These 5 stunning beach towns are some of the best places to live in Ontario, locals say
You could wake up to sandy shores and sparkling waves.
A beach town in Ontario.
If waking up to sandy shores and sparkling waves sounds like your dream life, you may want to think about moving to one of these charming waterfront towns in Ontario. With gorgeous sandy shores and quaint streets, locals say these beach towns are among the best places to settle down.
In a post on Narcity Canada's Facebook page, we asked readers for their recommendations on the best places to live in Ontario. The post received hundreds of comments, and these gorgeous beach towns were among the places named.
From vibrant lakeside communities to peaceful hidden gems, here are five beach towns in Ontario that locals say are some of the best spots to live in the province.
Goderich
About: Perched along the shores of Lake Huron, Goderich is an enchanting small town that locals say is one of the best places to live in Ontario.
Dubbed "Canada's prettiest town," Goderich boasts a quaint downtown with local shops and eateries.
It's home to three beautiful beaches with sandy shores and sparkling lake views where you can spend your summer days.
According to the town's website, "Goderich is a growing community and the largest urban community in Huron County" and offers "quality childcare, healthcare, top-notch schools, state-of-the-art recreation, dozens of active community and sporting groups/service clubs, as well as government and community services" and more.
You can soak up incredible views from the Goderich Lighthouse and Menesetung Bridge and visit attractions like the Huron County Museum.
Grimsby
About: Located just over an hour outside of Toronto on Lake Ontario, Grimsby is a charming place to call home. The town has attractions, heritage sites and scenic waterfront areas where you can soak up some views.
There are many local shops and eateries, allowing you to enjoy a blend of small-town charm and city convenience. It's known for the painted ladies — a cluster of vibrant beach cottages that are straight out of a fairytale.
It's close to destinations like Hamilton, St. Catharines and Niagara Falls, so you can still get your city fix.
With its sun-filled beach, historic downtown, and surrounding hiking spots, locals say Grimsby is a beautiful place to live.
According to the Town of Grimsby website, "If you are looking for safe neighbourhoods, tree-lined streets, a focus on family, enough space to call your own, and a relaxed pace, then Grimsby is the town for you."
Port Elgin
About: Port Elgin is a dreamy Ontario destination, and with its six white sand beaches, it's no wonder locals say it's one of the best places to live in the province.
It has gorgeous sandy shores, a vibrant community and quaint buildings that make it feel like a coastal escape. The 3-kilometre main beach is like a tropical oasis right at your doorstep.
In the evenings, you can witness "some of the most spectacular sunsets in all of Ontario," according to Visit Port Elgin.
The town is home to scenic trails, gorgeous parks, bustling markets, and lively events, so there is plenty to enjoy year-round.
There are several cute cafes, bakeries, and restaurants where you can dig into some meals and relax on a patio.
Port Stanley
About: If waking up by a beach every day sounds like your dream life, Port Stanley is the place to be.
According to Ontario's Southwest, the town's Main Beach is "one of the finest stretches of sandy beach on Lake Erie's north shore." It's a dreamy place to spend your summer weekends, where you can soak up the sun and cool off in the waves.
The town has patios, ice cream shops and beachy charm, making it a favourite among locals.
According to a post on Port Stanley's Instagram page, it's a "fantastic idea" to move to this town. You'll find friendly faces, small-town vibes, shopping opportunities, year-round events, and "the best restaurants around," making this spot a true lakeside gem.
If you're looking for a quieter pace and waterfront living, this might be your dream destination.
Tiny
About: This charming waterfront township is home to more than 70 kilometres of stunning shoreline, as well as parks, hiking trails and more.
If you love the outdoors, it's a gorgeous place to settle down. You can spend your days splashing through the water, paddling over the waves, wandering along the scenic trails and catching the vibrant sunsets over Georgian Bay.
There are several beaches to enjoy in the area, such as Balm Beach and Bluewater Beach, where you'll find powdery sand shores and crystal-clear waters.
Other highlights of the town include go-karting, mini putt, quaint shops and cozy cafes. Awenda Provincial Park is a gorgeous destination to visit with picturesque trails and sandy beaches.
With peaceful, small-town vibes and gorgeous water views, Tiny is a beautiful spot to move to, according to locals.
If you're considering a move, locals say these enchanting Ontario beach towns are among the best spots to live in the province. With soft sand shores and sparkling waters, you can wake up to beautiful views at these destinations.
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.