Published July 19, 2019
With thousands of beaches across the Great Lakes, it won’t be hard to find the closest beach to you. The hard part will be picking which one to visit. We’ve listed some of the best beaches in the Great Lakes region, found all across Ontario (and Michigan, USA).
Lake Huron
Sauble Beach
Bruce Peninsula, Ontario
Sauble Beach was voted as Canada’s #1 Freshwater Beach, and it’s not hard to see why. Recreational activities include swimming, windsurfing, water-skiing, fishing, golfing, lawn bowling, tennis, beach volleyball, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing and birding. The beach is famous for its astonishing sunsets.
Lake Erie
Crystal Beach
Fort Erie, Ontario
Lake Erie is the shallowest of all the Great Lakes, making it the warmest. Crystal Beach by far the town of Fort Erie’s biggest draw. Go for a swim, lounge on the white sand, sail around the bay, go fishing, try out the water-sports galore, or explore the quaint town of Fort Erie.
Lake Ontario
Sugar Beach
Toronto, Ontario
Due to the fact that visitors cannot swim here, some might not call it a beach, but Sugar “Beach” just had to make our list as it's the perfect place to relax, have picnic, or your own summer photoshoot.
Sugar Beach has a splash pad, and brightly coloured pink beach umbrellas and iconic candy-striped rock outcroppings that welcome visitors to the new waterfront neighbourhood of East Bayfront in Toronto.
Lake Michigan
Grand Haven State Park
Grand Haven, Michigan
One of Michigan’s most popular beaches is located in Grand Haven State Park. With everything you love about a beach, along with scenic views of Lake Michigan, this sandy stop is a must-see. The Grand Haven lighthouse and pier are popular park attractions where visitors can fish or simply explore this piece of Lake Michigan history.
Lake Superior
Pancake Bay Provincial Park
Batchawana Bay, Algoma County, Ontario
Pancake Bay has more than 3 km of beautiful sand beaches and blue water. You can get a beautiful panoramic view of the bay from the Edmund Fitzgerald Lookout hiking trail. Paddle through history at this park, located right along the historic paddling route of the Voyageurs.
Pancake Bay is also an ideal spot for camping, with large RV sites, car camping, as well as yurts. Activities such as fishing, hunting, canoeing, camping, swimming, biking, birding, hiking, and kayaking can be enjoyed. Amenities include all terrain wheelchairs, playgrounds, bathrooms, even dog beaches for your furry friends.
