You don’t need to get on a plane to enjoy gorgeous white sand beaches and shimmering waters. Ontario is home to so many beautiful white sand shorelines that are perfect for a summer escape.
You’ll forget you’re in Canada as you wander barefoot along sugary-sand beaches and take a dip in crystal waves. Many destinations also feature cute towns and attractions, making them idyllic spots for a mini staycation.
If you’re planning a beach day or two this summer, here are 10 beautiful white sand beaches to visit around the province.
Sauble Beach
Address: Sauble Beach, ON
Why You Need To Go: When it comes to white sand beaches, Sauble takes the cake with its endless shoreline and soft, sugary sand.
According to Destination Ontario, it’s “perhaps the most luxurious white sand beach” in the province and “is one of Ontario’s most highly sought-after beach destinations.”
You can enjoy 11 kilometres of white sand shores and retro beachtown vibes at this dreamy summer destination.
Sandbanks Provincial Park
Price: $12.25 + for daily vehichle permit
Address: 3004 County Rd. 12, Picton, ON
Why You Need To Go: This provincial park is home to not one but three gorgeous white sand beaches, which, according to the website, are “among the best in Canada.”
The powdery sand dunes and turquoise waves at this destination will have you feeling like you’ve taken a trip to the tropics.
Outlet and Lakeshore beaches both feature gradual drop-offs for wading through the water, but the Dunes Beach has a steep drop-off, so swimmers should take extra care.
Grand Bend
Address: 90 Main St. W., Grand Bend, ON
Why You Need To Go: There’s a reason why this destination is known as “Florida North.” Grand Bend features a beautiful white sand shoreline where you can soak up some sun and enjoy a swim this summer.
According to Lambton Shores, Grand Bend is “one of Canada’s best beach towns” and draws thousands of visitors each year.
You can enjoy the lively atmosphere on the Main Beach or find a quieter experience on the South Beach.
Bay Beach
Price: $5 + admission per person
Address: 4155 Erie Rd., Fort Erie, ON
Why You Need To Go: Bay Beach—also known as Crystal Beach—is a breathtaking summer paradise with silky white sand shores and warm, sparkling waves.
According to Tourism Niagara, it’s home to a “vast sandy area with beautiful clear water where locals and visitors can enjoy a relaxing day at the beach.”
The beach features amenities such as a water bottle filling station, a playground, a pavilion, an accessible ramp down to the beach and more.
This white sand paradise often draws crowds during the summer, so beachgoers will need a day pass in order to visit, which can be booked at the beach’s entrance.
Providence Bay Beach
Address:
Why You Need To Go: Island vibes, a dreamy stretch of white sand, and pristine clear waters might sound like something you’d find in the tropics, but this Ontario beach offers all that and more.
Providence Bay Beach is located on Manitoulin Island – the largest freshwater island in the world.
The 2-kilometre beach is “never crowded,” according to Central Manitoulin, and is said to be “the nicest beach in Northern Ontario.”
Manitoulin Island can be reached by ferry or bridge.
North Beach Provincial Park
Price: $12.25 + for daily vehichle permit
Address: 440 North Beach Rd., Consecon, ON
Why You Need To Go: This dreamy destination features a ribbon of white sand over 1 kilometre long. It’s a quieter alternative to its sister park, Sandbanks, and offers 1,200 metres of powdery beach facing Lake Ontario and an additional 800 metres on North Bay.
If you plan on visiting, be sure to make a reservation in advance.
Cobourg Beach
Address: 138 Division St., Cobourg, ON
Why You Need To Go: This Ontario beach is the next best thing to a Caribbean vacation. Boasting beautiful white sand shores along Lake Ontario, it’s no surprise this coastal destination is a summer hotspot.
The beach is sprinkled with retro-style lifeguard stations, and offers activities like swimming, kayaking, canoeing and more around the crystal waters.
Agawa Bay Beach
Price: $12.25 + for daily vehichle permit
Address: Agawa Bay, ON
Why You Need To Go: Located in Lake Superior Provincial Park, Agawa Bay “mimics an ocean-like beach,” according to Algoma Country.
It’s a beautiful spot for a summer staycation, offering surrounding trails, campsites and more. You can relax on the smooth shoreline and take a dip in Lake Superior’s chilly but crystal-clear waters.
Port Dover Beach
Address: Walker St., Port Dover, ON
Why You Need To Go: Fancy a trip to the tropics? This gorgeous white sand beach will have you feeling like you’ve jetted off to another land.
With beachside restaurants, warm waters and a scenic pier, it’s an idyllic spot for a summer retreat.
Much of the beach is privately owned, but there is a public section where you can relax on the velvety shores and swim in the shimmering waves. You can also head to the nearby Turkey Point or Long Point.
Pancake Bay Beach
Price: $12.25 + for daily vehichle permit
Address: 12729 Hwy 17N, Batchawana Bay, ON
Why You Need To Go: Offering over 3 kilometres of powdery white sand and “Caribbean-blue” waters, this Ontario provincial park is worth a summer road trip.
You can enjoy a beautiful shallow bay with warmer temperatures than the lake, making it the perfect place to take a dip.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.