by Lori Straus

Nothing says summer like the beach, and Ontario has lots of them to go around. You probably know Grand Bend and Sauble Beach, but here are a few Ontario beaches you may not know about.

Port Stanley

Situated along Lake Erie’s north shore, Port Stanley’s Main Beach is one of only 27 in Canada to receive an official Blue Flag status. It’s given only to beaches that have demonstrated and continue to uphold strict water quality and safety standards. For wheelchair and stroller users, it also offers mats to make the beach more accessible.

For families and friends preferring a smaller beach, Port Stanley’s Little Beach is a little farther down the road. Only 185 m long, the Little Beach offers shallow water that’s well protected by a berm.

Canatara Park

Head down to Southern Ontario, where you’ll find Sarnia’s Canatara Park, a sandy beach that stretches nearly a kilometre along Lake Huron. The kids will find lots to do with the park’s many kid-friendly activities, and it, too, offers mats to make the beach more accessible for wheelchair and stroller users. Like Port Stanley’s Main Beach, Canatara Park has also received Blue Flag status.

Southampton Beach

The beach at Southampton stretches for kilometres along Lake Huron. The rare dune grass that grows there is part of the reason the Appellation and Songbird Migration Routes pass over it.

You can visit the Southampton Main Beach, Miramichi Bay, South Street Beach, Pioneer Park Beach, or the Long Dock to enjoy the waters of Lake Huron.

When you visit, though, please stay within the rails as you follow trails along the beach. The sand dune system is a fragile ecosystem and one of the few intact natural dune systems in urban Ontario. It protects the shoreline from storm waves and supports many kinds of plants and animals that love hot, dry climate.

Bathtub Island

Waaaay up North (at least from where I live) is another beach you may not know about: Bathtub Island at Katherine Cove, in Lake Superior Provincial Park. Just as its name suggests, this is a tiny, shallow basin. Online reviews report that the water in the basin is surprisingly warm despite the northern location.

Elora Quarry

The Elora Quarry is part of the Grand River Conservation Authority in Southwestern Ontario and is a wonderful spot for those who just want to enjoy a swim and some sun. No watercraft, including paddle boats, are permitted. Parents, be aware that the beach is not patrolled, so you’ll want to keep a close eye on your children.

The Elora Quarry park also has a one-kilometre loop trail that offers several views over the Grand River, plus shaded areas and a few tables for picnics.

Pack the Car and Off You Go

Depending on where you live, some of these beaches can offer a one-day family trip, while others might be part of a longer summer vacation or camping trip. Whatever your destination, relax, soak in the sun, and enjoy Canadian nature right in your backyard.