Discovering Ontario's Hidden Gems: Top 14 Beaches to Visit in 2025

Looking for the best beaches in Ontario to visit this summer? Whether you're craving soft white sand, warm waters, or a family-friendly escape just a few hours from Toronto, this guide has you covered. We've traveled the province to find the top spots for relaxing, swimming, or snapping that perfect lakeside sunset.

Best Beaches in Ontario

1. Wasaga Beach – Georgian Bay

We've been coming to Wasaga Beach since childhood, and it still delivers. Stretching over 14 kilometres, it's recognized as the world's longest freshwater beach and offers everything from lively boardwalk spots to quieter, family-friendly sections.

The shoreline is broken into eight beach areas—Beach 1 is where the action is, with shops, food stalls, and a younger crowd, while areas like 3 to 6 tend to be calmer. The shallow water and gradual slope make it great for wading, especially with kids in tow.

This classic Lake Huron destination also offers easy access to water sports like paddleboarding and jet skiing. It's a beach where you can pack a beach chair, kick back, and make a full day of it. This is why it is our pick for the top beaches in Ontario.

Good to know: Summer weekends bring big crowds. Arrive early to get parking close to your preferred beach area, and check the Ontario Parks website for water quality updates.

2. Grand Bend Beach – Lake Huron

Grand Bend feels like a second home to me. My parents had a cottage there, so I spent countless summers on this beach—swimming, sunbathing, and watching those signature Lake Huron sunsets.

The beach itself has crystal clear waters, is wide and well-maintained, with soft sand, a designated swimming area, and seasonal lifeguards on duty daily. There's a long boardwalk and a nearby pier, and Main Street is just steps away, packed with shops, patios, and all the ice cream you could want after a day in the sun.

Good to know: Parking is available but fills up quickly on sunny weekends. Stick around into the evening—Grand Bend's bar scene and live music spots keep things lively long after sunset.

Agawa Bay sits within Lake Superior Provincial Park and feels like a true escape into the wild. This beach isn’t just about sun and sand—it’s where dramatic landscapes meet cultural history. The shoreline is framed by boreal forest and rocky cliffs, with a long, curved bay that offers space for both relaxation and reflection.

The water’s cold, the beach is more pebbly than soft, and the scenery is unforgettable. A short drive away, the Agawa Rock Pictographs trail leads to ancient Ojibwe rock art that clings to the cliff face. It’s a powerful experience, and one that sticks with you long after you’ve left.

Good to know: The beach itself is pebbly, not sandy, so water shoes help. Campsites are right by the lake, but this is a remote park—stock up before you arrive.

Awenda isn’t one of the big-name beaches in Ontario, and that’s exactly why we like it. Tucked away near Penetanguishene, this park is quieter than spots like Wasaga or Sandbanks but still offers beautiful shoreline access to Georgian Bay. There are several smaller beaches within the park, each a short hike or bike ride from the campgrounds. The main beach area is sandy with shallow water, perfect for wading, swimming, or paddleboarding.

We’ve visited a few times, and it always feels more secluded than the bigger parks. Surrounded by forest and inland lakes, the area is peaceful and shaded by towering trees. Don’t expect a boardwalk or food stands—this is more of a back-to-nature kind of beach trip.

Good to know: Amenities are minimal, so bring everything you need for the day. Parking is limited, and many beach areas require a short walk from the lot. Good walking shoes help.

Killbear Provincial Park – Georgian Bay

Killbear is one of those provincial parks that manages to balance everything—great beaches, scenic hiking, and a real sense of wilderness. Located on the eastern edge of Georgian Bay near Parry Sound, it’s made up of several rocky points and sandy bays, giving visitors a mix of beach options depending on what kind of day they’re after.

The water is classic Georgian Bay—clear, cool, and incredibly clean. Kids can splash in the shallows while adults paddle out or sunbathe on the rocks. And the sunsets from Killbear Point? Easily some of the best in the province.

Good to know: There are several campgrounds within the park, each with different beach access. The terrain can be uneven in places, so water shoes and decent walking footwear come in handy. Watch out for poison ivy—it’s common in this area.

Turkey Point Beach – Lake Erie

Turkey Point might not get the same spotlight as Grand Bend or Wasaga, but it’s always felt like a bit of a hidden gem to us. The beach is shallow, sandy, and family-friendly, set along a calm stretch of Lake Erie that’s perfect for swimming, paddleboarding, or just floating. It’s especially popular with big groups looking for a laid-back day on the coast.

The nearby provincial park offers trails through the woods, and the area also includes a marina and zip-lining course for more adventurous visitors.

Good to know: There’s paid parking close to the beach and a few restaurants and convenience spots nearby. The beach is dog-friendly in some areas, but rules vary by season, so check ahead.

We lived in Toronto for years, and Centre Island Beach was always our go-to when we needed a quick break from the city. It’s also where we had one of our first dates back in 1991—we had an amazing picnic watching the sailboats drift by. The beach hasn’t changed much since then, and that’s part of the charm.

Just a short ferry ride from downtown, Centre Island Beach offers a clean, quiet stretch of sand with calm water, seasonal lifeguards, and a family-friendly atmosphere. It’s a rare kind of place where you can swim, rent a bike, grab a snack, and still feel like you’re far from the city.

Centreville Amusement Park is close by, and the island’s paths are perfect for aimless wandering. Whether you’re here for a few hours or the whole day, it’s an easy, refreshing escape.

Good to know: The ferry gets busy on weekends—book ahead if you can. There are washrooms and food stands near the beach, but bringing your own snacks never hurts.

Ontario is really blessed with beaches. The province is unique for beach lovers because it has predominantly freshwater beaches. The pristine nature gives way to beaches that could honestly rival Caribbean destinations.

Ontario is home to a stunning array of beaches that are waiting to be discovered. From tranquil lakeshores to rugged coastlines, each one offers a unique experience that's perfect for soaking up the sun or enjoying some water sports.

"I love spending time at Ontario's beaches," says Sarah, a local resident. "There's something about being near the water that makes me feel connected to nature."

Whether you're looking for a relaxing day in the sun or an adrenaline-packed adventure, there are 14 must-visit beaches in Ontario that will help you make the most of your summer.

Here are some of the top beaches to visit:

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