Family-friendly city beaches in Ontario

The Beaches, Toronto

There are several great waterfront places in Toronto to dip your toes, from Cherry Beach to the Toronto Islands. Sugar Beach and HTO Park both feature a unique urban beach park setting, complete with soft sand, Muskoka chairs, umbrellas and beautiful lake views.

However, the Beaches neighbourhood delivers the ultimate “beaching” experience. Splash in the surf and catch some rays at Woodbine and Kew Beach. Then wander the boardwalk and browse the bustling shops and cafes along Queen Street.

Where to stay in Toronto

Located in the heart of downtown, the Chelsea Hotel has made family fun a mission with a dedicated pool for families and a kids’ fun zone.

Where to eat

Head to The Beacher Café, a neighbourhood landmark, or Pizzeria Libretto, a family favourite on The Danforth. Cool down with a scoop of ice cream at Ed’s Real Scoop on the strip, where rotating specialty flavours keep every visit fresh and exciting.

Location and parking

The Beaches neighbourhood is located between Victoria Park Avenue and Woodbine Avenue in Toronto’s east end. It is accessible by public transit via the 501 Queen Streetcar.

Limited parking is available at 30 Ashbridges Bay Park Road.

Lakeview Park Beach, Oshawa

Follow locals-in-the-know to Lakeview Park Beach for a day of swimming, picnicking, strolling along the pier, playing beach volleyball and cycling.

Oshawa’s Waterfront Trail is part of The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, an amazing multi-activity trail that follows over 2,000 kilometres along Ontario’s great lakes and river shores. Oshawa’s portion stretches 11 kilometres through parks and forests, by the harbour and to the beach—perfect for cycling, hiking or strolling before your dip.

Where to stay in Oshawa

Find the big three in terms of hotel standards, namely clean, comfortable and convenient, at the Best Western Plus Durham Hotel or the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Oshawa Downtown. With free breakfast and a swimming pool, you can add “kid approved.”

Where to eat

Poutine Krazee food truck (follow Poutine Krazee on Instagram) is usually located beside the Lakeview Park Beach parking lot off Simcoe Street South. Just a short distance from the beach on Bloor Street West, Mr. Burger, an Elvis Presley-themed memorabilia spot, has been serving up unforgettable burgers, steaks, shakes, and fries since 1976.

Location and parking

The park is located at 1675 Simcoe Street South. Parking is available off Lakeview Park Avenue.

Victoria Beach, Cobourg

Cobourg, the largest town in Northumberland County, is nestled along the Lake Ontario shoreline and is home to a breath-taking beach at Victoria Park. Soft white sand, shallow waters and on-site facilities make the picturesque town of Cobourg the perfect place to spend quality time with family.

Victoria Park offers plenty of activities for children, including a splash pad and playground.

Where to stay in Cobourg

For an accommodation steps away from the beach, Breakers Motel on the Lake provides access to a private lakefront area with fantastic views. Guests can choose between spacious motel rooms or a newly renovated two-story cottage—there’s ample space for your whole family. The historic King George Inn is another great option. Formally a jail, this converted boutique accommodation offers one-of-a-kind rooms for families.

Where to eat

For a delicious bite, the Buttermilk Café is just a short walk away from the beach. Housed in a charming mid-1800s building, this spot serves homemade breads, soups, pancakes and desserts. Enjoy your meal on the outdoor patio or in the dining room, with a special “Small Eaters Menu” for kids. Leguan serves up famous fried chicken sandwiches near the Cobourg Beach seasonally.

Location and parking

Victoria Park and the popular Cobourg beach are located at 138 Division Street East in Cobourg. There are seven municipal parking lots within the waterfront area, with the Division Street South Lot being the most convenient for beachgoers.

Rideau and Ottawa River beaches, Ottawa

Because Ottawa sits at the intersection of three key rivers and a heritage canal, it boasts great water-based activities and four sandy and swimmable public beaches.

Britannia Beach and Westboro Beach are located along the Ottawa River, west of the city centre. Stop by The Grand Pizzeria at the newly renovated Westboro Beach Pavilion for delicious eats even picky eaters will enjoy. In the east end, Petrie Island welcomes beachgoers with three sandy spots. And just south of Hog’s Back Falls on the Rideau River is Mooney’s Bay Beach.

In addition to beaches, public docks, some with amenities and universal accessibility, such as the NCC River House Dock, offer more opportunities for summer swimming.

Where to stay in Ottawa

Ottawa has a great selection of family-friendly places to stay. Just a 20-minute drive west from downtown, Brookstreet Hotel has amenities, activities and packages designed for ultimate kid fun.

Where to eat

While in the nation’s capital, you’ll want to try shawarma, poutine and BeaverTails. If you like your treats on the colder side, look out for the Merry Dairy ice cream truck or head to the Hintonburg parlour location.

Location and parking

Britannia Beach at 2805 Carling Avenue, Ottawa

Westboro Beach at Kichi Zībī Mīkan, Ottawa

Petrie Island Beaches at 795 Trim Road, Ottawa in the Orleans neighbourhood, both on the Ottawa River (in the Orleans neighbourhood, both public beaches are located on the Ottawa River)

Mooney’s Bay Beach at 2950 Riverside Drive, Ottawa (on the Rideau River)

OC Transpo provides bus service to Britannia Beach. Limited free and paid parking is available at each beach location.

Canatara Park Beach, Sarnia

The beach at Canatara Park proudly flies its Blue Flag status as eco-certified for its water quality and safety standards, so it’s a great spot to swim and play. Blue mobility mats are available to make wheelchair and stroller access to the beach easier.

Beyond the beach, visit furry friends at the Children’s Animal Farm, tear up the BMX track or join a beach volleyball match. You’ll also want to stay late to view Lake Huron’s legendary sunsets.

Where to stay in Sarnia

The Harbourfront Inn & Suites is Sarnia’s only waterfront property overlooking the St. Clair River and within walking distance of Canatara Park.

Snacks near the beach

Nothing complements a day at the beach better than ice cream and fries. Albert’s Rolling Lunch chip wagon has been serving just that for over 50 years. Follow Albert’s on Facebook for menu updates.

Location and parking

Canatara Beach is located along Christina Street in the Point Edward neighbourhood of Sarnia. A parking lot is located off Christina Street.

Bell Park Beach, Sudbury

On the shores of Ramsey Lake, Bell Park Beach is a clean, blue flag-certified, accessible beach area supervised by lifeguards. Bell Park Main Beach offers an all-terrain, floating wheelchair service for visitors with disabilities to easily transition from land to water and enjoy a refreshing dip.

It’s also within walking distance to Science North and Dynamic Earth, and close to downtown Sudbury.

Where to stay in Sudbury

Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites offer spacious suites with kitchenettes, complimentary breakfast and a pool for little ones who didn’t get enough splashing in at the beach. Kids eat for free at the Holiday Inn.

Places to eat

Check out the thoughtful kids’ menu with pizza and pasta at Ripe Restaurant. Gloria’s Family Restaurant is a great option for breakfast or brunch with everything from pancakes, crepes and waffles to omelettes and even breakfast poutines.

Location and parking

Bell Park Beach is located at the end of the Bell Park Boardway off Paris Street in Greater Sudbury.

Parking is available in lots at 506 Elizabeth Street and at 100 Ramsey Lake Road.

Shabogesic Beach, North Bay

There are over 40 beaches in and around North Bay. Get information on the lifeguard schedule at supervised beaches, including Shabogesic Beach, formally known as Marathon Beach, on Lake Nipissing.

Boathouse Rentals rent out canoes, kayaks, SUP boards and bikes.

Where to stay in North Bay

Families looking for comfort and convenience will love the Travelodge hotel and Comfort Inn on Lakeshore Drive or the Homewood Suites directly across from the beach. Sunset Inn on the Park overlooks the lake and offers a variety of accommodation options, including two and three-bedroom chalets.

Places to eat

Syl’s is a contemporary family restaurant in the heart of North Bay that caters to families with hot dogs, fish and chips, French toast and sundaes for the kids.

Location and parking

Shabogesic Beach is located beside King’s Landing off Memorial Drive on the north shore of Lake Nipissing. A public parking lot is located on the south side of King’s Landing Wharf.

These Ontario cities deliver the best of both worlds for families planning the ultimate summer vacation. Fill your days with top urban attractions, entertainment and restaurants, plus soaking up the sun and splashing in the water at a warm, sandy beach.