Searching for the very best 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 Seashore we’ve spent years monitoring down the very best of the very best. Whether or not 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 seaside locations—every with firsthand suggestions and up-to-date particulars that will help you benefit from your time on the water.
Finest Seashores in Ontario in 2025
1. Wasaga Seashore – Georgian Bay
We’ve been coming to Wasaga Seashore since childhood, and it nonetheless delivers. Stretching over 14 kilometres, it’s acknowledged because the world’s longest freshwater seaside and presents all the things from full of life boardwalk spots to quieter, family-friendly sections. The shoreline is damaged into eight seaside areas—Seashore 1 is the place the motion is, with retailers, meals stalls, and a youthful crowd, whereas areas like 3 to six are typically calmer. The shallow water and gradual slope make it nice for wading, particularly with youngsters in tow. For a change of tempo, the adjoining provincial park has forest trails, birdwatching, and picnic areas shaded by towering bushes.
This basic Lake Huron vacation spot additionally presents quick access to water sports activities like paddleboarding and jet snowboarding. It’s a seaside the place you possibly can pack a seaside chair, sit back, 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 season weekends convey massive crowds. Arrive early to get parking near your most popular seaside space, and test the Ontario Parks web site for water high quality updates.
2. Grand Bend Seashore – Lake Huron
Grand Bend looks like a second dwelling to me. My mother and father had a cottage there, so I spent numerous summers on this seaside—swimming, sunbathing, and watching these signature Lake Huron sunsets. It was at all times one in all Ontario’s unique seaside cities. Again in highschool and faculty, street journeys to Grand Bend had been a ceremony of passage. And for one summer season, I even carried out on the Huron Nation Playhouse, only a quick drive away.
The seaside itself has crystal clear waters, is huge and well-maintained, with mushy sand, a chosen swimming space, and seasonal lifeguards on obligation day by day. There’s a protracted boardwalk and a close-by pier, and Predominant Avenue is simply steps away, filled with retailers, patios, and all of the ice cream you could possibly need after a day within the solar. It nonetheless strikes that stability 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 dwell music spots preserve issues full of life lengthy after sundown.
3. Port Stanley Seashore – 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 dropping its small-town appeal. The principle seaside is huge, sandy, and gently sloped, which makes it perfect 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 stuffed with cafes, boutiques, and fish-and-chips joints that make the entire expertise really feel like a correct vacation. The seaside space features a playground, altering amenities, and shaded relaxation spots.
Good to know: Lifeguards are on obligation throughout summer season, and the seaside has accessible washrooms. Paid parking is on the market close to the shore, however weekend mornings can get busy.
4. Sauble Seashore – Lake Huron
We rolled into Sauble Seashore one Friday afternoon and instantly understood why it’s such a summer season magnet. The 11-kilometre shoreline has room for almost all the things—sunbathing, paddleboarding, kayaking, or grabbing ice cream between swims.
The city itself looks like a basic Ontario seaside neighborhood, with burger joints, ice cream stands, and boardwalk strolls at sundown. The seaside is shallow for a protracted stretch, making it perfect for households and relaxed swims, whereas extra lively guests can hire paddleboards or jet skis proper off the shore. Sauble Seashore can 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 cellular 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. Situated in Prince Edward County, the park is thought for its putting sand dunes and lengthy, sandy stretches that really feel nearly misplaced in Ontario. It’s divided into three important seashores—Outlet Seashore, Dunes Seashore, and Lakeshore Seashore—every with its personal vibe. Outlet is probably the most family-friendly with light 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 or not you’re into swimming, mountain climbing, or simply lounging on the white sand with a chilly drink, Sandbanks is a good 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 Seashore – Lake Ontario
Cobourg Seashore at all times surprises individuals who suppose Lake Ontario can’t ship a correct seaside expertise. This one proves them incorrect. Situated simply over an hour east of Toronto, Cobourg’s Victoria Park Seashore is huge, sandy, and well-maintained, with a laid-back vibe that pulls 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 excellent.
Good to know: Lifeguards are on obligation throughout summer season. Parking is metered and might refill quick on weekends. Cobourg additionally hosts occasions just like the Sandcastle Pageant, which is value 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 seaside 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 a protracted, curved bay that provides area for each rest and reflection.
The water’s chilly, the seaside 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 seaside itself is pebbly, not sandy, so water sneakers assist. Campsites are proper by the lake, however it is a distant park—replenish 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 presents lovely shoreline entry to Georgian Bay. There are a number of smaller seashores throughout the park, every a brief hike or bike journey from the campgrounds. The principle seaside space is sandy with shallow water, excellent 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 seaside journey.
Good to know: Facilities are minimal, so convey all the things you want for the day. Parking is restricted, and plenty of seaside 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 stability all the things—nice seashores, scenic mountain climbing, and an actual sense of wilderness. Situated 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 seaside choices relying on what sort of day they’re after.
The water is basic 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 a few of the greatest within the province.
Good to know: There are a number of campgrounds throughout the park, every with completely different seaside 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 Seashore – Lake Erie
Turkey Level may not get the identical highlight as Grand Bend or Wasaga, however it’s at all times felt like a little bit of a hidden gem to us. The seaside is shallow, sandy, and family-friendly, set alongside a relaxed stretch of Lake Erie that’s excellent for swimming, paddleboarding, or simply floating. It’s particularly common with massive teams in search of a laid-back day on the coast.
The close by provincial park presents 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 seaside and some eating places and comfort spots close by. The seaside is dog-friendly in some areas, however guidelines range by season, so test 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, however it additionally has a strong seaside that’s value your time. The principle swimming space is positioned close to the park’s South Seashore, the place a stretch of sandy shoreline opens onto the deep, clear waters of Mazinaw Lake. It’s not a sprawling seaside, however 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 within the park. It’s a quiet sort of awe that sneaks up on you.
Good to know: South Seashore has washrooms, shaded picnic tables, and a delicate slope into the water. The lake will get deep rapidly, so sturdy swimmers will get extra out of it than waders.
12. Crystal Seashore – Lake Erie
Crystal Seashore has gone by way of fairly a change over time. As soon as dwelling to a well-known amusement park, it’s now a well-kept seaside city with a clear, soft-sand shoreline that pulls households, day-trippers, and anybody in search of 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 Nice Lakes.
You’ll discover a small however vibrant native scene right here—ice cream retailers, a number of eating places, and seasonal occasions that give it a little bit of a throwback appeal. The seaside has been cleaned up rather a lot lately, and now there’s an entrance charge that helps preserve amenities, which embrace washrooms, change rooms, and lifeguards in season. It’s a fantastic spot to convey a seaside chair and spend your complete day absorbing the solar.
Good to know: Entry is managed throughout summer season months and day by day passes can promote out. Ebook on-line for those who’re occurring a weekend.
13. Hanlan’s Level Seashore – Toronto Islands
Hanlan’s Level is completely different from each different seaside on this listing—and never simply because it’s clothing-optional. Situated on the Toronto Islands, this seaside has lengthy been part of town’s different and LGBTQ+ tradition. It’s relaxed, open-minded, and a complete lot quieter than the mainland scene at Woodbine Seashore or Sugar Seashore.
The seaside 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 facet, however it’s a giant a part of what provides Hanlan’s its distinctive, inclusive ambiance. If you happen to’ve received time, a go to to the close by Gibraltar Level Lighthouse provides a little bit of historical past to your seaside day.
Good to know: The ferry journey from downtown Toronto takes about quarter-hour. Deliver your personal snacks and drinks—companies on the island are restricted and spaced out.
14. Centre Island Seashore – Toronto Islands
We lived in Toronto for years, and Centre Island Seashore was at all times our go-to once we wanted a fast break from 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 seaside hasn’t modified a lot since then, and that’s a part of the appeal.
Only a quick ferry journey from downtown, Centre Island Seashore presents a clear, quiet stretch of sand with calm water, seasonal lifeguards, and a family-friendly ambiance. It’s a uncommon sort of place the place you possibly can swim, hire a motorbike, 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 excellent for aimless wandering. Whether or not you’re right here for a number of hours or the entire day, it’s a straightforward, refreshing escape.
Good to know: The ferry will get busy on weekends—guide forward for those who can. There are washrooms and meals stands close to the seaside, however bringing your personal snacks by no means hurts.
As you possibly can see, Ontario is basically blessed with seashores. The province is exclusive for seaside lovers as a result of it has predominantly freshwater seashores. The pristine nature provides technique to seashores that might truthfully rival Caribbean locations.
