Ontario’s bucket list worthy natural swimming holes

Bathtub Island in Lake Superior Provincial Park

Infinity pools are key selling features of exclusive resorts around the world, but in Ontario, nature does it even better.

Bathtub Island is a small rocky oasis in Katherine Cove along the coast of Lake Superior, within Lake Superior Provincial Park. Whether you take the short walk from Highway 17 or you hike in via the much longer Coastal Trail, you’ll need to wade through the water to reach the island.

Once there, ease into a resplendent natural rock pool, replenished by the fresh lake water, overlooking the sublime Superior lakescape – the perfect spot to enjoy a summer sunset.

Book Ontario Parks day use permits and camping reservations in advance.

Bridal Veil Falls on Manitoulin Island

Next to the village of Kagawong on Manitoulin Island, the largest freshwater island in the world, Bridal Veil Falls is a 11-metre cascade that plunges from the cliff edge of the Kagawong River into the deep basin below. From the falls, the current continues to feed into the North Channel of Lake Huron.

Access the swimming hole at the bottom of the falls for free from one of two small parking lots nearby on Highway 540. The closest access point leads you down a steel zigzag staircase with amazing views from observation platforms. The path connects to Manitoulin’s trail hiking system. You can even hike behind the curtain of the waterfalls for a different perspective.

Seasonal washrooms are available next to the parking lot, as well as a few picnic tables.
 

Elora Quarry in Elora

From the sheer limestone cliffs and white sandy beach to the deep green forest surrounding the inviting teal-coloured shimmering pool almost a full hectare in size, it’s easy to see why this swimming hole is a local favourite.

Located up the Grand River from the town of Elora, an abandoned quarry has become the perfect secluded spot to cool off on a hot summer day. The Elora Quarry is managed and maintained by the Grand River Conservation Authority, and for a fee, visitors can use the park facilities including washrooms, picnic tables and barbecues.

Note that dogs, alcohol or watercrafts are not permitted. Your entrance fee also grants you access to the hiking trail that around the Elora Quarry Conservation Area offering great views of the Grand River.
 

The Cove at Canatara Beach

For all the fun of the beach without any of the worry about currents and waves, check out the Cove at Canatara Beach on Lake Huron. This kid-friendly swimming hole is safely tucked behind a small peninsula at the western end of the beach and awards a great view over Lake Huron.

Not only is the Cove secluded from the currents of Lake Huron, but it’s also nestled away from the crowds at Canatara Beach. Walk over to the beach for snacks and ice cream before settling into this peaceful spot for a picturesque dip and stay for Lake Huron’s legendary sunsets.
 

DeCew Falls in St. Catharines

Located in the heart of Ontario’s most established wine region, Twelve Mile Creeks flows by the heritage Morningstar Mill and over a dramatic cliff into DeCew Falls. This geological gem is part of the Niagara Escarpment.

At the foot of the 22-metre cascade is a scenic little pool, that shines in every season, but is especially inviting on a warm, sunny day, after an energizing hike.

DeCew Falls is accessible by bike or hike via the Bruce Trail, the oldest hiking trail in Canada, which runs along the Niagara Escarpment.

Park at the designated parking lot nearby. Be sure to follow the trail to the bottom of the falls.
 

Paradise Lagoon in Sudbury

Just outside of Wanapitei Provincial Park, the Chiniguchi River runs through the Wolf Lake Forest Reserve down several cataracts into an enchanting swimming basin aptly named Paradise Lagoon, or Blue Lagoon to locals.

It’s a challenge to get to this spot, which makes it even more precious.