You can find some truly spectacular sand dunes in Ontario at these beaches, and they’re perfect for summer exploring.
From ancient dune systems to the world’s largest sand pile, these spots will transport you to a sunny day in California.
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Sandbanks Provincial Park
Price: Prices vary
Address: 3004 County Rd. 12, Picton, ON
Why You Need To Go: You’ll find the world’s largest baymouth barrier dune formation, which stretches for 12 kilometres along the waterfront at this park.
Sand Hill Park
Price: $10 per person
When: May 1 to Thanksgiving
Address: 930 Lakeshore Rd., Port Burwell, ON
Why You Need To Go: You won’t see dunes bigger than this. The area is home to Ontario’s largest sandpile and the white mountains of sand stretch along the waterfront.
Southampton Beach
Price: Free
Address: 57 Morpeth St., Southampton, ON
Why You Need To Go: This white sandy beach has a stretching dunes system filled with rare grass. You can take a path right through the unique area, but visitors are asked to stay on the trail and not disturb the dunes.
Pinery Provincial Park
Price: Prices vary
Address: 9526 Lakeshore Rd., Grand Bend, ON
Why You Need To Go: Boasting kilometres of shoreline and a rare coastal dune ecosystem, you can gaze over rolling sandy hills and take in some spectacular sunsets at this park.
Wasaga Beach Provincial Park
Price: Prices vary
Address: 1 Jenetta St., Wasaga Beach, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can discover the largest set of parabolic sand dunes in the province when strolling through the trails at this park. The area also boasts 14 kilometres of beach and amazing swimming opportunities.
Sauble Beach
Price: Free
Address: 1276 Sauble Falls Pky., Wiarton, ON
Why You Need To Go: You can climb a massive sand dune just outside of Sauble Beach’s north border, which boasts scenic views from the top.
Awenda Provincial Park
Price: Prices vary
Address: 670 Awenda Park Rd., Tiny, ON
Why You Need To Go: The park is home to gorgeous beaches and an ancient dune system which you can explore along the three-kilometre Robitaille Homestead trail. Visitors must stay on the trail as not to disturb the dunes.
Before you get going, check our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.