like 3 to six are typically calmer. The shallow water and gradual slope make it nice for wading, particularly with children in tow. For a change of tempo, the adjoining provincial park has forest trails, birdwatching, and picnic areas shaded by towering timber.
This traditional Lake Huron vacation spot additionally gives quick access to water sports activities like paddleboarding and jet snowboarding. It’s a seashore the place you’ll be able to pack a seashore chair, relax, and make a full day of it. This is why it’s our choose for the highest seashores in Ontario.
Good to know: Summer weekends deliver huge crowds. Arrive early to get parking near your most well-liked seashore space, and examine the Ontario Parks web site for water high quality updates.
2. Grand Bend Beach – Lake Huron
Grand Bend seems like a second dwelling to me. My mother and father had a cottage there, so I spent numerous summers on this seashore—swimming, sunbathing, and watching these signature Lake Huron sunsets. It was all the time one in all Ontario’s unique seashore cities. Back in highschool and school, highway journeys to Grand Bend had been a ceremony of passage. And for one summer season, I even carried out on the Huron Country Playhouse, only a quick drive away.
The seashore itself has crystal clear waters, is broad and well-maintained, with smooth sand, a chosen swimming space, and seasonal lifeguards on responsibility each day. There’s a protracted boardwalk and a close-by pier, and Main Street is simply steps away, full of retailers, patios, and all of the ice cream you can need after a day within the solar. It nonetheless strikes that stability between family-friendly and fun-loving.
Good to know: Parking is offered however fills up rapidly on sunny weekends. Stick round into the night—Grand Bend’s bar scene and stay music spots maintain issues energetic lengthy after sundown.
3. Port Stanley Beach – Lake Erie
Port Stanley has private roots for me—my sister lived there all her life, so I’ve seen the city evolve firsthand. What was as soon as a quiet fishing village has grown into one in all Ontario’s go-to summer season spots, with out shedding its small-town attraction. The important seashore is broad, sandy, and gently sloped, which makes it supreme for households and informal swimmers. The heat water here’s a nice shock for Great Lakes seashores.
Downtown Port Stanley is only a quick stroll away and full of cafes, boutiques, and fish-and-chips joints that make the entire expertise really feel like a correct vacation. The seashore space features a playground, altering amenities, and shaded relaxation spots.
Good to know: Lifeguards are on responsibility throughout summer season, and the seashore has accessible washrooms. Paid parking is offered close to the shore, however weekend mornings can get busy.
4. Sauble Beach – Lake Huron
We rolled into Sauble Beach one Friday afternoon and instantly understood why it’s such a summer season magnet. The 11-kilometre shoreline has room for almost all the pieces—sunbathing, paddleboarding, kayaking, or grabbing ice cream between swims.
The city itself seems like a traditional Ontario seashore group, with burger joints, ice cream stands, and boardwalk strolls at sundown. The seashore is shallow for a protracted stretch, making it supreme for households and relaxed swims, whereas extra lively guests can lease paddleboards or jet skis proper off the shore. Sauble Beach can be one of the vital well-known seashores in Ontario for large teams planning weekend getaways.
Good to know: While entry is free, parking fills up quick on weekends and holidays. Bring change or use the cell app for meters.
5. Sandbanks Provincial Park – Prince Edward County
Some seashores are finest for a day journey—Sandbanks is one you’ll need to settle into. Located in Prince Edward County, the park is understood for its putting sand dunes and lengthy, sandy stretches that really feel virtually misplaced in Ontario. It’s divided into three important seashores—Outlet Beach, Dunes Beach, and Lakeshore Beach—every with its personal vibe. Outlet is essentially the most family-friendly with light waters; Dunes feels extra distant, tucked behind a rolling panorama; and Lakeshore is a strong center floor. Add in well-kept campgrounds, climbing trails, and close by wineries, and it’s no shock this place books out quick.
Whether you’re into swimming, climbing, or simply lounging on the white sand with a chilly drink, Sandbanks is a good spot to expertise the number of Ontario’s seashores.
Good to know: Reserve forward, particularly in July and August. Day-use permits usually promote out by mid-morning.
6. Cobourg Beach – Lake Ontario
Cobourg Beach all the time surprises individuals who assume Lake Ontario can’t ship a correct seashore expertise. This one proves them incorrect. Located simply over an hour east of Toronto, Cobourg’s Victoria Park Beach is broad, sandy, and well-maintained, with a laid-back vibe that pulls each locals and guests all through the summer season.
The close by park is right for households, full with a playground and loads of area for picnics. The sand is smooth, the water is crystal clear, and the setting is postcard good.
Good to know: Lifeguards are on responsibility throughout summer season. Parking is metered and may refill quick on weekends. Cobourg additionally hosts occasions just like the Sandcastle Festival, which is value timing your go to round.
7. Agawa Bay – Lake Superior
Agawa Bay sits inside Lake Superior Provincial Park and seems like a real escape into the wild. This seashore isn’t nearly solar and sand—it’s the place dramatic landscapes meet cultural historical past. The shoreline is framed by boreal forest and rocky cliffs, with a protracted, curved bay that gives area for each leisure and reflection.
The water’s chilly, the seashore is extra pebbly than smooth, and the surroundings is unforgettable. A brief drive away, the Agawa Rock Pictographs path results in historic Ojibwe rock artwork that adheres to the cliff face. It’s a robust expertise, and one which sticks with you lengthy after you’ve left.
Good to know: The seashore itself is pebbly, not sandy, so water footwear assist. Campsites are proper by the lake, however it is a distant park—replenish earlier than you arrive.
8. Awenda Provincial Park – Georgian Bay
Awenda isn’t one of many big-name seashores in Ontario, and that’s precisely why we prefer it. Tucked away close to Penetanguishene, this park is quieter than spots like Wasaga or Sandbanks however nonetheless gives stunning shoreline entry to Georgian Bay. There are a number of smaller seashores inside the park, every a brief hike or bike experience from the campgrounds. The important seashore space is sandy with shallow water, good for wading, swimming, or paddleboarding.
We’ve visited just a few instances, and it all the time feels extra secluded than the larger parks. Surrounded by forest and inland lakes, the world is peaceable and shaded by towering timber. Don’t count on a boardwalk or meals stands—that is extra of a back-to-nature type of seashore journey.
Good to know: Amenities are minimal, so deliver all the pieces you want for the day. Parking is restricted, and lots of seashore areas require a brief stroll from the lot. Good strolling footwear assist.
9. Killbear Provincial Park – Georgian Bay
Killbear is a type of provincial parks that manages to stability all the pieces—nice seashores, scenic climbing, and an actual sense of wilderness. Located on the jap fringe of Georgian Bay close to Parry Sound, it’s made up of a number of rocky factors and sandy bays, giving guests a mixture of seashore choices relying on what sort of day they’re after.
The water is traditional Georgian Bay—clear, cool, and extremely clear. Kids can splash within the shallows whereas adults paddle out or sunbathe on the rocks. And the sunsets from Killbear Point? Easily a few of the finest within the province.
Good to know: There are a number of campgrounds inside the park, every with totally different seashore entry. The terrain could be uneven in locations, so water footwear and first rate strolling footwear turn out to be useful. Watch out for poison ivy—it’s widespread on this space.
10. Turkey Point Beach – Lake Erie
Turkey Point won’t get the identical highlight as Grand Bend or Wasaga, but it surely’s all the time felt like a little bit of a hidden gem to us. The seashore is shallow, sandy, and family-friendly, set alongside a relaxed stretch of Lake Erie that’s good for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply floating. It’s particularly in style with huge teams in search of a laid-back day on the coast.
The close by provincial park gives trails via the woods, and the world additionally features a marina and zip-lining course for extra adventurous guests.
Good to know: There’s paid parking near the seashore and some eating places and comfort spots close by. The seashore is dog-friendly in some areas, however guidelines range by season, so examine forward.
11. Bon Echo Provincial Park – Mazinaw Lake
Bon Echo is finest identified for Mazinaw Rock, a towering cliff that rises 100 metres straight out of the lake, but it surely additionally has a strong seashore that’s value your time. The important swimming space is situated close to the park’s South Beach, the place a stretch of sandy shoreline opens onto the deep, clear waters of Mazinaw Lake. It’s not a sprawling seashore, but it surely’s peaceable, with loads of area to swim and paddle.
Paddling throughout the lake to see the Indigenous pictographs painted on the rock face is likely one of the most memorable issues you are able to do within the park. It’s a quiet type of awe that sneaks up on you.
Good to know: South Beach has washrooms, shaded picnic tables, and a delicate slope into the water. The lake will get deep rapidly, so robust swimmers will get extra out of it than waders.
12. Crystal Beach – Lake Erie
Crystal Beach has gone via fairly a metamorphosis through the years. Once dwelling to a well-known amusement park, it’s now a well-kept seashore city with a clear, soft-sand shoreline that pulls households, day-trippers, and anybody in search of a quieter Lake Erie various. The water is shallow and surprisingly heat by Ontario requirements, making it one of many extra swimmable seashores on the Great Lakes.
You’ll discover a small however vibrant native scene right here—ice cream retailers, just a few eating places, and seasonal occasions that give it a little bit of a throwback attraction. The seashore has been cleaned up loads in recent times, and now there’s an entrance charge that helps keep amenities, which embody washrooms, change rooms, and lifeguards in season. It’s an excellent spot to deliver a seashore chair and spend your complete day absorbing the solar.
Good to know: Access is managed throughout summer season months and each day passes can promote out. Book on-line in the event you’re occurring a weekend.
13. Hanlan’s Point Beach – Toronto Islands
Hanlan’s Point is totally different from each different seashore on this checklist—and never simply because it’s clothing-optional. Located on the Toronto Islands, this seashore has lengthy been part of town’s various and LGBTQ+ tradition. It’s relaxed, open-minded, and an entire lot quieter than the mainland scene at Woodbine Beach or Sugar Beach.
The seashore itself is lengthy, with a mixture of sandy and grassy areas, and the water is surprisingly clear for one thing so near downtown. On sizzling days, you’ll get a mixture of sunbathers, swimmers, and ferry-goers who’ve made the journey for a change of tempo. You don’t have to make use of the clothing-optional aspect, but it surely’s an enormous a part of what offers Hanlan’s its distinctive, inclusive environment. If you’ve acquired time, a go to to the close by Gibraltar Point Lighthouse provides a little bit of historical past to your seashore day.
Good to know: The ferry experience from downtown Toronto takes about quarter-hour. Bring your individual snacks and drinks—companies on the island are restricted and spaced out.
14. Centre Island Beach – Toronto Islands
We lived in Toronto for years, and Centre Island Beach was all the time our go-to after we wanted a fast break from town. It’s additionally the place we had one in all our first dates again in 1991—we had an incredible picnic watching the sailboats drift by. The seashore hasn’t modified a lot since then, and that’s a part of the attraction.
Just a brief ferry experience from downtown, Centre Island Beach gives a clear, quiet stretch of sand with calm water, seasonal lifeguards, and a family-friendly environment. It’s a uncommon type of place the place you’ll be able to swim, lease a motorcycle, seize a snack, and nonetheless really feel such as you’re removed from town.
Centreville Amusement Park is shut by, and the island’s paths are good for aimless wandering. Whether you’re right here for just a few hours or the entire day, it’s a simple, refreshing escape.
Good to know: The ferry will get busy on weekends—ebook forward in the event you can. There are washrooms and meals stands close to the seashore, however bringing your individual snacks by no means hurts.
Compare the Best Beaches in Ontario
| Beach | Closest City | Good For | Water Temp (avg) | Parking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wasaga Beach | Collingwood | Families, sandbars | 22°C | Paid |
| Sandbanks | Picton | Camping, sand dunes | 23°C | Free + Paid |
| Grand Bend | London | Swimming, sunsets | 24°C | Paid |
| Port Stanley | St. Thomas | Boardwalk vibe, households | 22°C | Free |
FAQs About Beaches in Ontario (2025)
Grand Bend Beach and Port Dover are identified for his or her heat, shallow waters, good for swimming in the course of the sizzling summer season months.
Wasaga Beach, Sandbanks, and Port Stanley all provide shallow waters, restrooms, and close by ice cream—key for a kid-friendly day trip.
Yes! Head to Bluffers Park Beach or Woodbine Beach for a fast metropolis escape. They’re each only a quick drive or transit experience away.
Yes, however you should definitely examine water high quality advisories, particularly in metropolis areas like Toronto. Beaches like Cherry and Woodbine normally have good circumstances in summer season.
As you’ll be able to see, Ontario is absolutely blessed with seashores. The province is exclusive for seashore lovers as a result of it has predominantly freshwater seashores. The pristine nature offers method to seashores that would truthfully rival Caribbean locations.