7 Most Beautiful Beaches on Lake Ontario To Visit This Summer
If you are looking for the best beaches on Lake Ontario to get away, I've got you covered. Here's a list of my favorite places I've visited so far to help you plan the perfect summer vacation.
I’ve spent countless days exploring the shores of Lake Ontario, and I can confidently say there’s something magical about it. From soft sands and shallow waters to breathtaking cliffs and serene bays, here are my picks for the 7 most beautiful beaches on Lake Ontario.
These are my personal experiences, along with some advice and highlights to help you plan your trip, and I have noted my top 2 favorites, and the reasons why.
Sandbanks Provincial Park (Picton, Ontario)
Address: 3004 County Rd 12, Prince Edward, ON K0K 2T0, Canada
- Advice: Visit early in the day—it’s a popular spot, especially in summer.
- Highlights:
- World’s largest baymouth sandbar.
- Warm, shallow waters great for families.
- Stunning sand dunes and hiking trails.
This was one of my favorite stops. The sand is incredibly soft, and the waters were clear and breathtakingly beautiful when I visited. I loved walking the trails that wind through the park, and the shallow waters were perfect for wading in on a hot day. Bring a picnic—you’ll want to stay here for hours.
Cobourg Beach (Cobourg, Ontario)
Address: 138 Division St, Cobourg, ON K9A 3P3, Canada
- Advice: Visit during the Sandcastle Festival if you can—it’s such a fun event!
- Highlights:
- Wide, sandy shoreline.
- Splash pad and playground for kids.
- Great local restaurants nearby.
I spent an entire afternoon here, and it was so relaxing. The beach is huge, so it never felt crowded, even on a sunny weekend. After swimming, I wandered into town and found some amazing spots for ice cream and coffee.
Sodus Point Beach Park (Sodus Point, New York)
Address: 7598 2nd St, Sodus Point, NY 14555, USA
- Advice: Don’t skip the lighthouse—it’s a quick walk and has amazing views.
- Highlights:
- Sandy beach with grassy picnic spots.
- Calm, shallow waters.
- Nearby marina and lighthouse.
This beach has such a charming small-town vibe. The water was calm, which made it perfect for families and kids. I also loved sitting by the marina with a cup of coffee, watching the boats come and go.
Bluffers Park Beach (Toronto, Ontario)
Address: 1 Brimley Rd S, Toronto, ON M1M 1C1, Canada
- Advice: Bring a camera—the Scarborough Bluffs are unbelievably photogenic.
- Highlights:
- Gorgeous backdrop of the Scarborough Bluffs.
- Clean, sandy beach.
- Perfect for kayaking or paddleboarding.
Bluffers Park Beach was my favorite beach, and is most certianly a little slice of paradise right in the city. I rented a paddleboard for an hour, and it was such a peaceful way to take in the views. Afterward, I just laid back on the sand and soaked up the sun while admiring the cliffs, and waters that was so blue and clear it made me feel as if I was laying on a beach in the Caribbean.
Hamilton Beach (Hamilton, Ontario)
Address: Eastport Dr, Hamilton, ON L8H 7S4, Canada
- Advice: Rent a bike and ride along the Waterfront Trail—it’s stunning.
- Highlights:
- Long, sandy shoreline.
- Great for cycling and walking.
- Birdwatching and picnic areas nearby.
This beach is perfect for a mix of relaxation and activity. I biked along the Waterfront Trail, stopping for a quick swim before finding a shaded picnic spot. The views of the Burlington Skyway were a nice bonus. I love the ocean, and anytime I find a freshwater beach that has waters as clear as the Caribbean I couldn't be happier. This was my 2nd favorite destination on Lake Ontario that I've visited.
Frenchman’s Bay Beach (Pickering, Ontario)
Address: 1570 Liverpool Rd, Pickering, ON L1W 1R1, Canada
- Advice: Try kayaking in the bay—the calm waters are perfect for it.
- Highlights:
- Sheltered bay with calm waters.
- Nearby marina and restaurants.
- Ideal for paddling and relaxing.
Frenchman’s Bay Beach felt like a hidden gem. I rented a kayak and explored the bay for a couple of hours. Afterward, I grabbed lunch at a nearby restaurant overlooking the marina—then tried my luck at fishing which is a passion of mine, and I absolutely crushed the bass. It was a perfect few days on the lake!
Fifty Point Conservation Area Beach (Grimsby, Ontario)
Address: 1479 Baseline Rd, Hamilton, ON L8E 5G4, Canada
- Advice: Pack a picnic and enjoy the conservation area—it’s a great day trip.
- Highlights:
- Sandy beach with a peaceful vibe.
- On-site marina and picnic facilities.
- Perfect for families or casual visitors.
This beach feels like a retreat. I spent the afternoon lounging on the sand and wandering around the marina. The conservation area is beautifully maintained, and it’s the perfect spot to disconnect and relax.
These beaches on Lake Ontario each left a lasting impression on me, and although each of our interest are different—if you love clean pretty waters, soft sand and great vibes from those you share the space with, these beaches are sure to be great options for you as well.
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