Whether it’s a relaxing day soaking up the sun or a calm walk by the water, a trip to the beach is something everyone can enjoy. Luckily, Ontario is home to some of the most stunning lakes the country has to offer. This is accompanied by a vast array of sandy beaches, perfect for spending a day with the family. Luckily, isure has rounded up our list of the top 10 family-friendly beaches in Ontario! So, what are you waiting for? Pack your sunscreen and towel, and let’s dive in!
1. Sauble Beach
There’s plenty for you to do that will make your beach day at Sauble Beach one to remember. Bring out your marsupial side and climb one of the three rock climbing walls at the Ascent Aerial Park. Or, play some video games at Giggles Arcade. Golf with the kiddos at Putterama Mini Golf, or enjoy adults-only golf at Sauble Golf & Country Club. Be sure to enjoy some relaxing meditation with yoga on the beach.
Additionally, you can throw out a fishing line and catch some fish for the trip home! No matter what you’re craving, you’ll never run out of places to eat with Sauble’s range of restaurants. This is why it’s one of our favourite beaches in Ontario!
2. Wasaga Beach
Known as having the world’s longest freshwater beach, there’s much to explore along South Georgian Bay. For decades, Wasaga Beach has been known as cottage country for many Ontarians. As a result, it’s the go-to destination for a quick weekend getaway for all ages alike. Rent a cottage or Airbnb within walking distance of the beach, and enjoy jet-skiing, canoeing, or kayaking on the water. If you’re a history buff, you can brush up on Canada’s military and nautical history. Or explore one of the many hiking trails and wildlife that Wasaga has to offer. For foodies, Wasaga Beach has a taste to suit every palate. If you have a more competitive side, there’s always go-karting at Wasaga 500 or fun that awaits at Wasaga Adventure Park.
3. Sugar Beach
Sugar Beach is an urban beach park situated at Lower Jarvis Street and Queens Quay, having been in operation for over 11 years. This beach in Ontario gets its unique name from the Redpath Sugar Refinery right next door! Read a book or build a sandcastle under one of the pink umbrellas scattered across the white sand. Nearby is Sugar Beach Park, a two-acre Harbourfront park with beach chairs, a kids’ splash pad, rock formations, and more. Looking for more things to do in the area, Sugar Beach’s prime location is close to attractions such as Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada, the CN Tower, and St. Lawrence Market.
4. Innisfil Beach Park
Right in the heart of Innisfil, Ontario, Innisfil Beach 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. There is so much to do for you and your family, you won’t know where to start! With a boat launch and dock, playgrounds, and sporting areas, including baseball diamonds, tennis courts, and beach volleyball courts, the options are endless. If you want an excellent, shady spot to picnic, there are two pavilions to eat under – Lakeside and West Pavilion. Are you feeling peckish? There are many delicious options at the Innisfil Beach Snack Bar.
5. Pelee Island
This is our province’s hidden gem. If you are looking for the perfect getaway, Pelee Island is the ideal place to escape your busy life and enjoy the great outdoors. This beach is worth taking the trip for, offering historical sites, shops, and restaurants. Right in the western half of Lake Erie, this 20km stretch of stunning white sandy waterfront is the longest continuous beach in Essex County. It is the perfect place for sunbathing, sandcastles, and everything you love about the beach. When looking for a relaxing getaway, consider spending a weekend on Pelee Island – one of our favourite beaches in Ontario.
6. 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. Woodbine Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Ontario, has plenty to do if you want to picnic, catch some rays, rollerblade down the boardwalk, or swim. If swimming in the calmer waters of Lake Ontario doesn’t entice you, there’s an Outdoor Olympic Pool nearby. Some trails, such as the Martin Goodman Trail and the Ashbridges Bay Trail, run through Woodbine Beach Park. This includes outdoor fitness equipment, a playground for children, picnic shelters, beach volleyball courts, parking, and a full-service restaurant.
7. Grand Bend
Rated as the #1 beach in Ontario on TripAdvisor, there is no doubt that Grand Bend is the perfect place for a long weekend! You’ll find it on the shores of Lake Huron, where the shallow waters get warm in the summer months, which is a rarity in the Great Lakes. Depending on the type of beach experience you are looking for, you can set down your towel or chair on different parts of the beach. If you want to be in the centre of the action, the fun-filled Main Beach is for you.
However, South Beach is there for a more relaxing time to read and rest. With a history and reputation for being one of Ontario’s original beach towns, you will find everything you expect from the quintessential beach town. From t-shirt and souvenir shops to ice cream and live music, the possibilities are endless. You’ll also find mini golf and skate parks, as well as fishing and hiking trails. Don’t miss this well-known beach in Ontario!
8. Port Stanley
Right on the north shore of Lake Erie, Port Stanley is an Ontario beach to remember when planning a weekend trip with the family. Port Stanley is home to Main Beach, a stunning, long stretch of sandy waterfront known for its beauty and accommodations for all its visitors. You can enjoy the fun of your favourite beach activities, such as sunbathing and swimming. There is much more available, including kayaks, canoes, and other water sports at the marina. If you want some time away from the sand and shoreline, Port Stanley has many antique shops, boutiques, live theatre, and renownedly superb dining options.
9. Cobourg Beach
Families with young kids will love this beach in Ontario. Just east of Toronto on the northern side of Lake Ontario, Cobourg Beach is the perfect place for a beach day with the kids. With its shallow waters, accessible shoreline, and activity-filled beach, you’re guaranteed a fun day with your family. There’s a trailer park and campground just adjacent to the beach, making it the perfect place to stay for a long weekend trip. If you want a break from the beach, take a walk down the historic pier, see the Pierhead Lighthouse, and enjoy the view.
10. Port Dover
Port Dover has been known as one of Ontario’s premier beach destinations for over a century, and it continues to hold up to this day. Known for being the only beach in Ontario with palm trees, Port Dover has that tropical feeling without leaving the province. This beach is home to warmer and shallower water on Lake Erie that is as clear as you can imagine. While it’s a smaller beach, what it lacks in space, it makes up for in its amenities and other offerings. Pair it with the classic small-town Ontario feel, and Port Dover is a must-visit for families this summer.
While on the road to one of these many beaches in Ontario, please make sure you have the proper auto insurance coverage with isure’s assistance. If you’re in the market for new auto insurance, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. Contact us or request a quote today! As always, remember to follow water safety protocols and precautions, whether swimming, jet skiing, or boating.
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