Ontario has hundreds of public beaches to enjoy in the summer, but this page focuses on the larger, special attractions that you may wish to visit for a weekend or longer.
Most of this site is organized by regions, but this section on Beaches and Beach Towns is organized by waterways. The 6 waterways included in this section are:
Lake Erie – Lake Huron – Lake Ontario – Lake Superior – Niagara River – St Lawrence River.
The top two beaches for each location (gleaned from a wide range of sources, not just our own opinions) will be highlighted at the top of each list. Each beach listing will also include the nearest town, the length of the beach, and the nearest Provincial or National Park. Where available, we will also note UNESCO sites and Blue Flag status. In Canada, 26 beaches have earned official Blue Flag status for their commitment to strict water quality and safety criteria.
Lake Erie
PORT STANLEY BEACH
Port Stanley – Elgin County
Nearest Town: Port Stanley
Port Stanley Main Beach length: not available
Port Stanley Little Beach length: 185 meters / 607 feet
Nearest Provincial Park: Port Bruce Provincial Park
Blue Flag Status
Port Stanley Little Beach is located in the eastern part of Port Stanley not far from Main Beach, and is best suited for families with small children. The beach has shallow water and is well protected by the east berm making it more secluded. Little Beach boasts a sandy beach stretching 185 metres long.
PORT DOVER
Port Dover – Norfolk County / Lake Erie
Port Glasgow – Elgin County / Lake Erie
Port Stanley Beach – Elgin County / Lake Erie
Long Point – Norfolk County / Lake Erie (UNESCO site)
Turkey Point – Norfolk County / Lake Erie
Port Burwell – Elgin County / Lake Erie
Long Point – Norfolk County / Lake Erie (UNESCO site)
Fish Point / Pelee Island – Essex County / Lake Erie
Point Pelee / Pelee Island – Essex County / Lake Erie
Erieau – Chatham-Kent Region / Lake Erie
Rondeau – Chatham-Kent Region / Lake Erie
Rock Point – Haldimand County / Lake Erie
Lake Huron
SAUBLE BEACH
Sauble Beach / South Bruce Peninsula / Bruce County
Length of Beach: 11 km
Near: Sauble Falls Provincial Park
Sauble Beach is said to be the second longest freshwater beach in the world after Wasaga Beach.
GRAND BEND
Grand Bend – Lambton County / Lake Huron
PINERY
Pinery – Lambton County / Lake Huron
WASAGA BEACH
Wasaga Beach / Simcoe County
Length of Beach: 14 km
In: Wasaga Beach Provincial Park
Wasaga Beach is the longest freshwater beach in the world. The park includes 6.8 hectares of natural area that protects wildlife habitat and nesting shorebirds, and over 50 kilometers of hiking trails. The beach is divided into 8 small sections – 6 of which are public beaches that are numbered one through 6, from east to west. Beach 1 is the most popular and touristy, with bars, beach-themed shops and fast food restaurants, attracting primarily young adults. Popularity declines as you move west. Beaches 2, 3 and 4 offer shade from ttes and a bike trail. Beaches 5 and 6 have many seasonal cottages.
Canatara Park – Lambton County / Lake Huron
Singing Sands Beach – Northern Bruce Peninsula – Bruce County / Lake Huron
Lion’s Head Beach, Bruce Peninsula – Bruce County / Lake Huron
The Grotto, Bruce Peninsula National Park – Bruce County / Lake Huron
Sauble Beach, South Bruce Peninsula – Bruce County / Lake Huron
Southampton Beach – Bruce County / Lake Huron
Tiny Township – Simcoe County / Georgian Bay – Lake Huron
Tobermorey
Providence Bay, Manitoulin Island / Lake Huron
Manitoulin Island is the world’s largest freshwater island, with over 1600 kilometres of coastline. Providence Bay is the largest sandy beach on the island and includes a lengthy boardwalk. The Island is also home to rustic, quiet towns and villages.
Lake Ontario
Picton – Prince Edward County / Lake Ontario
Sandbanks – Prince Edward County / Lake Ontario
North Beach – Prince Edward County / Lake Ontario
Cobourg Beach – Northumberland County / Lake Ontario
Presqu’ile – Northumberland County / Lake Ontario
Lake Superior
Agawa Bay – Algoma District / Lake Superior
Pancake Bay – Algoma District / Lake Superior
Niagara River
best beaches still to come
St Lawrence River
St. Lawrence Parks / Stormont, Dundas & Glengarry / St Lawrence River
Glengarry Beach and Picnic Area
Long Sault Parkway
Farran Park Beach and Picnic Area
Crysler Beach and Picnic Area
Brown’s Bay Beach and Picnic Area
Charlottenburgh Park Beach, Mille Roches Beach, Brown’s Bay Beach, Glengarry Beach, Woodlands Beach and Farran Park Beach
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