8 Secret Beaches Around Toronto Where You Can Bask On Velvety Sand Shores
These spots are a road trip away.
Woman standing on a sandy beach at sunset. Right: Aerial shot of a beach with blue water.
Summer is in full swing and what better way to spend your time than soaking up some sun on the beach. If you're looking to avoid the crowds, these lesser-known spots are a road trip away from Toronto and you can enjoy crystal blue waters and more.
From white shores to vibrant sunsets and island views, these beaches will give you all those summer feels. Plus, you'll be away from the hustle and bustle at these secret places.
Get your friends together and spend the day in a sandy oasis at these gorgeous beaches.
Big Sandy Bay
Price: $10 + per adult, cash only
Address: Big Sandy Bay, Frontenac Islands, ON
Why You Need To Go: If an island escape sounds like the ideal way to spend your summer, then you'll want to head to this beach. Big Sandy Bay is tucked away on Wolfe Island, and you can take a ferry and hike to its powdery shores.
Long Point Provincial Park
Price: Prices vary
Address: 350 Erie Blvd., Port Rowan, ON
Why You Need To Go: One of the most unique aspects of this provincial park is the 40-kilometre sandspit where you can lounge on soft shores. The warm water will sweep you away to the tropics.
Accessibility: Mats for wheelchair accessibility to the beach.
Sunset Beach
Price: $3 parking per hour until September 30, $20 flat rate for the day
Address: 1 Lombardy Ave, St. Catharines, ON
Why You Need To Go: Boasting 1,200 feet of sand, this beach has a picnic area and is a dreamy place to catch a sunset.
Shipley Beach
Price: Free
Address: 35 Shipley Ave., Port Elgin, ON
Why You Need To Go: This small, hidden beach is worth a road trip, but you'll want to get there early to make sure you secure a spot. The cute beach town of Port Elgin is full of things to do and see as well.
North Beach Provincial Park
Price: Prices vary
When: Until October 1, 2023
Address: 440 North Beach Rd., Consecon, ON
Why You Need To Go: This stunning sandbar has Caribbean vibes, and you'll find crystal clear water and a shoreline that gradually drops into the lake.
Darlington Provincial Park
Price: Prices vary
Address: 1600 Darlington Park Rd., Bowmanville, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can discover a long sandy beach at this park and it's an ideal spot to soak up that summer sun. The bright blue waters and secluded shore make it a dreamy place to relax.
Southampton Main Beach
Price: Free
Address: 1 High St., Southampton, ON
Why You Need To Go: This quiet, tranquil beach stretches for 4 kilometres and you can explore a dune system or catch an incredible sunset along the velvety shores.
Turkey Point Beach
Price: Prices vary
When: Until October 29, 2023
Address: 194 Turkey Point Rd., Turkey Point, ON
Why You Need To Go: This scenic beach stretches for over 2 kilometres and features warm water and a soft, sandy bottom. It's a dreamy place to relax and unwind.
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.
This article has been updated since it was originally published on August 29, 2022.