On the lookout for the very best seashores in Ontario to go to this summer time? Whether or not you’re craving mushy white sand, heat waters, or a family-friendly escape only a few hours from Toronto, this up to date 2025 information has you coated. We’ve traveled the province to search out the highest spots for stress-free, swimming, or snapping that good lakeside sundown. So seize your towel—Ontario’s seashores are higher than ever.
Finest Seashores in Ontario in 2025
1. Wasaga Seaside – Georgian Bay
We’ve been coming to Wasaga Seaside since childhood, and it nonetheless delivers. Stretching over 14 kilometres, it’s acknowledged because the world’s longest freshwater seashore and gives every thing from full of life boardwalk spots to quieter, family-friendly sections. The shoreline is damaged into eight seashore areas—Seaside 1 is the place the motion is, with retailers, meals stalls, and a youthful crowd, whereas areas like 3 to six are usually 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 easy accessibility to water sports activities like paddleboarding and jet snowboarding. It’s a seashore the place you’ll be able to pack a seashore chair, chill, and make a full day of it. This is the reason it’s our choose for the highest seashores in Ontario.
Good to know: Summer time weekends carry massive 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 Seaside – Lake Huron
Grand Bend looks like a second residence 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 considered one of Ontario’s unique seashore cities. Again in highschool and faculty, highway journeys to Grand Bend had been a ceremony of passage. And for one summer time, I even carried out on the Huron Nation Playhouse, only a quick drive away.
The seashore itself has crystal clear waters, is vast and well-maintained, with mushy sand, a chosen swimming space, and seasonal lifeguards on responsibility every day. There’s an extended boardwalk and a close-by pier, and Important Road is simply steps away, full of retailers, patios, and all of the ice cream you may need after a day within the solar. It nonetheless strikes that steadiness between family-friendly and fun-loving.
Good to know: Parking is on the market however fills up rapidly on sunny weekends. Stick round into the night—Grand Bend’s bar scene and reside music spots preserve issues full of life lengthy after sundown.
3. Port Stanley Seaside – 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 considered one of Ontario’s go-to summer time spots, with out shedding its small-town allure. The primary seashore is vast, sandy, and gently sloped, which makes it splendid for households and informal swimmers. The nice and cozy water here’s a nice shock for Nice Lakes seashores.
Downtown Port Stanley is only a quick stroll away and crammed with 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 time, and the seashore has accessible washrooms. Paid parking is on the market close to the shore, however weekend mornings can get busy.
4. Sauble Seaside – Lake Huron
We rolled into Sauble Seaside one Friday afternoon and instantly understood why it’s such a summer time magnet. The 11-kilometre shoreline has room for nearly every thing—sunbathing, paddleboarding, kayaking, or grabbing ice cream between swims.
The city itself looks like a traditional Ontario seashore neighborhood, with burger joints, ice cream stands, and boardwalk strolls at sundown. The seashore is shallow for an extended stretch, making it splendid for households and relaxed swims, whereas extra energetic guests can hire paddleboards or jet skis proper off the shore. Sauble Seaside can also be one of the well-known seashores in Ontario for giant teams planning weekend getaways.
Good to know: Whereas entry is free, parking fills up quick on weekends and holidays. Deliver 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. Positioned in Prince Edward County, the park is thought for its placing sand dunes and lengthy, sandy stretches that really feel nearly misplaced in Ontario. It’s divided into three primary seashores—Outlet Seaside, Dunes Seaside, and Lakeshore Seaside—every with its personal vibe. Outlet is probably the most family-friendly with mild 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 or not you’re into swimming, climbing, or simply lounging on the white sand with a chilly drink, Sandbanks is a superb spot to expertise the number of Ontario’s seashores.
Good to know: Reserve forward, particularly in July and August. Day-use permits typically promote out by mid-morning.
6. Cobourg Seaside – Lake Ontario
Cobourg Seaside all the time surprises individuals who suppose Lake Ontario can’t ship a correct seashore expertise. This one proves them mistaken. Positioned simply over an hour east of Toronto, Cobourg’s Victoria Park Seaside is vast, sandy, and well-maintained, with a laid-back vibe that pulls each locals and guests all through the summer time.
The close by park is right for households, full with a playground and loads of house for picnics. The sand is mushy, the water is crystal clear, and the setting is postcard good.
Good to know: Lifeguards are on responsibility throughout summer time. Parking is metered and might refill quick on weekends. Cobourg additionally hosts occasions just like the Sandcastle Pageant, which is price timing your go to round.
7. Agawa Bay – Lake Superior
Agawa Bay sits inside Lake Superior Provincial Park and looks 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 an extended, curved bay that provides house for each leisure and reflection.
The water’s chilly, the seashore is extra pebbly than mushy, and the surroundings is unforgettable. A brief drive away, the Agawa Rock Pictographs path results in historical Ojibwe rock artwork that adheres to the cliff face. It’s a strong expertise, and one which sticks with you lengthy after you’ve left.
Good to know: The seashore itself is pebbly, not sandy, so water sneakers assist. Campsites are proper by the lake, however this can be a distant park—top off 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 journey from the campgrounds. The primary seashore space is sandy with shallow water, good for wading, swimming, or paddleboarding.
We’ve visited a couple of occasions, and it all the time feels extra secluded than the larger parks. Surrounded by forest and inland lakes, the realm is peaceable and shaded by towering timber. Don’t count on a boardwalk or meals stands—that is extra of a back-to-nature form of seashore journey.
Good to know: Facilities are minimal, so carry every thing you want for the day. Parking is restricted, and plenty of seashore areas require a brief stroll from the lot. Good strolling sneakers assist.
9. Killbear Provincial Park – Georgian Bay
Killbear is a type of provincial parks that manages to steadiness every thing—nice seashores, scenic climbing, and an actual sense of wilderness. Positioned on the japanese 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. Youngsters can splash within the shallows whereas adults paddle out or sunbathe on the rocks. And the sunsets from Killbear Level? Simply among 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 sneakers and respectable strolling footwear turn out to be useful. Be careful for poison ivy—it’s widespread on this space.
10. Turkey Level Seaside – Lake Erie
Turkey Level 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 well-liked with massive teams searching for a laid-back day on the coast.
The close by provincial park gives trails by way of the woods, and the realm 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 differ by season, so examine forward.
11. Bon Echo Provincial Park – Mazinaw Lake
Bon Echo is finest recognized 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 price your time. The primary swimming space is situated close to the park’s South Seaside, 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 house to swim and paddle.
Paddling throughout the lake to see the Indigenous pictographs painted on the rock face is without doubt one of the most memorable issues you are able to do within the park. It’s a quiet form of awe that sneaks up on you.
Good to know: South Seaside 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 Seaside – Lake Erie
Crystal Seaside has gone by way of fairly a change through the years. As soon as residence 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 searching for 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 Nice Lakes.
You’ll discover a small however vibrant native scene right here—ice cream retailers, a couple of eating places, and seasonal occasions that give it a little bit of a throwback allure. The seashore has been cleaned up quite a bit lately, and now there’s an entrance charge that helps keep amenities, which embody washrooms, change rooms, and lifeguards in season. It’s an important spot to carry a seashore chair and spend the whole day absorbing the solar.
Good to know: Entry is managed throughout summer time months and every day passes can promote out. E-book on-line if you happen to’re occurring a weekend.
13. Hanlan’s Level Seaside – Toronto Islands
Hanlan’s Level is totally different from each different seashore on this record—and never simply because it’s clothing-optional. Positioned 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 Seaside or Sugar Seaside.
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 a giant a part of what offers Hanlan’s its distinctive, inclusive ambiance. For those who’ve bought time, a go to to the close by Gibraltar Level Lighthouse provides a little bit of historical past to your seashore day.
Good to know: The ferry journey from downtown Toronto takes about quarter-hour. Deliver your individual snacks and drinks—companies on the island are restricted and spaced out.
14. Centre Island Seaside – Toronto Islands
We lived in Toronto for years, and Centre Island Seaside was all the time our go-to after we wanted a fast break from town. It’s additionally the place we had considered one of our first dates again in 1991—we had a tremendous picnic watching the sailboats drift by. The seashore hasn’t modified a lot since then, and that’s a part of the allure.
Only a quick ferry journey from downtown, Centre Island Seaside gives a clear, quiet stretch of sand with calm water, seasonal lifeguards, and a family-friendly ambiance. It’s a uncommon form of place the place you’ll be able to swim, hire 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 or not you’re right here for a couple of hours or the entire day, it’s a straightforward, refreshing escape.
Good to know: The ferry will get busy on weekends—guide forward if you happen to can. There are washrooms and meals stands close to the seashore, however bringing your individual snacks by no means hurts.
Examine the Finest Seashores in Ontario
| Seaside | Closest Metropolis | Good For | Water Temp (avg) | Parking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wasaga Seaside | Collingwood | Households, sandbars | 22°C | Paid |
| Sandbanks | Picton | Tenting, 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 Seashores in Ontario (2025)
Grand Bend Seaside and Port Dover are recognized for his or her heat, shallow waters, good for swimming throughout the sizzling summer time months.
Wasaga Seaside, Sandbanks, and Port Stanley all provide shallow waters, restrooms, and close by ice cream—key for a kid-friendly time out.
Sure! Head to Bluffers Park Seaside or Woodbine Seaside for a fast metropolis escape. They’re each only a quick drive or transit journey away.
Sure, however make sure to examine water high quality advisories, particularly in metropolis areas like Toronto. Seashores like Cherry and Woodbine often have good circumstances in summer time.
As you’ll be able to see, Ontario is admittedly blessed with seashores. The province is exclusive for seashore lovers as a result of it has predominantly freshwater seashores. The pristine nature offers approach to seashores that would actually rival Caribbean locations.
