Life’s a Beach in South Eastern Ontario
Whether you’re a nature lover, water baby or sun worshipper, the beaches in South Eastern Ontario are the perfect place to make the most out of summer! Cool off in the clear water, throw a frisbee, build sandcastles or simply read a book; feeling the sand between your toes is good for the soul. Grab your towel and dive into beach days in South Eastern Ontario!
Sand and sun at SDG Counties beaches
1. Parks of the St. Lawrence Beaches
The largest sand beach on the St. Lawrence corridor is shrouded in beauty and intrigue. Mille Roches Beach spans a long arching bay and is on the biggest of the 11 islands connected by the Long Sault Parkway. These islands sweep in an arc through the St. Lawrence River like a necklace of green jewels, connected by causeways and bridges. In fact, the islands are the former hilltops of the Lost Villages, which were flooded to allow the International Seaway and Power Dam project in 1958.
Crysler Park Beach and Marina, located next door to the famous interpretive Upper Canada Village, is the perfect place for family gatherings and office picnics. This site offers a beach for swimming, a playground, picnic areas and more. There are also a host of other fantastic public beaches through Parks of the St. Lawrence, including Farran Park Beach and Picnic Area and the beach at Glengarry Campground, with the best views of the beautiful Adirondack Mountain range, as well as Woodlands Beach, known as a sandy summer oasis!
Did you hear about the Parks of the St. Lawrence One Pass? Unlock experiences across all enchanting sites, from day-use and beach areas to admission to Fort Henry, Upper Canada Village, Kingston Pen Tour, discounts at the Upper Canada Golf Course, and even complimentary boat launching at Crysler Park Marina!
2. Island Park Beach
A sandy beach beckons, free and perfect for swimming, paddling, picnicking and more! This welcoming beach is in the heart of Alexandria with a mix of warm sand, sun and shade overlooking the Mill Pond. Look here for a splash pad and two play structures near the beach, so it’s a great spot for the whole family! Rumour has it that there’s also a local farmers market on the way to the beach each Saturday in the warmer months.
3. Iroquois Beach
This pretty little beach in the charming village of Iroquois is an ideal summer hang. Lifeguards are on duty Monday to Friday in July and August, and there are change rooms and washrooms on site. Enjoy the sand and sun!
4. Charlottenburgh Park
The quintessential summer beach! With sandy entry, mature trees for shade, beach volleyball and a play structure adjacent to the beach, it’s all overlooking the St. Lawrence River and perfect for day use or as part of a camping trip with friends or family at the Charlottenburgh Park. Be sure to lace up and enjoy the 7 km of self-guided nature trails with interpretive signage, too!
Clear water and sandbars at Prince Edward County beaches
5. Sandbanks Provincial Park
The world’s largest baymouth barrier dune formation with three expansive sandy beaches that are recognized as being among the best in Canada. White sand gives way to cobalt blue waters for a unique and beautiful beach experience, complete with sandbars and waves. This popular beach gets busy quickly in the summer, often reaching capacity. Be sure to plan ahead!
6. North Beach Provincial Park
Located in Consecon, this beach is a hidden gem, featuring a paved walking trail, sandy beaches for more than 1 km, and lots of picnic space.
7. Wellington Rotary Beach
Boardwalk alert! This stony beach is popular with walkers and cyclists, and includes washrooms, picnic tables, benches, a pavilion and boat launch.
Sunshine and nature at 1000 Islands Rideau Canal Waterways beaches
8. Kelly’s Beach in Prescott
This popular and charming beach in Prescott is beside the municipal pool and splash pad. It’s known as being meticulously maintained making it a great summer spot for families to beat the summer heat.
9. Lower Beverley Lake Park
This sandy wade-in beach leads to a raft that is a favourite among locals around Delta. It has a raft to swim out to and a clean sandy beach for soaking up the sun. The beach at Lower Beverley Lake Park is free for walk-ins or pay a fee for a vehicle pass. While there, enjoy the play structures, walk the trail showcasing towering hemlocks, and even grab an ice cream, too!
10. Westport Lions Beach
Pack up the family or round up some friends and head to the Westport Lions Beach at the edge of Sand Lake. This popular sandy beach includes a gazebo, playgrounds, trails, sports fields and lots of green space, and occasional activities at the beach house. Find out more on the Rideau Lakes beaches and park page.
11. Kendrick’s Park near Lyndhurst
This park boasts a superb spot for a family day with a sandy beach, shade, picnic tables and pavilions, a canteen, play structure and full washroom facilities. Stay for the day to summer your way.
Sparkling St. Lawrence at 1000 Islands Gananoque beaches
12. Joel Stone Heritage Park
Gananoque’s splash pad at Joel Stone Heritage Park is located adjacent to the sandy beach, complete with a swim raft, so the family can be in one place which caters to all ages. Look closeby for museums, restaurants and a park.
13. Charleston Lake Provincial Park
This beautiful park near Lansdowne achieves the perfect recipe for Canadian natural eye-candy: rock outcroppings, trees and blue water. There are two beaches here – one for campers and the other one is only designated as the day-use beach. Buoyed off and sandy with a playground just up the road, and amazing trails, Charleston Lake is a great summer spot.
Peaceful, private beaches in L&A County
14. Sand Beach Wetlands Conservation Area
With 54 acres including woodland, dunes and a sandy beach, this conservation area is known for its ecological significance. Located at the southwest end of Amherst Island, you’re just a ferry ride away from warm sand and cool water. This area is especially great if you're a birder!
Tropical beach vibes, crystal waters in Frontenac County
15. Big Sandy Bay
A hidden paradise on Wolfe Island with shallow sandbar swimming on Lake Ontario, blue water - and a hike to get there. But it’s worth it! Picture a secluded beach, enjoying nature, and a fun ferry ride from Kingston to Wolfe Island. Enjoy this environmentally important jewel with several kilometres of unspoiled beach for swimming. Please note there is a fee for entrance and it is payable by cash only - there is no ATM on site. It’s also important to note that it’s a 3 km round trip hike to get to the beach from the parking area.
Beautiful summer beach moments await in Brockville
This is the area’s largest sandy beach on the St. Lawrence River between Brockville and Mallorytown Landing. Before the St. Lawrence Seaway came into existence, Brown's Bay was the only provincial park between Gananoque and the Quebec border! Today, it’s easy to spend a family beach day at this newly rejuvenated park. With children’s play structures, picnic pavilions, restaurant, showers and accented by lots of parking and green space, Brown’s Bay continues to cater to families.
Located at the west end of Brockville, offers a clean, sandy beach where there is even supervision provided during the summer. Look for a new restaurant on site, kayak rentals, washrooms, change rooms - parking and day use at the park is free!
Top spots to cool down in Kingston
18. Lake Ontario Park
Kingston’s largest urban waterfront park! With a cobble beach and the park’s network of accessible trails that span the shoreline, this is a local favourite spot to cool down.
This welcoming cobblestone beach offers a convenient access point to the water, comfortable wooden seating along the beachfront, and a picturesque lookout over Lake Ontario. A neat bonus: check the live web cam to see how busy it is before venturing out!
20. Breakwater Park
Just west of downtown Kingston is Breakwater Park and Gord Edgar Downie Pier, named in honour of the late Canadian musician and lead singer of The Tragically Hip. The park boasts an upland sand beach, ideal for building sandcastles or playing beach games, and an accessible cobble beach area.
21. Grass Creek Park
Not to be missed! This waterfront park features a large sandy beach with a swimming area, play equipment and picnic facilities. This park is free to attend and even has a large, fenced in dog park. Be sure to check out the MacLachlan Woodworking Museum at the entrance to the park for learning, crafting and special events.
Beach memories for days in Prescott Russell
22. Voyageur Provincial Park
Voyageur is a popular 3,600 acre park; three sandy beaches beckon as a big plus for families with kids. Boat rentals and a boat launch ramp make fishing a popular activity or hike one of the trails with the fam jam. Explore the most easterly provincial park in the province!
Slather on the sunscreen, round up some friends and explore beautiful beaches in South Eastern Ontario!
READ ALSO
