9 charming Ontario towns with beautiful hidden beaches you'll wish you discovered sooner
These spots are perfect for a summer escape.
A beach in Ontario. Right: A small town in Ontario.
Hidden away in enchanting towns across Ontario are stunning beaches that feel like the province's best-kept secrets. Boasting beautiful shorelines, quaint streets and shimmering waters, these destinations are worth having on your radar this summer.
From gorgeous white sand shores to turquoise-water gems, these charming beach towns are the kind of places you’ll never want to leave.
Here are nine stunning small towns in Ontario with dreamy beaches you'll wish you discovered sooner.
Port Stanley
Why You Need To Go: You'll feel like you've been whisked away to the East Coast while visiting this cozy harbour charm.
Port Stanley is a "hidden gem" with quaint streets, colourful shops and scenic patios.
The Main Beach is a beautiful spot to spend a day, with warm, shallow water and a smooth sandy shore. According to Ontario's Southwest, it's "one of the finest stretches of sandy beach on Lake Erie's north shore.
Goderich
Address: Goderich, ON
Why You Need To Go: This hidden gem beach town has all the ingredients for a dreamy summer escape. Nestled along the shores of Lake Huron, Goderich is a beautiful destination offering historic charm and shimmering lake views.
According to the town's website, it's known as "Canada's Prettiest Town" and is full of quaint architecture and coastal scenery.
The town boasts three beautiful beaches where you can take a dip and wander along the sandy shores.
The Main Beach has soft sand and is ideal for families. St. Christopher's Beach offers some shade, and Rotary Cove Beach is a shallow, sandy spot to enjoy.
The downtown area has a whimsical octagonal shape and boasts cafes, local shops and restaurants.
Fort Erie
Why You Need To Go: You'll feel like you're on a Caribbean getaway while exploring this gorgeous small town and beach. Crystal Beach, also known as Bay Beach, is a stunning destination in Fort Erie offering warm waters 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 surrounding neighbourhood of Crystal Beach is brimming with local shops, nightlife and more.
The area tends to get busy in the summer, and visitors will need a day pass, which can be purchased at the beach entrance.
Cobourg
Address: Cobourg, ON
Why You Need To Go: Craving a taste of the tropics? You don't need to get on a plane to enjoy white sand shores and sparkling turquoise waters. This small town near Toronto will whisk you away to another world with its velvety beaches and historic charm.
Cobourg is a summertime gem, boasting a beautiful white-sand beach with crystal-clear waters. You can spend a day lounging in the sand, wandering along the boardwalk and splashing through the waves.
The downtown area has charming boutiques and restaurants where you can enjoy a meal and find some unique items.
Tobermory
Why You Need To Go: This enchanting destination feels like a little slice of the Mediterranean right here in Ontario.
Tobermory is a majestic summer destination. The tiny harbour town is dotted with cute local stores, ice cream shops and waterfront restaurants straight off a postcard.
It's surrounded by some stunning turquoise water beaches. One of the most popular spots is Indian Head Cove or The Grotto, offering "crystal-clear waters, dramatic caves and limestone cliffs overlooking Georgian Bay," according to Explore the Bruce.
Wellington
Why You Need To Go: This tiny village is home to gorgeous landscapes and serene beaches. The charming main street is dotted with local boutiques, cozy cafés, and more, perfect for browsing one-of-a-kind finds and soaking in the town’s relaxed pace.
Wellington is surrounded by several breathtaking beaches, such as Wellington Rotary Beach. You won't want to miss out on a trip to Sandbanks Provincial Park, which boasts three stunning white sand beaches and shimmering waters that look like they belong in the Caribbean.
Lion's Head
Why You Need To Go: This serene beach town is tucked away on turquoise waters that are so clear, you can see right to the bottom.
According to the Bruce Peninsula website, "the scenery is nothing less than stunning." You can enjoy views of limestone cliffs that "rise from the turquoise Caribbean- coloured waters" and "have an amazing pink aura" at sunrise and sunset.
The town has several dreamy beaches to enjoy, such as Lion's Head Beach or Singing Sands Beach, located about 30 minutes away.
The town itself is quite small, but it offers a few shops and eateries worth exploring.
Bayfield
Why You Need To Go: If you've ever dreamed of waking up in Stars Hollow, this cozy Ontario beach town is your best shot. The hidden gem village is nestled on the shores of Lake Huron and looks like it was plucked from the pages of a storybook.
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."
The town is home to three dreamy beaches offering beautiful shores and vibrant sunsets. The most popular beach is Pier Beach, which is a short walk from the village and has a long stretch of soft sand.
Southampton
Why You Need To Go: You'll find pristine beaches, coastal charm and a storybook streets in this lesser-known beach town.
Located on the shores of Lake Huron, Southampton is a summer paradise that feels like a mini trip to the Hamptons. 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."
It's the perfect spot for a serene summer escape, with white sand shores, cute cafes, cozy local shops and dreamy patios.
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.
- 7 heavenly Ontario beaches with tropical-blue waves and sparkling clear water ›
- This dreamy Ontario beach town is known as 'Florida North' and has 20 acres of silky shores ›
- 10 beautiful beaches every Ontarian should visit at least once, according to locals - Narcity ›
- 9 hidden gem beaches in Ontario you've probably never heard of but should definitely visit - Narcity ›
- This Ontario town with crystal water was named one of North America's 10 'most peaceful' spots - Narcity ›