From enchanting harbour villages to hidden gems, these spots will have you feeling like you've jetted off to the tropics.
Here are eight Ontario beaches with warm water where you can swim the day away this summer.
Port Dover Beach
Price: Free
Address: Walker St., Port Dover, ON
Why You Need To Go: This beautiful beach is known for its scenic pier and warm, sparkling waters, according to Norfolk County.
While much of the beach is privately owned, there is a public section where you can bask on the sandy shores and take a dip in the lake.
Aside from swimming, you can take a stroll along the beautiful pier and visit the charming small town where you can check out the local shops and eateries.
The Lighthouse Theatre is a cute spot to see a show, while the Beach House restaurant is the place to go for waterside eats.
Ontario's Southwest website
Port Stanley
Price: Free, parking is $4 per hour, $20 per day
Address: Main Beach, Port Stanley, 348 Edith Cavell Blvd., Port Stanley, ON
Why You Need To Go: You'll feel like you've taken a trip to the East Coast at this charming beach destination in Ontario. Port Stanley is a cute harbour village with "world class beaches," shopping and more.
According to Ontario's Southwest, "Port Stanley's Main Beach is a long beach with one of the finest stretches of sandy beach on Lake Erie's north shore."
It boasts clear, warm water and is one of the few beaches in Canada to have earned official Blue Flag status for its water quality and safety requirements.
Port Stanley website
Erieau Beach
Price: Free
Address: Erieau, ON
Why You Need To Go: This hidden gem is a summer paradise and it's worth a road trip. Erieau Beach boasts white sand shores and "some of the warmest waters on Lake Erie as well as some of the region’s best fishing," according to Ontario's Southwest.
You can spend an afternoon soaking up some sun, basking in the sand and swimming in the sapphire water. It's also a great spot for windsurfing and sailing.
The little peninsula village is home to a scenic pier as well as ice cream parlours where you can cool off with a little treat.
In the summer, some popular activities include exploring the Erieau Boulevard Trail, enjoying a drink at Bayside Brewing Co., visiting Rondeau Provincial Park, and checking out McGeachy Pond Conservation Area for stunning lake views.
Chatham-Kent website
Bay Beach
Price: $5 + per day pass
Address: 4155 Erie Rd., Crystal Beach, ON
Why You Need To Go: If you're looking for a warm-water swimming spot, Bay Beach is the place to be. Also known as Crystal Beach, this dreamy summer destination is known for its "white sandy beaches and clear warm waters," according to Fort Erie.
The beach boasts amenities and features such a washroom facility with change rooms and a water bottle filling station, a playground, pavilion, festival square, accessible ramp and beach mats allowing for access to the water's edge.
The beach can get busy, so you'll need to purchase a day pass in order to secure a spot on the sandy shores. Passes can be purchased at the Bay Beach main entrance or online.
Fort Erie website
Sauble Beach
Price: Free
Address: Sauble Beach, ON
Why You Need To Go: Perched along the shores of Lake Huron, Sauble Beach "boasts 7 km of white sand and is Canada’s #1 rated freshwater beach," according to the website.
It's a fun spot for a summer getaway and offers a range of attractions and beach fun.
According to the Great Lakes Guide, Sauble is a popular spot to visit due to its warm waters. You can soak up some sun, catch a stunning sunset and take a dip in the shining waters.
The cute beach town is full of eateries, ice cream spots, local shops and other attractions, so there's no shortage of things to do.
Sauble Beach website
Turkey Point Beach
Price: Free
Address: 194 Turkey Point Rd., Turkey Point, ON
Why You Need To Go: Located in Turkey Point Provincial Park, this swimming spot is an idyllic place for a summer day trip.
The beach features a 2 kilometre stretch of sandy shore along Lake Erie. According to Destination Ontario, you'll find warm waters at this destination as well as amenities like a playground and picnic area.
The area features several soft sandbars and shallow waters. You can rent canoes, kayaks, standup paddleboards, flyboards, jet boats and more from Waveline Rentals to add some extra fun to your day.
It's a great place to go camping and there are many sites available at the park.
Ontario Parks website
Long Point Beach
Price: Prices vary
Address: 350 Erie Blvd., Port Rowan, ON
Why You Need To Go: This little summer oasis is found in Long Point Provincial Park and it's a dreamy place for a day trip. Long Point Beach boasts a 40-kilometre-long sandspit that will transport you to the tropics.
According to Ontario's Southwest, the beach has "soft sand" and "warm water temperatures" so you can enjoying swimming and relaxing on the shore.
There are several beaches to check out and the day-use ones are located in New Park and Cottonwood Campground in the Old Park.
Aside from swimming, you can go canoeing, boating and cycling around the park.
Bring your binoculars, because the area is "one of the top bird watching destinations in North America," as stated on the website.
Ontario Parks website
Wasaga Beach
Price: Free
Address: Wasaga Beach, ON
Why You Need To Go: This summer hotspot offers over 14 kilometres of white sand shores and sparkling warm waters.
Wasaga Beach is home to "the World's Longest Freshwater Beach and one of Ontario's most unique coastal dune ecosystems," according to Wasaga Beach Tourism.
The beach town is a fun spot to explore after a day spent soaking up some sun. You can grab a bite to eat at one of the local restaurants, enjoy the night life and check out the local shops.
There are also a range of attractions available, from museums to go karts.
South Georgian Bay website
Take a mini trip to the tropics at these dreamy warm-water beaches around Ontario.
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.
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