This Ontario Hidden Gem Has A Sand Dune Beach With A Waterside Swing

The perfect summer day trip!
Lead Writer, Travel

If you're looking for the perfect summer day trip, then you need to add this spot to your bucket list. Located a few hours from Toronto, this lakeside town boasts sand dunes, crystal blue waters, and beach swings. It's the ultimate sunny day escape. Grab your sunglasses and cue your favourite road trip playlist, because Ontario's Southampton beach will make all your summer dreams come true.

Tucked away on the shores of Lake Huron, the town of Southampton transforms into a perfect warm-weather oasis every summer.

The area is home to several dreamy beaches where you'll want to pitch your umbrella.

Editor's Choice: 21 Things To Do In Ontario That You Have To Add To Your Fall Bucket List

The sandy shores stretch for kilometres and offer incredible sunset views and swimming spots.

You can take a sandy trail through a unique dunes system that protects the shore from storms.

Visitors and locals are asked to remain on the path and not to disturb the fragile dunes.

You can spend a day on the beach and visit Long Dock's fast-food outlet, which has been said to serve "the best fries along the shoreline." 

You can also indulge in more summer treats like hot dogs and milkshakes.

Another unique feature of the beach is the dreamy swingset situated on the sand.

Take a seat and enjoy the sparkling lake views and sand beneath your feet at this spot.

Just offshore, you'll be able to see Chantry Island, which is home to Southampton's icon; a towering historic lighthouse.

Ontario has several other beach gems scattered across the province that are worth visiting this summer.

Port Dover will transport you to the tropics with its palm trees and soft shores, and Big Sandy Bay is hidden away on a secluded island.

Plan a trip to this charming town and gorgeous shoreline for the ultimate beach adventure this season.

Southampton Beach

Price: Free

Address: Southampton, ON

Why You Need To Go: This charming town is home to some of the most incredible beaches around.

We strongly advise that before you go swimming or visit any location, you check the most recent updates on potential hazards, security, water quality, and closures. If you do plan to visit a location, respect the environment.

  • Lead Writer

    Madeline Forsyth is a Toronto-based Lead Writer for Narcity Media. After earning her B.A. (Hons) at Queen's University, she spent a year travelling much of the world as a flight attendant. Now, she uses her experience in the travel industry and passion for writing to share stories about buzzworthy events and adventures across Canada and the globe. Madeline has been published in PopSugar and has interviewed sports and entertainment personalities for Narcity. She has covered and photographed restaurant openings as well as event launches such as the world premiere of the Dr. Seuss Experience. Some of her favourite things to write about include charming small towns and anything to do with Harry Potter.

Tax brackets in Canada: Here's what you'll pay in each province on your 2025 tax return

A few tax changes for 2025 mean you could be paying a lot less this spring. 👀

Costco has a new store opening in 2026 and the unique warehouse is a first in this province

It'll have thousands of products that aren't available at regular stores. 👀

24 products at Costco you can get for cheaper than items at Loblaws

You might not expect some of these items to be a better deal because of the price tags. 👀