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there’s a little over a month to go before school starts, which means vacation season is still in full swing.
if you’re too late to plan for somewhere more tropical, there are plenty of places in ontario for a last-minute staycation or even just a beach day.
there are the usual beaches that tend to go hand in hand with ontario (you know the ones, hanlan’s point, wasaga, saugeen/sauble, grand bend, sauble, tobermory).
but there are also many hidden gems around the province that are worth your attention.
obviously, it depends on what beachgoers are looking for – but if the vibe is more relaxed and less bustling, then these are the ones for you. you’re welcome.
port burwell provincial park
soft sand, fewer crowds and no commercial tourist traps – could it sound any more idyllic? because it tends to be less busy, we’ll throw in highly accessible parking and beach access as a bonus.
that said, the waters of lake erie can be a little choppier with stronger undertows, so for less experienced swimmers, beware, whether on the main beach or the town’s municipal east beach.
red bay beach
south of tobermory and north of saugeen, red bay is just north of the town of oliphant, a quiet cottage area that – if you’ve never been – boasts some of the best sunsets in ontario.
the beach park is small with limited parking but there is also a public dock that extends out into lake huron, allowing for the more adventurous folks to jump into the shallow sandy water.
sun setting over lake huron near red bay beach.
denette wilford
north beach provincial park
near prince edward county, north beach offers gorgeous natural sand dunes and clear water.
the best part may be the fraction of beachgoers found at nearby hotspots like sandbanks, making for a much more chill, tranquil vibe and great for families (though, admittedly, the facilities – mostly outhouses – are pretty basic).
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the 94-hectare park features a beautiful ribbon of sand that separates a tiny, calm lake from the wild waters of lake ontario, which can get a little hairy due to the wind, creating strong undertows.
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ipperwash main beach
about 200 km south of red bay but also located along the stunning shores of lake huron is ipperwash, in the municipality of lambton shores.
it’s a close enough drive to the far more populated beaches of grand bend – but without all the crowds – while also being near-ish to sarnia if you’re looking for things to do away from the beach.
the shallow waters of this sandy beach make it family-friendly, though parking can be tricky (the no parking signs are no joke so, obey them if you don’t want a ticket). and speaking of signage, respect the private property signs of those who own the land right up to the water’s edge in many areas.
beach all to themselves, not a cloud in the sky.
denette wilford
awenda provincial park
the park offers four natural, soft sandy beaches along georgian bay that are significantly more secluded than wasaga beach, which is about 50 km south, and has a pleasant balance of sandy terrain and clear waters.
the beaches are a bit of a trek from the parking lots and water shoes will be your friend, due to the bay’s known glacial till, but the spectacular views of giant’s tomb island make it all worthwhile.
bonus local beach
now, if you have no plans to leave the city, or perhaps don’t have a vehicle to get out of toronto, you do have options, including sugar beach, cherry beach, kew-balmy beach and more.
but a little secret beach (well, perhaps not-so-secret anymore) is south shell park beach in oakville, a waterfront gem with a peaceful shoreline, shell-covered sandy cove and beautiful views of lake ontario.
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