Eight southern Ontario beaches to escape the city this summer
Summer isn't here yet, but that doesn't mean that you can't start making plans for the year's most anticipated season.
Before you start packing your shade umbrella, towel and snacks, make shore your destination matches what you are looking for.
Whether that's feeling your toes on Port Dover's sandy beach or skydiving over Wasaga, the longest freshwater beach in the world, southern Ontario offers a variety of escapades from the hustle and bustle of the city.
Don't forget the sunscreen and remember to pick up your litter at the end of the day.
More of the best of Summer in Hamilton and across Ontario
Wasaga: Located on the south end of Georgian Bay with a shoreline stretching 14 km and home to six beaches, Wasaga is a crowd-pleaser. Beach 1 and 2 are the busiest ones with volleyball courts, shops and restaurants nearby. If you're looking for somewhere dog-friendly, Beach 3 is your go-to spot. Beach 4 offers the best views of the bay, a perfect location if you enjoy watching the sunset in a quiet and relaxed area. Beach 5 is ready to welcome families with picnic areas, parking, a playground, washrooms, and a mobi-mat, a nonslip roll-up access mat for beaches. A no swimming zone beyond Beach 6 is the place to be for kitesurfers to ride the wind and waves.
Accessible Wasaga beaches with mobi-mat: 2, 3, 4, 5.
Grand Bend: Located on the shore of Lake Huron in Lambton County, has part of its shore on Ontario's Blue Coast. With Caribbean blue waters, Grand Bend beach belongs to Canada s famous Blue Flag beaches for over a decade. The Bend community welcomes thousands of tourists every year with a variety of restaurants, local shops, and NightLife on the town's Main Street. Visitors with strollers or wheelchairs can count on accessible walkways and mats. Here for more information on Grand Bend's accessibility services.
Woodbine: Popular choice for picnics, sunbathing and swimming, this Toronto beach along the lake is perfect for families, Woodbine has a large stretch of sand, summer lifeguards, recently renovated bathing stations and an outdoor Olympic pool nearby. On Victoria Day or Canada Day, you'll find thousands of locals checking out the annual fireworks that light up the water. According to The City of Toronto, a beach wheelchair can be rented for free by calling 311 and picked-up at the Donald D. Summerville Outdoor Pool.
Port Dover: Standing on the shore of Lake Erie, Port Dover has a laid-back beach with a breathtaking pier. If you enjoy fishing, taking romantic walks along the beach and watching the tugboats, that's the place to be. Port Dover offers mats for people using wheelchairs or strollers. Here for more Port Dover's accessibility information.
Sandbanks: Sandbanks beach is situated on the southern side of Prince Edward County, and it's home to moving sand dunes and shallow turquoise waters. From walking and cycling to fishing, swimming and camping, The County' as it's called by the locals, has a tropical island getaway feel to it and is great for families. The park entrance fee is $21 per vehicle and no lifeguards are present on any of the beaches. Wheelchairs and/or mobility devices are available, free of charge, or for rent and identified service animals wearing a guide-dog vest are welcome. Here for more Sandbanks's accessibility information.
Crystal: Located on the shores of Fort Erie, Crystal Sands Beach is a trendy spot in the summer. If you are looking for a sunny beach and a busy lakeside community, this could be your destination for the weekend. Children can enjoy its soft and clean sand, great for digging and playing. Water sports, swimming, quaint local shops, restaurants make Crystal Beach a fun weekend getaway with family and friends. New changing rooms and washroom facilities are fully accessible and access ramps are available. Here for more Crystal Beach's accessibility information.
Long Point: Recognized as a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve, Long Point Provincial Park's beach rests on the warm waters of Lake Erie with a 40-kilometre-long sandspit. Every year, birders flock to the park to watch migrating birds nesting on the Point, making it one of North America's top bird watching sites. The location is also popular for its fishing and boating opportunities. Long Point offers mats to make the beach more accessible to people using wheelchairs or strollers. Here for more Long Point's accessibility information.
Sibbald: Situated on Lake Simcoe, Sibbald Point Provincial Park is a great destination for spending the day with family. The park has a sandy beach and shallow water safe for kids to enjoy the summer. Picnic areas surrounded by grass and forested hiking trails are only some of Sibbald's attractions. Boat launch and parking are available for boaters. According to Ontario Park's website, Sibbald Point Provincial Park offers washroom stalls at all comfort stations and barrier free showers at the comfort stations located in the campground.
Beatriz Baleeiro is a reporter at The Spectator.bbaleeiro@torstar.ca