In honour of #NationalBeachDay, isure researched the top beaches in Ontario for you to road trip to this long weekend. We hope our list gets you in the beach-goer mood, so make sure to pack your beach bags and some sunscreen before hitting the road!
Photo of Ascent Aerial Park via saublebeach.com
1. Sauble Beach
Relax on white sands and swim in the freshwater of Lake Huron – there’s a reason Sauble Beach is rated Canada’s #1 freshwater beach. There’s plenty for you to do, whether you’re beaching with family or friends. Bring out your marsupial side and climb one of the three rock climbing walls at the Outdoor Aerial Park or play some video games at Giggles Arcade. Golf with the kiddos at Putterama Mini Golf or enjoy a round of adults-only golf at Sauble Golf & Country Club. No matter what you’re craving, you’ll never run out of places to eat with the range of restaurants that Sauble offers. Be sure to enjoy some relaxing meditation with yoga on the beach or throw out a fishing line and catch some fish for the trip home!
saublebeach.com
Photo via wasagabeachtourism.com
2. Wasaga Beach
Are you looking to get out of the city without having to travel too far? Luckily, Wasaga Beach is only about an hour and a half drive outside of Toronto! Known as having the world’s longest freshwater beach, there’s a lot to explore along the South Georgian Bay. Wasaga has been known as cottage country for many Ontarians, and is the go-to destination for a quick weekend getaway for all ages alike. Rent a cottage or Airbnb that’s walking distance to the beach and enjoy some jet skiing, canoeing or kayaking on the water. If you’re a history buff, brush up on Canada’s military and nautical history or explore one of the many hiking trails and wildlife Wasaga has to offer. If you’re a cuisine enthusiast, Wasaga Beach has a taste for every palette; Thai, Greek, Italian, Indian, Chinese, Mexican and more are waiting to serve you! If you have a competitive side, there’s always go-karting at Wasaga 500 or fun that awaits at Wasaga Adventure Park. There is something for everyone in Wasaga Beach!
wasagabeachtourism.com
Photo via toronto.ca
3. Sugar Beach
This urban beach park has been around at Lower Jarvis Street and Queens Quay for 11 years and counting. This beach gets its unique name from the Redpath Sugar refinery right next door! Read a book or build a sandcastle under one of the pretty pink umbrellas you’ll find scattered across the white sands. Nearby is Sugar Beach Park, which boasts a 2-acre, Harbourfront park with beach chairs, a kid’s splash pad, rock formations and more umbrellas. Since it is located in an industrial area, there are plenty of neighbouring places to eat or to grab a quick coffee at Starbucks. If you’re looking for more things to do in the area, you’re in luck – Sugar Beach’s prime location is close to attractions like the Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, the CN Tower and the St. Lawrence Market.
toronto.ca
Photo via innisfiltoday.ca
4. Innisfil Beach Park
Located in, you guessed it, Innisfil, Ontario, this popular beach spot is a hit for those looking to soak in the sun on the weekend. Boasting five separate beaches, any one of them provides access to Lake Simcoe for fishing, boating, swimming and even winter recreation! Fun fact: Innisfil Beach Park covers 27.6 hectares (68 acres!) of land. There is so much to do for you and your family, you won’t know where to start – there’s a boat launch and dock accessible if you’re into boating, multiple playgrounds for the kiddies to tire themselves out on and various sporting areas, including baseball diamonds, tennis courts and beach volleyball courts. If you want a cool, shaded spot to picnic, there are two pavillions to eat under – Lakeside and West Pavillion. If you arrived emptyhanded, don’t worry! There’s many delicious options at the Innisfil Beach Snack Bar.
innisfil.ca
Photo via toronto.ca
5. Woodbine Beach Park
Offering a breathtaking view of Lake Ontario and Toronto’s eastern waterfront, Woodbine Beach sits on 15.2 hectares of sand at the foot of Woodbine Avenue. Whether you want to picnic, catch some rays, rollerblade down the boardwalk or go for a swim, there’s plenty to do at Woodbine Beach. If swimming in the cooler waters of Lake Ontario don’t entice you, there’s Donald D. Summerville Outdoor Olympic Pool close by. There’s a recently-renovated bathing station to rinse off afterwards, as well as change rooms, water bottle-filling stations, beach showers and accessible washrooms. There are trails, such as Martin Goodman and Ashbridges Bay, that run through Woodbine Beach Park. This includes outdoor fitness equipment, a playground for the kids, picnic shelters, snack bar, beach volleyball courts, parking and a full-service restaurant.
Woodbine Beach has received its annual Blue Flag certification since 2005, meaning it is one of the 8/10 beaches in Toronto that is open 80% of the time during beach season and declared safe for swimming by Toronto Public Health.
toronto.ca
Always remember: While on the road to all of your beachy destinations, ensure you have the best auto insurance coverage with isure. Some of these beaches in Ontario are a bit of a trek, so be sure that you’re covered with the proper auto or RV insurance policy with isure. Always follow water safety protocols and precautions, whether you’re swimming, jet skiing or boating (we’ve got an insurance policy for that, too!) And as a last reminder, if you’re away from home for the day or weekend, don’t forget to arm your home with an alarm system for added safety measures.
