Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life by slowing down to appreciate the beaches rooted in history and local summer culture. Grab your towel and get your beach on in South Eastern Ontario. Making memories has never been so easy!
Cornwall and The Counties
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. Parks of the St. Lawrence now operates the campground and beach at Mille Roches; look for signs of the underwater ghost towns like the former Hwy. 2 appearing out of the shoreline waters on Macdonell Island to return to the waters on the far shore.
Another beach includes a miniature train experience to Upper Canada Village! Crysler Park Marina, located next door to the famous interpretive historical 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 Glengarry Beach and Picnic Area.
Brockville
St. Lawrence Park, located at the west end of Brockville, offers a clean, sandy beach where there is even supervision provided during the summer. Washrooms, change rooms and a canteen are also available here; parking and day use at the park is free!
It’s easy to spend a family beach day at Brown’s Bay Beach and Picnic Area! 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. It continues to be a popular stopping point for travellers to enjoy some outdoor recreation and magnificent scenery. With children’s play structures, picnic pavilions, several beaches, accented by lots of parking and facilities, Brown’s Bay continues to cater to families.
1000 Islands Gananoque
Charleston Lake Provincial 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.
Rideau Heritage Route
The Rideau Heritage Route, by nature, is all about water so it makes sense that some beaches with unique character are found along this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rideau Ferry Yacht Club Conservation Area on Lower Rideau Lake, claims to have the best beach on the Rideau. It features a sandy beach, picnic area and boat launch and other amenities like washrooms, a change house, a picnic shelter. Maintained by the Rideau Valley Conservation Authority this public beach, boat launch, and picnic area is a popular summer hang out. Kendrick’s Park near Lyndhurst on Lower Beverley Lake also boasts a superb spot for a family day in the sun as part of the Rideau system for a family day in the sun with lots of amenities, as does Westport’s Lions Club Beach on Sand Lake.
Frontenac County
Picture a bright, sandy, secluded beach, perfect for recharging and enjoying nature. That’s what you’ll find at Big Sandy Bay Conservation Area. Park the car in Kingston and take the ferry by foot over to Wolfe Island where a shuttle bus will await you to take you to this gorgeous beach. Leave your stress behind and enjoy this jewel which has several kilometres of unspoiled beach great for swimming. The beach is accessible after a short hike and fees apply.
Due to the high water levels, Big Sandy Bay beach will remain closed until further notice. Access to the walking trail is still available!
Kingston
Kingston’s Grass Creek Park is also not to be missed – this riverfront park features a 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. Recently renovated is Breakwater Park which includes a new promenade, pedestrian bridge and shade structure, pier upgrades, steps and seating, shoreline works including an upland beach, landscaping and tree planting, and accessibility improvements. Jump in and splash!
Prince Edward County
The Sandbanks is 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 beach experience, complete with sandbars and waves. North Beach Provincial Park in Consecon, is a hidden gem, featuring a paved walking trail, sandy beaches for more than 1 km, and picnic space.
Feel the sand between your toes and slather on the sunscreen to explore local beaches with mystery and heart in the South Eastern Ontario.