Stunning white sand beaches in Ontario

Southwestern Ontario

Point Pelee National Park and Pelee Island on Lake Erie

Point Pelee National Park is the southernmost national park in Canada and the most ecologically diverse. From marshlands to forests and birds to butterflies, there’s plenty to enjoy in this national gem, including a day at the beach.

The 20 kilometre stretch of sandy waterfront is the longest continuous beach in Essex County, perfect for picnics, sandcastles and sunbathing. Northwest Beach and West Beach are popular access points with comfort facilities.

A 90-minute ferry ride from Leamington or Kingsville transports you to Pelee Island. Famous for its vineyards and relaxed island vibe, several beautiful beaches invite you to stop and enjoy the view. A long, scenic sandspit extends into the lake at Fish Point Provincial Nature Reserve. The park is also a great spot for bird watching. Sunset and East Park beaches are also lovely spots for beachgoers looking to spend time by the water.

Canatara Beach on Lake Huron

Opening up to the bright blue waters of Lake Huron, Canatara Beach stretches along a lovely section of the shoreline just outside of the town of Sarnia. Right across the border of Michigan, the picturesque Blue Coast town is the perfect place for a family beach day.

For more adventure, Canatara Park has several playgrounds, a BMX track, plenty of hiking trails, an animal farm and a mini train that transports kids around the park.

Visitors to the beach can also go wakeboarding, sailing, kayaking and fishing along the shoreline. And, of course, there’s nothing wrong with spending your beach day spread out on a towel with a good book.

A few minutes’ walk from the park, the Cove swimming basin is a safe and enjoyable place for a dip. Canatara Beach is a designated Blue Flag beach, demonstrating its commitment to clean water and swimmer safety.

Port Stanley Beach on Lake Erie

Nestled on the north shore of Lake Erie at the mouth of Kettle Creek, the harbour village of Port Stanley is home to Main Beach and the less bustling Erie Rest Beach, Little Beach and Pumphouse Beach.

Main Beach is a beautiful, long sandy stretch that has earned the official Blue Flag status for its excellent care, water quality, environmental responsibility and safety measures.

Mobile mats are available, making the beach accessible to people using wheelchairs, walkers or strollers. You’ll also find accessible washrooms and changing facilities on-site.

Enjoy swimming, sunbathing, boating and water sports. Canoe, kayak, paddleboat and SUP rentals are available at Bridgeview Marina. Besides sand and sun, the beach has a beach volleyball court, boardwalk and lifeguarding service during peak season.

Paid parking is in effect for the beach to help direct and maintain traffic flow throughout the day. Main Beach attracts thousands of beachgoers each season, so parking elsewhere in town is often the easiest way to enjoy the beach hassle-free.

Long Point Beach on Lake Erie

Located within Ontario’s fourth oldest provincial park and World Heritage biosphere, Long Point Beach boasts 1.5 kilometres of beautiful sandy shoreline.

It makes for a perfect family destination that’s under a two-hour car ride from Hamilton. The beach features soft sand and warm and shallow waters. Amenities include picnic areas, washrooms, pet exercise zones and laundromat facilities.

Long Point is also one of North America’s largest bird and waterfowl migration zones, with over 300 species passing through each year. Long Point Bay offers excellent opportunities for fishing, boating, kayaking and wildlife viewing.

For day-trippers, the popular day-use area in the New Park is open daily until 10:00 p.m. and offers parking for over 650 vehicles. Families will appreciate the picnic areas with tables, 12 barbeques and two comfort stations. Daily vehicle permits can be reserved up to five days in advance.

Southeastern Ontario

Big Sandy Bay Beach on Wolfe Island

Wolfe Island is an idyllic destination located at the entrance of the St. Lawrence River, just minutes away from Kingston by ferry. One standout natural attraction on the island is Big Sandy Bay Beach. This hidden beach offers a peaceful setting to escape and embrace the sunshine.

Visitors are encouraged to look out for the diverse coastal ecology. Provincially rare birds and trees have been spotted in the area, making the Big Sandy Bay Beach a flourishing wildlife habitat.

Admission is free for children under the age of five.

Greater Toronto Area

Toronto Islands beaches

When visiting the city of Toronto, you may be surprised to discover a natural haven just a short boat ride from the harbourfront.

The Toronto Islands are a collection of 15 car-free, connected islands that feature gardens, forests, parks and gorgeous sandy beaches. Regularly scheduled ferry service from the mainland will bring you to one of three island docks in just 15 minutes. Centre Island Beach, a few minutes’ walk from the ferry port, is one of the most popular Toronto Islands beaches.

You’ll find soft white sand giving way to the waves of Lake Ontario. This is a great beach for families, as there are concession stands nearby and lifeguards on duty.

Just west of Centre Island Beach is Gibraltar Point Beach, a quieter spot with a gorgeous lake view. The white sand is ideal for laying out a towel and catching some sun before going for a dip in the lake. The Gibraltar Point Lighthouse, built in the 1800s, is just a few minutes’ walk from the beach.

If you continue further along the shoreline, you’ll reach Hanlan’s Point Beach, a local favourite as it’s even quieter. The vast beach has plenty of space to relax on the soft sand, as well as a designated clothing-optional section. Make sure to bring some snacks and a water bottle since there are no concession stands on this beach.

One of the perks of the Toronto Islands is walkability. The islands and beaches are just a short walk from one another, so you can spend your lake day hopping from beach to beach with ease.

Kawarthas and Northumberland

Cobourg Beach on Lake Ontario

Located on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, east of Toronto, this scenic white sand beach is the ideal summer hangout. With close proximity to the charming town of Cobourg, as well as a bustling boardwalk along the beach, there’s lots to do beyond the soft sand and rushing waves.

Families with young kids will love the splash pad at Cobourg Beach. Overnight camping is available at the Victoria Park Campgrounds adjacent to the beach. Walk along the pier to see the historic Cobourg East Pierhead Lighthouse, which gets bathed in picturesque waves every few minutes. Victoria Park has several pavilions, so you can bring your lunch and get a break from the sunshine.

Bruce, Grey and Simcoe

Saugeen Beach on Lake Huron

Perhaps the most luxurious white sand beach in Ontario, Saugeen Beach, and nearby Sauble Beach, are among Ontario’s most highly sought-after beach destinations.

Because it’s so popular, the town has taken several precautions to protect the natural environment and the community. As such, there are washrooms and garbage bins conveniently located along all 10 kilometres of beach.

Once you enter through the iconic Saugeen Beach archway, a great photo opportunity, find a spot on the sand and frolic towards the lake to enjoy the water. Beachgoers enjoy windsurfing, wakeboarding, fishing, sailing and swimming in the beautiful blue Lake Huron waters.

Saugeen Beach truly feels like an island getaway with its long stretches of warm, shallow water that give way to the shining white sand underneath.

Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma

Spruce Beach on Elliot Lake

Nestled in the secluded community of Elliot Lake, this small beach is the perfect place to bring your kids on a warm summer day. The beach is famous for the rock protruding from the water, which kids love to swim out to, climb and jump off.

The water in Elliot Lake is crystal clear, especially by the beach, which has a designated swimming area. Lifeguards are present during certain times of the day. White sand is ideal for sandcastles or volleyball courts. Despite its size, this beach still feels spacious.

Spruce Beach has a stunning view of the towering trees on Sylvah Island, just a few kilometres into the water. It’s also conveniently located right by the town of Elliot Lake, the boat launch and the alternative Spine Beach.

Agawa Bay Beach on Lake Superior

Located in Lake Superior Provincial Park, this beach and campground are beautiful spots to admire the majestic Lake Superior, from swimming and sunning to watching the sunset over the horizon. The largest of the Great Lakes, Lake Superior, is clean and refreshing, albeit a little chilly.

There are several amazing hiking trails in the park, but if you’d rather just relax on the beach, take a refreshing dip or watch the crashing waves, Agawa Bay is the place to be.

Note, also along Superior’s coast, the beaches at Batchawana Bay, Pancake Bay Provincial Parks and the stretch of coast at Sandy Beach Eco-Interpretive Park in Wawa are equally sublime.

Niagara Region

Crystal Beach in Fort Erie

Often named one of Fort Erie’s most popular tourist destinations, Bay Beach, also known as Crystal Beach, offers visitors soft white sand and crystal-clear waters. There are plenty of restaurants and patios along the beach where you can purchase cold drinks to sip on beachside. Boutiques and clothing stores in the area are the perfect place to buy that sun hat or beach umbrella you’ve always wanted.

Crystal Beach is equipped with washrooms, a water bottle filling station, playgrounds and an accessible ramp providing access across the shoreline to the water.

Northeastern Ontario

Shabogesic Beach on Lake Nipissing

Enjoy a warm stretch of sandy beach on the shores of Lake Nipissing, just minutes from downtown North Bay.

The beach is ideal for an afternoon of water-based fun, from swimming to paddling or simply sunbathing on the sand.

Access the beach from Memorial Drive. Facilities include public restrooms, a playground and picnic tables. Some parking is available

Whether you’re an avid beachgoer looking to create a sandcastle empire with your friends, or you just want to plant your beach chair and get stuck into your favourite book, beaches in Ontario provide a fun time for everyone.