Looking for the perfect seashores in Ontario for summer season 2025? Ontario has no scarcity of seashores, however not all are created equal. From childhood weekends at Wasaga to quiet afternoons at Sauble Beach we’ve spent years monitoring down the perfect of the perfect. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway on Lake Huron, a household journey to the sandy coves of Georgian Bay, or a peaceable afternoon on the Toronto Islands, this information covers Ontario’s high seashore locations—every with firsthand suggestions and up-to-date particulars that can assist you profit from your time on the water.
Best Beaches in Ontario in 2025
1. Wasaga Beach – Georgian Bay
We’ve been coming to Wasaga Beach since childhood, and it nonetheless delivers. Stretching over 14 kilometres, it’s acknowledged because the world’s longest freshwater seashore and provides every part from energetic boardwalk spots to quieter, family-friendly sections. The shoreline is damaged into eight seashore areas—Beach 1 is the place the motion is, with outlets, 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 bushes.
This traditional Lake Huron vacation spot additionally provides easy accessibility to water sports activities like paddleboarding and jet snowboarding. It’s a seashore the place you may pack a seashore chair, relax, and make a full day of it. This is why it’s our choose for the highest seashores in Ontario.
Good to know: Summer weekends carry massive crowds. Arrive early to get parking near your most popular seashore space, and examine the Ontario Parks web site for water high quality updates.
2. Grand Bend Beach – Lake Huron
Grand Bend appears like a second dwelling to me. My dad and mom had a cottage there, so I spent numerous summers on this seashore—swimming, sunbathing, and watching these signature Lake Huron sunsets. It was at all times one in all Ontario’s unique seashore cities. Back in highschool and faculty, street journeys to Grand Bend have been a ceremony of passage. And for one summer season, I even carried out on the Huron Country Playhouse, only a brief drive away.
The seashore itself has crystal clear waters, is vast and well-maintained, with mushy sand, a delegated swimming space, and seasonal lifeguards on responsibility each day. There’s an extended boardwalk and a close-by pier, and Main Street is simply steps away, filled with outlets, patios, and all of the ice cream you may need after a day in the solar. It nonetheless strikes that stability between family-friendly and fun-loving.
Good to know: Parking is on the market however fills up shortly on sunny weekends. Stick round into the night—Grand Bend’s bar scene and stay music spots preserve issues energetic lengthy after sundown.
3. Port Stanley Beach – 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 one in all Ontario’s go-to summer season spots, with out shedding its small-town attraction. The important seashore is vast, sandy, and gently sloped, which makes it supreme for households and informal swimmers. The heat water here’s a nice shock for Great Lakes seashores.
Downtown Port Stanley is only a brief stroll away and stuffed 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 season, and the seashore has accessible washrooms. Paid parking is on the market close to the shore, however weekend mornings can get busy.
4. Sauble Beach – Lake Huron
We rolled into Sauble Beach one Friday afternoon and instantly understood why it’s such a summer season magnet. The 11-kilometre shoreline has room for nearly every part—sunbathing, paddleboarding, kayaking, or grabbing ice cream between swims.
The city itself appears 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 supreme for households and relaxed swims, whereas extra lively guests can lease paddleboards or jet skis proper off the shore. Sauble Beach can also be probably the most well-known seashores in Ontario for massive teams planning weekend getaways.
Good to know: While entry is free, parking fills up quick on weekends and holidays. Bring change or use the cell app for meters.
5. Sandbanks Provincial Park – Prince Edward County
Some seashores are greatest for a day journey—Sandbanks is one you’ll wish to settle into. Located in Prince Edward County, the park is understood for its putting sand dunes and lengthy, sandy stretches that really feel nearly misplaced in Ontario. It’s divided into three important seashores—Outlet Beach, Dunes Beach, and Lakeshore Beach—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, mountain climbing trails, and close by wineries, and it’s no shock this place books out quick.
Whether you’re into swimming, mountain 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 Beach – Lake Ontario
Cobourg Beach at all times surprises individuals who suppose Lake Ontario can’t ship a correct seashore expertise. This one proves them mistaken. Located simply over an hour east of Toronto, Cobourg’s Victoria Park Beach is vast, sandy, and well-maintained, with a laid-back vibe that attracts each locals and guests all through the summer season.
The close by park is good for households, full with a playground and loads of area 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 season. Parking is metered and might replenish quick on weekends. Cobourg additionally hosts occasions just like the Sandcastle Festival, which is value timing your go to round.
7. Agawa Bay – Lake Superior
Agawa Bay sits inside Lake Superior Provincial Park and appears 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 area for each rest 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 historic Ojibwe rock artwork that adheres to the cliff face. It’s a robust expertise, and one which sticks with you lengthy after you’ve left.
Good to know: The seashore itself is pebbly, not sandy, so water footwear assist. Campsites are proper by the lake, however it is 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 provides lovely shoreline entry to Georgian Bay. There are a number of smaller seashores throughout the park, every a brief hike or bike trip from the campgrounds. The important seashore space is sandy with shallow water, good for wading, swimming, or paddleboarding.
We’ve visited a number of occasions, and it at all times feels extra secluded than the larger parks. Surrounded by forest and inland lakes, the realm is peaceable and shaded by towering bushes. Don’t count on a boardwalk or meals stands—that is extra of a back-to-nature sort of seashore journey.
Good to know: Amenities are minimal, so carry every part you want for the day. Parking is restricted, and plenty of seashore areas require a brief stroll from the lot. Good strolling footwear assist.
9. Killbear Provincial Park – Georgian Bay
Killbear is a kind of provincial parks that manages to stability every part—nice seashores, scenic mountain climbing, and an actual sense of wilderness. Located on the jap 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. Kids can splash in the shallows whereas adults paddle out or sunbathe on the rocks. And the sunsets from Killbear Point? Easily a few of the greatest in the province.
Good to know: There are a number of campgrounds throughout the park, every with completely different seashore entry. The terrain will be uneven in locations, so water footwear and respectable strolling footwear come in helpful. Watch out for poison ivy—it’s widespread in this space.
10 Turkey Point Beach – Lake Erie
Turkey Point may not get the identical highlight as Grand Bend or Wasaga, nevertheless it’s at all times 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 common with massive teams wanting for a laid-back day on the coast.
The close by provincial park provides trails by means 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 greatest identified for Mazinaw Rock, a towering cliff that rises 100 metres straight out of the lake, nevertheless it additionally has a strong seashore that’s value your time. The important swimming space is situated close to the park’s South Beach, the place a stretch of sandy shoreline opens onto the deep, clear waters of Mazinaw Lake. It’s not a sprawling seashore, nevertheless it’s peaceable, with loads of area 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 in the park. It’s a quiet sort of awe that sneaks up on you.
Good to know: South Beach has washrooms, shaded picnic tables, and a delicate slope into the water. The lake will get deep shortly, so sturdy swimmers will get extra out of it than waders.
12. Crystal Beach – Lake Erie
Crystal Beach has gone by means of fairly a metamorphosis over time. Once dwelling to a well-known amusement park, it’s now a well-kept seashore city with a clear, soft-sand shoreline that attracts households, day-trippers, and anybody wanting for a quieter Lake Erie different. The water is shallow and surprisingly heat by Ontario requirements, making it one of many extra swimmable seashores on the Great Lakes.
You’ll discover a small however vibrant native scene right here—ice cream outlets, a number of eating places, and seasonal occasions that give it a little bit of a throwback attraction. The seashore has been cleaned up loads in latest years, and now there’s an entrance price that helps preserve amenities, which embrace washrooms, change rooms, and lifeguards in season. It’s a terrific spot to carry a seashore chair and spend the complete day absorbing the solar.
Good to know: Access is managed throughout summer season months and each day passes can promote out. Book on-line in the event you’re going on a weekend.
13. Hanlan’s Point Beach – Toronto Islands
Hanlan’s Point is completely different from each different seashore on this record—and never simply because it’s clothing-optional. Located on the Toronto Islands, this seashore has lengthy been part of the town’s different and LGBTQ+ tradition. It’s relaxed, open-minded, and a complete lot quieter than the mainland scene at Woodbine Beach or Sugar Beach.
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 scorching 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, nevertheless it’s an enormous a part of what provides Hanlan’s its distinctive, inclusive environment. If you’ve bought time, a go to to the close by Gibraltar Point Lighthouse provides a little bit of historical past to your seashore day.
Good to know: The ferry trip from downtown Toronto takes about quarter-hour. Bring your individual snacks and drinks—companies on the island are restricted and spaced out.
14. Centre Island Beach – Toronto Islands
We lived in Toronto for years, and Centre Island Beach was at all times our go-to once we wanted a fast break from the town. It’s additionally the place we had one in all 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 attraction.
Just a brief ferry trip from downtown, Centre Island Beach provides a clear, quiet stretch of sand with calm water, seasonal lifeguards, and a family-friendly environment. It’s a uncommon sort of place the place you may swim, lease a motorbike, seize a snack, and nonetheless really feel such as you’re removed from the town.
Centreville Amusement Park is shut by, and the island’s paths are good for aimless wandering. Whether you’re right here for a number of hours or the entire day, it’s a simple, refreshing escape.
Good to know: The ferry will get busy on weekends—guide forward in the event you can. There are washrooms and meals stands close to the seashore, however bringing your individual snacks by no means hurts.
As you may see, Ontario is de facto blessed with seashores. The province is exclusive for seashore lovers as a result of it has predominantly freshwater seashores. The pristine nature provides approach to seashores that might actually rival Caribbean locations.