As we’re all melting in the city, it’s natural to start daydreaming about spending a day at the beach to cool off from this August heat. Luckily, we live in a province that comes fully equipped with stunning, freshwater shorelines that are just waiting for you to take a dip — and I’m not talking about Lake Ontario. This August, find a friend with a car, hit the road, and have yourself a well-deserved beach day with some of these Southern Ontario options.
Sunset Point Park
Location: Collingwood
Collingwood’s Sunset Point Park is famous for being one of the best spots on Georgian Bay to watch a sunset. This beach lacks sand, but does offer large patches of grass to lay on as well as benches, picnic areas, and regular seating. This is a beach with a view — a great spot to get lost in a good book.
Wasaga Beach
Location: Wasaga Beach
The world’s longest freshwater sandy beach is soaked in history and tradition in Ontario. It’s perfect for a day trip, but also accommodates overnight with their selection of cottage rentals, campgrounds, and hotels in the area. Wasaga Beach also comes with its own set of shops and restaurants located along the shoreline, also known as “the strip.”
Christie Beach
Location: Off Highway 26, between Meaford and Thornbury
Nestled off Highway 26, this sandy beach offers a great spot to walk into the water. Its subtle location makes for a quiet spot — the beach is surrounded by marsh and other wildlife habitats, so it’s a great location to enjoy nature and take in a stunning view of Georgian Bay.
Waubuno Beach
Location: Parry Sound
Parry Sound’s Waubuno Beach offers a sandy shoreline fully equipped with beach volleyball courts and hiking trails. This spot is good for anyone looking for an activity filled day. Waubuno Beach is also marked with Parry Sound’s history — the beach is known for holding a sunken, 19th century anchor that was recovered in 1959. Waubuno is also close to town, with shopping and restaurants just a short walk from the beach.
Sauble Beach
Location: Bruce County
A southern Ontario classic, Sauble Beach is located in the middle of a beach community that goes back generations. The shore is surrounded by many overnight options, including rental cottages, bed and breakfasts, hotels, and campgrounds. Its sandy beach and open shore offers a great spot to lay down a towel, prop up an umbrella, and enjoy the sun.
Mermaid Cove
Location: Tobermory
If a sandy beach isn’t an absolute must, checkout Mermaid Cove. This spot boasts crystal clear water that spills over a gorgeous rocky shoreline with plenty of spots to sit and bask in the sunshine. Mermaid Cove is also situated right in the middle of Tobermory, on the tip of the Bruce Peninsula National Park, which means that it’s surrounded by a variety of beaches and scenic parks.
Image courtesy leeahrose via Instagram