Great Lakes shores with Caribbean-blue waters and sandy stretches. Ontario has beaches you can reach without a long drive—Toronto’s Sugar Beach is the proof, setting the tone for the list.
Quick Summary
Here's a locals' secret: Ontario has dazzling beaches. Bordered by Hudson Bay to the north and the Great Lakes to the south, this province is filled with clear-water lakes—some with white limestone cliffs and cerulean blue waters that make you think you're in the Caribbean. Many feature long sandy stretches of shore perfect for swimming, windsurfing, or simply lounging with a picnic basket. Look for Blue Flag certification for the highest water quality. From the wave-carved Grotto at Bruce Peninsula to the world's largest baymouth dunes at Sandbanks, Ontario's beaches rival any coastal destination.
Quick Facts
- Best Beaches: Bruce Peninsula (The Grotto), Sandbanks, Sugar Beach (Toronto), Cobourg Beach, Sauble Beach, Port Dover
- Great Lakes: Lake Huron, Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Georgian Bay
- Best Season: Jul-Aug for swimming; Spring/Fall for fewer crowds at Bruce Peninsula
- Water Quality: Look for Blue Flag certification—highest quality, accessible, eco-friendly
- Activities: Swimming, windsurfing, sailing, bouldering, dune hiking, kayaking, camping
Bruce Peninsula: The Grotto & Georgian Bay
Georgian Bay’s cliff-and-turquoise-water contrast explains why Bruce Peninsula feels otherworldly—and why the Grotto is worth the hike. Photo credit: Destination Ontario
Lake: Georgian Bay (Lake Huron) | Distance from Toronto: ~4 hours | UNESCO Biosphere Reserve
Stunning isn't an overstatement for Georgian Bay in Bruce Peninsula National Park. Dramatic blue-green water contrasts with white cliffs that resembled Australia's Great Barrier Reef eons ago. The Grotto is a craggy, wave-carved cave and fantasy-worthy swimming hole near the park entrance. Make it a day trip with a 45-minute hike past wetlands, 40 orchid species, ferns, ancient gnarled cedars, and spectacular views to limestone caves. Take a dip, picnic, go bouldering, and return for a magenta-sky sunset. Go yurt camping to extend your stay. Visit spring or fall to have this magical UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve more to yourself. For swimming and play, head to Singing Sands Beach on the west side.
Toronto: Sugar Beach
Pink umbrellas, harbour views, and a beach-park layout—Sugar Beach is about atmosphere and access, not open-water swimming. Photo credit: Destination Toronto
Lake: Ontario | Location: East Bayfront, 10 min walk from Union Station | Swimming: No (splash pad)
Canada's largest metropolis has gorgeous shorelines right in the city. Industrial-chic Sugar Beach is named for the Redpath sugar refinery across the street—its clever design incorporates heritage with whimsy. Locals love the white sand, cheery cotton candy-hued pink umbrellas, and big views of the harbour and downtown skyline. The park includes leafy trees and grassy knolls ideal for picnicking or reading. Cool your feet in mini geysers spurting from a granite maple leaf that lights up pink after dark. In August, Sail-In Cinema brings locals by boat to watch free movies on a huge inflatable screen. For swimming, head to long sandy Bluffer's Beach at Scarborough Bluffs.
Sandbanks Provincial Park
Sandbanks is dune country—wide sand and big shoreline space that makes it a top pick for a full beach day. Photo credit: Destination Ontario
Lake: Ontario | Location: Prince Edward County | Highlight: World's largest baymouth dunes
It's all about the dunes here—expanses of golden sand that are the world's largest assemblage of baymouth dunes. Three vast sandy beaches are often ranked among Canada's top. Outlet Beach near the main entrance offers stretches of shore and shallow water that feel a lot like Florida. Bird watching is amazing in spring and fall. Get into windsurfing, sailing, or bodysurfing, hike trails meandering through dunes, and camp to extend your stay. As a bonus, Sandbanks is in Prince Edward County, Ontario's celebrated food and wine destination.
Cobourg Beach
Credit: Lukasz Szmigiel szmigieldesign/Wikimedia Commons/CC0 1.0 Universal
Lake: Ontario | Distance from Toronto: 1.5 hours | Near Port Hope
Billed as the best sun and sand destination within easy reach of Toronto—a great day trip. Soft sand is pristine and the beach is huge. Summer favorites include the annual Sandcastle Festival's artsy creations and snack bar hot dogs. Walk to nearby Victoria Park for picnics on the grass or to the charming historic town for lunch or dinner.
Port Dover Beach (Lake Erie)
Port Dover pairs a sandy Lake Erie beach with a pier-and-lighthouse waterfront—ideal for a swim plus an easy lakeside stroll. Photo credit: Destination Ontario / Just Drew Productions
Lake: Erie | Distance from Toronto: 2.5 hours | Warmest water in Ontario
In summer, palm trees line Port Dover—sandy beach with a cute resort town nearby. Lake Erie is Ontario's most southern and shallowest lake, so the water is warmest. Stroll the pier to the old lighthouse, watch tugboats, or dine on the water. Lake Erie's northern shoreline has several long sandy beaches with laidback resort towns, wineries, and microbrew houses nearby.
Sauble Beach (Lake Huron)
Sauble Beach is built for long, shallow-water beach days—great for wading, playing, and stretching out along the shore. Photo credit: Destination Ontario
Lake: Huron | Location: Bruce County | Highlight: World's second longest freshwater beach
Classic beach experience in Bruce County. Expect sports of all kinds in warm shallow water—paddle boarding, kite/windsurfing, jet skiing, canoeing. Lots of dining, fun activities, stock-car racing/NASCAR, an amusement park, and summertime classic car cruising on Main Street. The nearly 11-km (7-mile) sandy beach is the world's second longest freshwater beach. In spring or fall, hike the Sauble Trail to pretty waterfalls.
Follow-Up Questions
- What's the best beach near Toronto for swimming?
- How do I get to the Grotto at Bruce Peninsula?
- Which Ontario beach has the warmest water?
- Can I camp at Sandbanks Provincial Park?
Associated Entities
Bruce Peninsula National Park, The Grotto, Georgian Bay, Sugar Beach, Toronto, Lake Ontario, Sandbanks Provincial Park, Prince Edward County, Cobourg Beach, Port Dover, Lake Erie, Sauble Beach, Lake Huron, Singing Sands Beach, Bluffer's Beach, Scarborough Bluffs, Ontario Parks, Blue Flag, Niagara Escarpment