This Ontario park is 1 hour from Toronto and it's a 'hidden gem' with a dreamy soft sand beach

You don't need to go far in order to enjoy a little beach getaway. This provincial park near Toronto is a peaceful nature oasis with blue waters, scenic trails and a long sandy shoreline.

The park is just an hour away from Toronto, making it a convenient spot to visit for a summer day trip.

You can enjoy picturesque nature hikes, picnics in the fresh air and swimming opportunities at this spot.

If you're dreaming of a magical summer adventure without a lengthy drive, it's time to start planning a trip to this beautiful park.

Darlington Provincial Park, located in Bowmanville, is a "hidden gem" complete with a sandy beach, according to the park's Twitter.

You can take a dip in the shining waters of Lake Ontario and lounge on the "beautiful stretch of sandy beach."

Aside from enjoying the beach, the park is home to several trails that take you through some gorgeous scenery.

You can follow the Burk Trail, a 1.25 kilometre hike that "moves through fields, meadows and mature forest past a pioneer cemetery to a scenic lookout over Lake Ontario."

There's also the McLaughlin Bay Trail, which leads around a "marsh ecosystem into the transitional zone between wet and dry land."

The park is known for its birding opportunities and is also a popular spot to fish. The waters of McLaughlin Bay are great for canoeing.

Pack your beach bag and head to this park for a dreamy day in the sun.

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.