During the peak summer months, looking for a parking spot and space on the sand at popular Ontario beaches like Sandbanks Provincial Park or Wasaga Beach can easily ruin a perfect sunny day.
So instead of navigating the crowds, head to one of these lesser-known, but equally beautiful, beaches for your next long summer weekend. With sandy shores, beautiful vistas, and a host of child-friendly amenities, these Ontario destinations offer plenty of charm for all ages.
Getting to each secluded spot is easy in your Kia Telluride; just input the desired destination and follow the best route using the standard navigation feature in the 10.25″ touchscreen display, and you’ll never have to worry about losing your way with the family in tow.
Ipperwash Beach, Lambton Shores
One of the longest freshwater beaches in the province, Ipperwash offers free parking, and it’s not nearly as busy as nearby Grand Bend Beach. Along this gorgeous stretch of Lake Huron, you can expect a sandy shore and shallow waters that are ideal for kids.
Horsehoe Beach, Pukaskwa National Park
This remote Northern Ontario beach features a stretch of golden sand surrounded by boreal forest and the dramatic granite formations of the Canadian Shield. The views are spectacular, the Lake Superior water is crystal clear, and the beach’s plentiful driftwood will be endlessly entertaining for children.
Katherine Cove, Lake Superior Provincial Park
This Provincial Park in Northern Ontario features a number of secluded, beautiful swimming spots, including Katherine Cove, Old Woman Bay, Burnt Rock Pool and Bathtub Island. Old Woman Bay is slightly more scenic, but Katherine Cove’s fine white sand and shallow waters makes it a favourite for families. Both are splendid locations for a picnic with a view.
North Beach Provincial Park, Prince Edward County
A day-use park, North Beach offers the same blue waters and soft sand as the nearby Sandbanks beaches, but without the summertime crowds. On one side of the park, you can swim in the open waters of Lake Ontario; on the other side, the bay’s sheltered waters offer a warmer, child-friendly beachfront.
Canatara Beach, Sarnia
This Lake Huron beach is almost one kilometre long and has Blue Flag certification for its safety features, water quality, and commitment to environmental management and education. For families, there’s an animal farm, picnic areas, playground, BMX bike park, bicycle rentals, and beach volleyball courts available in Canatara Park.
Hibou Conservation Area, Owen Sound
Consider visiting the picturesque Hibou Conservation Area instead of fighting the crowds at Sauble Beach this summer. The pretty, Georgian Bay–facing sand beach has calm, shallow waters and 2.5 km of hiking trails nearby for the entire family to explore. There’s even a new Hibou Wetlands Interpretive Trail, which opened last year.
Port Stanley Little Beach, Central Elgin
Port Stanley’s family-friendly Little Beach is more secluded and shallower than the popular Main Beach, although both offer soft sand and warm waters. This Lake Erie North Shore destination has Blue Flag status, and you’ll love exploring the town’s quaint, historic charms when you’re done at the beach. Or you can stop by the local favourite Mackie’s for a burger and their famous “Orangeade” milkshake.
Sandy Beach, Wawa
This west-facing, Lake Superior beach in Northern Ontario—painted long ago by Group of Seven artist A.Y. Jackson—features white sand, dramatic cliffs, and beautiful dunes. Here, you can swim in Michipicoten Bay, visit Eco-Interpretive Park to learn more about the area’s Indigenous people, or simply watch the sunset from the shore.
Hitting the open road for an adventure with your family this summer? Visit Tales from the Modern Family, our roadmap to reconnecting families through authentic weekend experiences, brought to you by the all-new Kia Telluride.
