9 cute Ontario beach towns with soft sand shores and storybook streets to visit this summer
Start planning that road trip!
A small town in Ontario. Right: A beach in Ontario.
Summer is all about beach towns, and these coastal gems in Ontario are worth a road trip. With soft sand shores, sparkling waves and cute downtowns, they feel like a dreamy escape without ever leaving the province.
You can spend the day lounging on silky sand shores, eating endless ice cream cones and exploring cute shops at these destinations across the province.
Here are nine beautiful beach towns in Ontario to visit this summer.
Bayfield
Why You Need To Go: You'll feel like you've stepped into an episode of Gilmore Girls at this hidden gem beach town. Perched on the shores of Lake Huron, Bayfield is full of old-world charm and European vibes.
According to its website, it's a "stress-free countryside road trip where you find one-of-a-kind boutique shopping, unique restaurants, wineries, breweries, hiking, accommodations, and more."
You can enjoy three scenic beaches as well as quaint streets, charming cafes and sun-filled patios.
Port Stanley
Why You Need To Go: Fancy a trip to the East Coast? This charming Ontario beach town has cozy harbour charm.
The Main Beach offers warm, shallow water that was made for swimming. You can relax on the sand and listen to the sound of waves rolling against the powdery shores.
According to Ontario's Southwest, it's "one of the finest stretches of sandy beach on Lake Erie's north shore.
The town is home to cute, local shops where you can find post-beach treats like ice cream cones.
Crystal Beach
Why You Need To Go: You'll be whisked away to the tropics while visiting this stunning beach town. Crystal Beach is a dreamy community in Fort Erie where you'll find a storybook downtown and gorgeous white sand shores.
According to Tourism Niagara, it boasts a "vast sandy area with beautiful clear water where locals and visitors can enjoy a relaxing day at the beach."
The town offers a variety of local shops, nightlife, restaurants, and more to enjoy.
The area can get busy during the summer, and visitors will need a day pass to visit. These can be booked at the beach's entrance.
Southampton
Why You Need To Go: With stunning beaches, coastal vibes and a cute downtown, this beach town is worth the road trip.
Southampton is full of historic charm and summertime splendour. According to the website, the town "is known for its beautiful and unspoiled sandy beach," which "stretches for kilometres and is home to rare dune grass."
You can spend your time swimming in the sparkling waters of Lake Huron, enjoying water sports and strolling through the quaint shops and cafes dotted around the waterfront.
Goderich
Address: Goderich, ON
Why You Need To Go: Shining turquoise waters, beautiful beaches and a cozy downtown await in this charming beach town. Located along the shores of Lake Huron, Goderich is a gorgeous summer gem where you can soak up old-world charm and coastal views.
According to the town's website, it's known as "Canada's Prettiest Town," making it an idyllic spot for a day trip or weekend getaway.
The town is home to three beautiful beaches where you can swim and relax. The Main Beach has sandy shores and is a great spot for families. St. Christopher's Beach is home to shady shores, allowing for some shelter from the sun, and Rotary Cove Beach is a shallow, sandy spot for a swim.
You don't want to miss out on the town's "famous sunsets," which paint the sky with gorgeous hues.
The downtown area features a unique octagonal shape and is lined with a diverse range of shops and eateries.
Sauble Beach
Why You Need To Go: Home to "Canada's best freshwater beach," Sauble Beach is a summer paradise. Here you can enjoy 11 kilometres of silky sand shores that will whisk you away to the tropics.
The town has retro, coastal vibes and is home to beachside cafes, quaint shops and more.
There are several events to enjoy throughout the summer, including the annual Sandfest.
Port Elgin
Address: Port Elgin, ON
Why You Need To Go: This dreamy beach town is a stunning summer gem with six white sand beaches that stretch for kilometres along the Lake Huron shoreline.
You can take a splash through the warm, shallow waters and wander along the soft sand shores.
The town offers several cute coffee shops and restaurants where you can grab some food and drinks after a day spent in the sun.
Grand Bend
Why you need to go: This small town is a beach lover's paradise nestled on the shore of Lake Huron.
It's known as "one of Canada's best beach towns," according to Lambton Shores, and has even been dubbed "Florida North," so you can expect some tropical vibes here.
The town has many restaurants, boutiques, and nightlife spots along the main strip, so there's lots to do aside from swimming.
You'll want to stay late to enjoy one of Grand Bend's iconic sunsets, which transform the sky with beautiful red and orange shades.
Picton
Why You Need To Go: This enchanting small town is straight out of a fairytale and will transport you back in time with its historic streets and quaint shops.
It's just a short drive from the stunning Sandbanks Provincial Park, which boasts three velvety white sand beaches as well as the "world’s largest baymouth barrier dune formation," according to the park's website.
You'll feel like you've taken a trip to a Caribbean island as you wade through the turquoise waters and wander across the endless dunes.
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.
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