Ontario is home to 'Florida North' and it's a beach oasis with 20 acres of velvety white sand
It's a slice of paradise.
A beach town in Ontario.
The sun's still out, which means there's plenty of time to sneak in one more beach day. If you're dreaming of a getaway that feels like a whole other world, you'll want to head to this Ontario beach town, where you can enjoy silky sand shores, sparkling waves and more.
Perched along the shores of Lake Huron, the destination is known for its dreamy coastal vibes, sprawling beach and blue waters.
Grand Bend is a charming beach town located about 3 hours from Toronto. Known as "one of Canada's best beach towns," the area has been awarded Blue Flag status for its water quality and safety criteria.
With its velvety white sand shores and sparkling waves, it's no surprise Grand Bend has been dubbed "Florida North," and you'll feel like you're on a mini tropical escape as you wander along the powdery beach.
The Main Beach offers 20 acres of beautiful soft sand perfect for sunbathing, swimming, or just strolling along the shoreline.
Just outside the town, Pinery Provincial Park stretches along the coast with 10 kilometres of golden shoreline. You can discover soft dunes, shimmering waves, and scenic trails that wind through lush forests.
You'll want to save some time to explore the town, which is home to charming local boutiques and restaurants, such as The Tipsy Pelican and The Growling Gator.
During the fall, the town offers a quieter escape, where you can enjoy the sandy shores without the summer crowds.
According to Tourism Sarnia-Lambton, "there are some perfect weekends still readily waiting for visitors along the beaches of Grand Bend in September."
September's warm afternoons make for "a perfect beach day," and the region sees a larger number of day trips and weekend getaways during this month. It also offers some beautiful views of the changing colours, which you can view from on and off the beach.
Most businesses in Grand Bend stay open until Thanksgiving, and some remain open year-round.
The town is known for its "famous" sunsets, so be sure to stay late and soak up the vibrant views.
Aside from the beaches, Grand Bend offers several attractions, including art galleries, museums, breweries, a theatre, and more.
If you're planning a late-summer beach day, Ontario's "Florida North" is worth a road trip.
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.