6 Magical Ontario Islands With Crystal Shores Where You Can Swim This Summer

Live your best island life. 🏝️

Pelee Island in Ontario. Right: Woman jumping into water at Flowerpot Island.

Pelee Island in Ontario. Right: Woman jumping into water at Flowerpot Island.

Lead Writer, Travel

Nothing says "summer" like an island getaway, and you can escape to some hidden oases right here in Ontario. These stunning islands are unique places to explore, and you can even take a dip in the blue water that surrounds them.

From islands filled with rock formations to hidden waterfall swimming holes, these spots are worth a boat ride.

Flowerpot Island

Price: $8.50 admission per adult + ferry fee

Address: 121 Chi sin tib dek Rd., Tobermory, ON

Why You Need To Go: Located in the Fathom Five National Marine Park, Flowerpot Island is a surreal place to explore. It gets its name from the massive rock pillars located by the shore, and you can splash in the turquoise water for a magical summer activity.

Website

Bathtub Island

Price: Prices vary

Address: 96 Broadway Ave., Wawa, ON

Why You Need To Go: Situated near Katherine Cove in Lake Superior Provincial Park, this unique rock isn't your usual island, but it's still worth a visit. The basin-like rock is full of water, making it a dreamy place to float.

Website

Manitoulin Island 

Price: Free

Address: Manitoulin Island, ON

Why You Need To Go: You can take a trip to the largest freshwater island in the world this summer. Manitoulin Island has several places to swim, including a hidden waterfall pool where you can take a dip.

Website

Wolfe Island

Price: $10 + per person + ferry fee

Address: Big Sandy Bay, Frontenac Islands, ON

Why You Need To Go: Big Sandy Bay on Wolfe Island makes for an incredible summer day trip. You can take a ferry across Lake Ontario, then hike along a 1.3 kilometre trail until you reach the sandy stretch of beach.

Website

Pelee Island

Price: Ferry fee

Address: Pelee Island, ON

Why You Need To Go: Whether you're exploring the waterfront, visiting a winery, or hitting up a restaurant, Pelee Island is a bucket list summer destination, and it comes with several swimming spots, too. You can enjoy island life and blue water at this oasis.

Website

Petrie Island

Price: $2 parking for 5 hours

Address: 795 Trim Rd., Orléans, ON

Why You Need To Go: Located in Ottawa, this little island getaway is a popular spot for sandy beaches, picnic areas, and more, and you don't even need to leave the city to get to it.

Website

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.

  • Lead Writer

    Madeline Forsyth is a Toronto-based Lead Writer for Narcity Media. After earning her B.A. (Hons) at Queen's University, she spent a year travelling much of the world as a flight attendant. Now, she uses her experience in the travel industry and passion for writing to share stories about buzzworthy events and adventures across Canada and the globe. Madeline has been published in PopSugar and has interviewed sports and entertainment personalities for Narcity. She has covered and photographed restaurant openings as well as event launches such as the world premiere of the Dr. Seuss Experience. Some of her favourite things to write about include charming small towns and anything to do with Harry Potter.

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