This coastal Ontario spot is an underrated gem with harbour towns and warm-water beaches

It's a summer paradise.

A white sandy beach. Right: A person with an ice cream cone.

A beach in Ontario. Right: An ice cream store in Ontario.

Lead Writer, Travel

Already dreaming about that summer vacation? You don't have to venture too far to find beautiful sandy shores, warm waters and quaint beach towns. This Ontario destination is an underrated gem with endless summer magic.

Featuring beautiful scenery and endless things to do, it's a great spot for a getaway, according to locals.

In a post on Narcity Canada's Facebook page, we asked readers to share their most underrated vacation spot in Ontario. This gorgeous destination was one of the recommended locations, and you'll want to bring your bathing suit.

Lake Erie is one of North America's Great Lakes and a magical spot for a getaway. It's the shallowest of the five lakes and, according to Ontario's Southwest, features the longest beach season.

Its coastline is brimming with beautiful parks, cozy villages, and sandy beaches that look like they were made for summer getaways.

One gorgeous spot to visit is Port Stanley, a quaint harbour village with a gorgeous beach that is "one of the finest stretches of sandy beach on Lake Erie's north shore," according to the regional tourism organization.

You can enjoy warm waters, beach town charm and more at this spot.

Another beautiful beach to check out along Lake Erie is Crystal Beach, located in Fort Erie. It's known for its "white sandy beaches and clear warm waters," according to Fort Erie, and will have you feeling like you're on a tropical vacation.

If you're looking for a really magical getaway, you can take a ferry to Pelee Island, where you'll find turquoise waters, a lush winery and scenic trails.

Point Pelee National Park is another Lake Erie gem to explore. With long stretches of sandy beaches and forests that will transport you to the jungle, it's a summer oasis.

Other quaint communities to check out along the Lake Erie shoreline include Port Burwell and Port Dover.

With warm waters, beautiful beaches and charming towns, Lake Erie is an underrated gem that locals love to explore.

Ontario's Southwest 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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