7 heavenly Ontario beaches with tropical-blue waves and sparkling clear water
You'll feel like you're in the tropics.
A beach in Ontario.
Summer is just around the corner, and that means ice cream cones, picnics, and, most importantly, beach days. Ontario boasts plenty of beautiful shorelines, but if crystal-clear water is what you're after, these stunning swim spots deserve a place on your summer list.
With glass-like waters, shimmering waves and stunning waterside scenery, these Ontario beaches will transport you to the tropics.
Here are seven crystal-clear Ontario beaches to visit for a magical summer adventure.
North Beach Provincial Park
Price: Prices vary
Address: 440 North Beach Rd., Consecon, ON
Why You Need To Go: White sand shores, crystal waters and sun-filled magic await at this dreamy beach. North Beach Provincial Park is a beautiful hidden gem located just a few hours from Toronto in Consecon.
Here you'll find 1,200 meters of silky sandy shores on Lake Ontario, as well as an additional 800 meters along North Bay.
It's a dreamy alternative to its busier neighbour, Sandbanks Provincial Park, and offers a gradual sand drop-off and sparkling waters.
Indian Head Cove
Price: $9
Address: The Grotto, Northern Bruce Peninsula, ON
Why You Need To Go: You'll feel like you're in the tropics as you take in the scenery at this stunning Ontario spot.
Indian Head Cove, located near the iconic Grotto, is a natural wonder with turquoise water so clear that you can see right down to the bottom.
While the water may look like it belongs in the Caribbean, it sure doesn't feel like it — Georgian Bay is known for its icy temperatures, which can be refreshing on a hot summer day.
You can find this spot in Bruce Peninsula National Park, but be sure to make a reservation if you're visiting during peak season. You'll need to hike for about half an hour in order to reach this crystal water destination, so wear comfy shoes.
Pancake Bay Provncial Park
Price: Prices vary
Address: 12729 Hwy. 17N, Batchawana Bay, ON
Why You Need To Go: This beach destination is the ultimate summer road trip. With stretches of white sand shores, shimmering waves and peaceful scenery, its a warm-weather paraddise.
Pancake Bay Provincial Park is home to "over 3 kilometres of beautiful sand beach and Caribbean-blue water," making it feel like a whole other world.
According to the park's website, it's "one of the finest beaches in North America" and is tucked away from the main lake by two bluffs that create the bay.
Katherine Cove
Price: $15.50 vehicle permit
Address: Katherine Cove, ON
Why You Need To Go: Situated in majestic Lake Superior Provincial Park, Katherine Cove is a dreamy summer gem with sparkling waters and sandy shores.
You can lounge on the soft beach and wade through the shallow waters for a dreamy summer adventure.
Nearby, you can discover Bathtub Island, a natural wonder located along the Lake Superior Coastal Trail, about half a kilometre from the Katherine Cove parking lot.
The basin-shaped rock is full of water, creating a crystal-clear pool you can float around in.
You'll need a daily vehicle permit in order to swim at this spot, so be sure to plan ahead.
Blue Lake Provincial Park
Price: $12.25 + for day pass
Address: Blue Lake Provincial Park, 1722 ON-647, Vermilion Bay, ON
Why You Need To Go: You don't need to hop on a plane to Florida to enjoy crystal-clear waters and sandy shores. This provincial park is a hidden gem with dreamy summer vibes.
Blue Lake Provincial Park is a sun-filled oasis with scenic trails and a beautiful shoreline located in northern Ontario. According to the website, it is "renowned for its crystal clear waters and long sandy beach," making it a go-to spot for summer adventures.
In addition to swimming, the park offers canoeing, biking, fishing, boating and bird-watching opportunities.
Crystal Beach
Price: $5 + admission per person
Address: 4155 Erie Rd., Fort Erie, ON
Why You Need To Go: Bay Beach—fittingly known as Crystal Beach—offers a dreamy slice of the tropics, perfect for a summer escape.
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 beach recently underwent renovations and now features amenities including a "state-of-the-art" washroom facility with change rooms and a water bottle filling station, a playground, a pavilion, a festival square for community events, an accessible ramp down to the beach and more.
The area can get quite busy during the summer, and beachgoers will need a Day Pass in order to visit. These can be booked at the beach's entrance.
Little Cove
Price: $35.20 for Parks Canada Pass
When: May 15 to October 15, 2024
Address: Little Cove Beach, Tobermory, ON
Why You Need To Go: Fancy a trip to the Bahamas? This hidden gem swimming destination has glass-like water and beautiful turquoise views that will whisk you away to another land.
It was recently named among the world's most iconic beaches, and with its smooth cobblestone beach and sparkling waves, it's easy to see why.
According to the study, Little Cove boasts a "triple combo of turquoise mirror-flat water, serene silence, and postcard-perfect views of forests, limestone cliffs, and a white cobblestone beach."
Due to its natural beauty, this destination can be busy. You'll need a valid Parks Canada Pass to visit this spot.
With sparkling waters, crystal-clear waves and scenic shorelines, these Ontario beaches are dreamy spots to visit this summer.
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.