9 dreamy beach towns you can get to from Toronto without a car this summer
Get that beach bag ready!
A person standing by the water in an Ontario village. Right: A person swimming in Georgian Bay.
No car? No problem! You can still enjoy some stunning beach towns around Toronto this summer without needing to drive.
There are several beach towns in the province you can get to by train and bus, making it convenient to plan a little warm-weather getaway.
You can wander along charming streets, visit historic shops and relax by sparkling waters in these beach towns around the city.
From stunning white sand destinations to quaint harbour villages, there are so many places to explore and enjoy.
Here are nine gorgeous beach towns you can get to from Toronto without a car this summer for a dreamy outing.
Port Hope
Price: $40 round trip by train, $30 round trip by bus
Address: Port Hope
Why You Need To Go: Located just an hour train ride away from Toronto, this historic small town is a magical place to spend a summer day.
Port Hope is accessible by VIA Rail as well as Flixbus, which takes a little over an hour.
The town has several sandy beaches to enjoy, including East Beach and West Beach.
You'll be whisked back in time as you wander along the historic streets and check out the quaint shops.
From theatre performances to self-guided tours and arts festivals, there's always something to enjoy at this small town.
Gananoque
Price: $82 round trip
Address: Gananoque, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can enjoy a little European escape without a plane or car. VIA Rail offers trips to the charming waterfront village of Gananoque where you can enjoy quaint streets, unique attractions and sparkling water.
The town is located about three hours from Toronto by train and is home to several beaches including Joel Stone Beach and Grass Creek Park, which is a short taxi trip from the village.
You can also enjoy cruises around the 1000 Islands, walking tours, an outdoor art exhibit and lush parks.
Sauble Beach
Price: $120 round trip
Address: Sauble Beach, ON
Why You Need To Go: Take a summer trip to the "Daytona of the North!" Parkbus will take you from downtown Toronto to charming Sauble Beach in 2 and a half hours.
The bus stops at both Sauble Beach and Sauble Falls Provincial Park so there's lots to explore.
The beach boasts 7 kilometres of white sand shores where you can build sandcastles and soak up some sun. There are cute local shops to explore as well as ice cream parlours to make your beach day even sweeter.
Owen Sound
Price: $60 + round trip
Address: Owen Sound, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can hop on a bus and take a trip to the charming community of Owen Sound. Flixbus will take you to this waterside destination in 3 and a half hours.
Owen Sound was recently named one of the most charming small towns in North America so it's worth a summer road trip.
You'll find a few beaches here, including Big Bay, which is known as the "Stone Skipping Capital of Canada," according to the website.
You can also check out Kelso Beach Park or Hibou Conservation Area for more swimming opportunities.
Wasaga Beach
Price: $40 + round trip
Address: Wasaga Beach, ON
Why You Need To Go: This spot is the ultimate beach destination. Wasaga Beach is about a 2 and a half hour ride from Toronto with Flixbus and offers silky sand shores and shimmering water.
According to the website, the town is home to the "World’s Longest Freshwater Beach and one of Ontario's most unique coastal dune ecosystems."
You can enjoy "more than 14 kilometres of white sandy coastline" and "panoramic views of Georgian Bay."
From relaxing on the soft shores to exploring some of the trails or checking out the town, there's lots to do at this summer destination.
There are many places where you can grab a bite as well, including sweet shops and romantic restaurants.
Tobermory
Price: $149 round trip
Address: Tobermory, ON
Why You Need To Go: Known for its crystal blue waters and stunning landscapes, Tobermory is a must-visit summer destination and you don't need a car to get there.
Parkbus is offering select trips to Tobermory and other destinations along the Bruce Peninsula. The journey takes about 4 to 5 hours one way.
The small harbour town boasts stunning sunsets as well as many local shops, ice cream parlours and eateries where you can enjoy your day to the fullest.
There are several dreamy swimming spots in the area where you can go for a dip in the turquoise waters of Georgian Bay.
You can also check out the iconic Grotto and Cyprus lake which will whisk you away to the Mediterranean.
Visits to Tobermory are usually recommended on overnight visits as it can be tight to fit it all in during a day trip.
Port Severn
Price: $48 + round trip
Address: Port Severn, ON
Why You Need To Go: This waterfront community is a charming spot to escape the city. The town is a two and a half hour trip from Toronto with Flixbus.
The Port Severn Beach features a sandy shoreline as well as a splash-pad water play area.
You can also wander along a boardwalk trail in Wye Marsh and dig into some food at one of the restaurants in the village.
Lion's Head
Price: $120 round trip
Address: Lion's Head, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can enjoy a turquoise water oasis at this stunning Ontario village. Parkbus is offering select trips to Lion's Head this summer and you'll feel like you've been whisked away to the tropics.
The journey takes 4 to 5 hours and allows you to explore Lion's Head Nature Reserve, which is "one of the most beautiful places in Eastern North America," according to Parkbus.
You can enjoy panoramic views over Georgian Bay as well as a scenic sandy beach in the village.
Parkbus website
Cobourg
Price: $50 round trip
Address: Cobourg, ON
Why You Need To Go: According to this beach town, you'll "swear you’re sitting somewhere ocean-side in the Caribbean" as you lounge on the sandy shores.
Cobourg is a one-hour VIA Rail trip from Toronto and offers a dreamy white sand beach with vintage lifeguard stations. You can stroll along the winding boardwalk as you take in the water views.
Aside from swimming, you can spend some time exploring the town's landmarks, shopping at the boutiques or digging into food at the bakeries, fast food joints and fine dining spots.
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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