Table of Contents
Looking for the best beaches in Ontario for summer 2025? Ontario has no shortage of beaches, but not all are created equal. From childhood weekends at Wasaga to quiet afternoons at Sauble Beach we’ve spent years tracking down the best of the best. Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway on Lake Huron, a family trip to the sandy coves of Georgian Bay, or a peaceful afternoon on the Toronto Islands, this guide covers Ontario’s top beach destinations—each with firsthand tips and up-to-date details to help you make the most of 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 still delivers. Stretching over 14 kilometres, it’s recognized as the world’s longest freshwater beach and offers everything from lively boardwalk spots to quieter, family-friendly sections. The shoreline is broken into eight beach areas—Beach 1 is where the action is, with shops, food stalls, and a younger crowd, while areas like 3 to 6 tend to be calmer. The shallow water and gradual slope make it great for wading, especially with kids in tow. For a change of pace, the adjacent provincial park has forest trails, birdwatching, and picnic areas shaded by towering trees.
This classic Lake Huron destination also offers easy access to water sports like paddleboarding and jet skiing. It’s a beach where you can pack a beach chair, kick back, and make a full day of it. This is why it is our pick for the top beaches in Ontario.
Good to know: Summer weekends bring big crowds. Arrive early to get parking close to your preferred beach area, and check the Ontario Parks website for water quality updates.
2. Grand Bend Beach – Lake Huron
Grand Bend feels like a second home to me. My parents had a cottage there, so I spent countless summers on this beach—swimming, sunbathing, and watching those signature Lake Huron sunsets. It was always one of Ontario’s original beach towns. Back in high school and college, road trips to Grand Bend were a rite of passage. And for one summer, I even performed at the Huron Country Playhouse, just a short drive away.
The beach itself has crystal clear waters, is wide and well-maintained, with soft sand, a designated swimming area, and seasonal lifeguards on duty daily. There’s a long boardwalk and a nearby pier, and Main Street is just steps away, packed with shops, patios, and all the ice cream you could want after a day in the sun. It still strikes that balance between family-friendly and fun-loving.
Good to know: Parking is available but fills up quickly on sunny weekends. Stick around into the evening—Grand Bend’s bar scene and live music spots keep things lively long after sunset.
3. Port Stanley Beach – Lake Erie
Port Stanley has personal roots for me—my sister lived there all her life, so I’ve seen the town evolve firsthand. What was once a quiet fishing village has grown into one of Ontario’s go-to summer spots, without losing its small-town charm. The main beach is wide, sandy, and gently sloped, which makes it ideal for families and casual swimmers. The warm water here is a pleasant surprise for Great Lakes beaches.
Downtown Port Stanley is just a short walk away and filled with cafes, boutiques, and fish-and-chips joints that make the whole experience feel like a proper holiday. The beach area includes a playground, changing facilities, and shaded rest spots.
Good to know: Lifeguards are on duty during summer, and the beach has accessible washrooms. Paid parking is available near the shore, but weekend mornings can get busy.
4. Sauble Beach – Lake Huron
We rolled into Sauble Beach one Friday afternoon and immediately understood why it’s such a summer magnet. The 11-kilometre shoreline has room for just about everything—sunbathing, paddleboarding, kayaking, or grabbing ice cream between swims.
The town itself feels like a classic Ontario beach community, with burger joints, ice cream stands, and boardwalk strolls at sunset. The beach is shallow for a long stretch, making it ideal for families and relaxed swims, while more active visitors can rent paddleboards or jet skis right off the shore. Sauble Beach is also one of the most well-known beaches in Ontario for big groups planning weekend getaways.
Good to know: While access is free, parking fills up fast on weekends and holidays. Bring change or use the mobile app for meters.
5. Sandbanks Provincial Park – Prince Edward County
Some beaches are best for a day trip—Sandbanks is one you’ll want to settle into. Located in Prince Edward County, the park is known for its striking sand dunes and long, sandy stretches that feel almost out of place in Ontario. It’s divided into three main beaches—Outlet Beach, Dunes Beach, and Lakeshore Beach—each with its own vibe. Outlet is the most family-friendly with gentle waters; Dunes feels more remote, tucked behind a rolling landscape; and Lakeshore is a solid middle ground. Add in well-kept campgrounds, hiking trails, and nearby wineries, and it’s no surprise this place books out fast.
Whether you’re into swimming, hiking, or just lounging on the white sand with a cold drink, Sandbanks is a great spot to experience the variety of Ontario’s beaches.
Good to know: Reserve ahead, especially in July and August. Day-use permits often sell out by mid-morning.
6. Cobourg Beach – Lake Ontario
Cobourg Beach always surprises people who think Lake Ontario can’t deliver a proper beach experience. This one proves them wrong. Located just over an hour east of Toronto, Cobourg’s Victoria Park Beach is wide, sandy, and well-maintained, with a laid-back vibe that draws both locals and visitors throughout the summer.
The nearby park is ideal for families, complete with a playground and plenty of space for picnics. The sand is soft, the water is crystal clear, and the setting is postcard perfect.
Good to know: Lifeguards are on duty during summer. Parking is metered and can fill up fast on weekends. Cobourg also hosts events like the Sandcastle Festival, which is worth timing your visit around.
7. Agawa Bay – Lake Superior
Agawa Bay sits within Lake Superior Provincial Park and feels like a true escape into the wild. This beach isn’t just about sun and sand—it’s where dramatic landscapes meet cultural history. The shoreline is framed by boreal forest and rocky cliffs, with a long, curved bay that offers space for both relaxation and reflection.
The water’s cold, the beach is more pebbly than soft, and the scenery is unforgettable. A short drive away, the Agawa Rock Pictographs trail leads to ancient Ojibwe rock art that clings to the cliff face. It’s a powerful experience, and one that sticks with you long after you’ve left.
Good to know: The beach itself is pebbly, not sandy, so water shoes help. Campsites are right by the lake, but this is a remote park—stock up before you arrive.
8. Awenda Provincial Park – Georgian Bay
Awenda isn’t one of the big-name beaches in Ontario, and that’s exactly why we like it. Tucked away near Penetanguishene, this park is quieter than spots like Wasaga or Sandbanks but still offers beautiful shoreline access to Georgian Bay. There are several smaller beaches within the park, each a short hike or bike ride from the campgrounds. The main beach area is sandy with shallow water, perfect for wading, swimming, or paddleboarding.
We’ve visited a few times, and it always feels more secluded than the bigger parks. Surrounded by forest and inland lakes, the area is peaceful and shaded by towering trees. Don’t expect a boardwalk or food stands—this is more of a back-to-nature kind of beach trip.
Good to know: Amenities are minimal, so bring everything you need for the day. Parking is limited, and many beach areas require a short walk from the lot. Good walking shoes help.
9. Killbear Provincial Park – Georgian Bay
Killbear is one of those provincial parks that manages to balance everything—great beaches, scenic hiking, and a real sense of wilderness. Located on the eastern edge of Georgian Bay near Parry Sound, it’s made up of several rocky points and sandy bays, giving visitors a mix of beach options depending on what kind of day they’re after.
The water is classic Georgian Bay—clear, cool, and incredibly clean. Kids can splash in the shallows while adults paddle out or sunbathe on the rocks. And the sunsets from Killbear Point? Easily some of the best in the province.
Good to know: There are several campgrounds within the park, each with different beach access. The terrain can be uneven in places, so water shoes and decent walking footwear come in handy. Watch out for poison ivy—it’s common in this area.
10 Turkey Point Beach – Lake Erie
Turkey Point might not get the same spotlight as Grand Bend or Wasaga, but it’s always felt like a bit of a hidden gem to us. The beach is shallow, sandy, and family-friendly, set along a calm stretch of Lake Erie that’s perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or just floating. It’s especially popular with big groups looking for a laid-back day on the coast.
The nearby provincial park offers trails through the woods, and the area also includes a marina and zip-lining course for more adventurous visitors.
Good to know: There’s paid parking close to the beach and a few restaurants and convenience spots nearby. The beach is dog-friendly in some areas, but rules vary by season, so check ahead.
11. Bon Echo Provincial Park – Mazinaw Lake
Bon Echo is best known for Mazinaw Rock, a towering cliff that rises 100 metres straight out of the lake, but it also has a solid beach that’s worth your time. The main swimming area is located near the park’s South Beach, where a stretch of sandy shoreline opens onto the deep, clear waters of Mazinaw Lake. It’s not a sprawling beach, but it’s peaceful, with plenty of space to swim and paddle.
Paddling across the lake to see the Indigenous pictographs painted on the rock face is one of the most memorable things you can do in the park. It’s a quiet kind of awe that sneaks up on you.
Good to know: South Beach has washrooms, shaded picnic tables, and a gentle slope into the water. The lake gets deep quickly, so strong swimmers will get more out of it than waders.
12. Crystal Beach – Lake Erie
Crystal Beach has gone through quite a transformation over the years. Once home to a famous amusement park, it’s now a well-kept beach town with a clean, soft-sand shoreline that draws families, day-trippers, and anyone looking for a quieter Lake Erie alternative. The water is shallow and surprisingly warm by Ontario standards, making it one of the more swimmable beaches on the Great Lakes.
You’ll find a small but vibrant local scene here—ice cream shops, a few restaurants, and seasonal events that give it a bit of a throwback charm. The beach has been cleaned up a lot in recent years, and now there’s an entrance fee that helps maintain facilities, which include washrooms, change rooms, and lifeguards in season. It’s a great spot to bring a beach chair and spend the entire day soaking up the sun.
Good to know: Access is controlled during summer months and daily passes can sell out. Book online if you’re going on a weekend.
13. Hanlan’s Point Beach – Toronto Islands
Hanlan’s Point is different from every other beach on this list—and not just because it’s clothing-optional. Located on the Toronto Islands, this beach has long been a part of the city’s alternative and LGBTQ+ culture. It’s relaxed, open-minded, and a whole lot quieter than the mainland scene at Woodbine Beach or Sugar Beach.
The beach itself is long, with a mix of sandy and grassy areas, and the water is surprisingly clean for something so close to downtown. On hot days, you’ll get a mix of sunbathers, swimmers, and ferry-goers who’ve made the trip for a change of pace. You don’t have to use the clothing-optional side, but it’s a big part of what gives Hanlan’s its unique, inclusive atmosphere. If you’ve got time, a visit to the nearby Gibraltar Point Lighthouse adds a bit of history to your beach day.
Good to know: The ferry ride from downtown Toronto takes about 15 minutes. Bring your own snacks and drinks—services on the island are limited and spaced out.
14. Centre Island Beach – Toronto Islands
We lived in Toronto for years, and Centre Island Beach was always our go-to when we needed a quick break from the city. It’s also where we had one of our first dates back in 1991—we had an amazing picnic watching the sailboats drift by. The beach hasn’t changed much since then, and that’s part of the charm.
Just a short ferry ride from downtown, Centre Island Beach offers a clean, quiet stretch of sand with calm water, seasonal lifeguards, and a family-friendly atmosphere. It’s a rare kind of place where you can swim, rent a bike, grab a snack, and still feel like you’re far from the city.
Centreville Amusement Park is close by, and the island’s paths are perfect for aimless wandering. Whether you’re here for a few hours or the whole day, it’s an easy, refreshing escape.
Good to know: The ferry gets busy on weekends—book ahead if you can. There are washrooms and food stands near the beach, but bringing your own snacks never hurts.
As you can see, Ontario is really blessed with beaches. The province is unique for beach lovers because it has predominantly freshwater beaches. The pristine nature gives way to beaches that could honestly rival Caribbean destinations.
