Family-friendly city beaches in Ontario

The Beaches, Toronto

There are so many great places in Toronto to dip your toes, from Cherry Beach to the Toronto Islands. And the soft sand, Muskoka chairs and pink umbrellas of Sugar Beach offer relaxing views of Lake Ontario in a unique, urban beach park setting.

However, there’s one Toronto neighbourhood that’s truly dedicated to the ‘beaching’ experience, The Beaches. Splash in the surf and catch some rays at Woodbine and Kew Beach. Then wander the boardwalk and check out the bustling shops and cafes.

Where to stay in Toronto

Located in the heart of downtown, Chelsea Hotel has made family fun a mission with the 39 metre (130 foot) corkscrew waterslide and family fun zone.

Snacks near the beach

The Beacher Café has become a neighbourhood landmark or head up to Pizzeria Libretto, a family favourite on The Danforth. Treat your sweet tooth to a maple bacon crunch at Ed’s Real Scoop on the strip.

Location and parking 

The Beaches neighbourhood is located between Victoria Park Avenue and Woodbine Avenue in Toronto’s east end. It is accessible by public transit via the 501 Queen Streetcar.

Limited parking is available at 30 Ashbridges Bay Park Road.  

Lakeview Park Beach, Oshawa

Follow locals-in-the-know to Lakeview Park Beach for a day of swimming, picnicking, strolling along the pier, playing beach volleyball and cycling.

Oshawa’s Waterfront Trail is part of The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, an amazing multi-activity trail that follows over 2,000 kilometres along Ontario’s great lake and river shores. Oshawa’s portion stretches 11 kilometres through parks and forests, by the harbour and to the beach – perfect for cycling, hiking or strolling before your dip.

Where to stay in Oshawa

Find the big three in terms of hotel standards, namely clean, comfortable and convenient, at the Best Western Plus Durham Hotel or the Holiday Inn Express and Suites Oshawa Downtown. With free breakfast and a swimming pool, you can add “kid-approved.”

Snacks near the beach

Not far from the beach on Cedar Street, Lakeview Burger boasts the best burgers, fresh-cut fries, deep-fried poutine and authentic East Coast Donairs.

Location and parking

The park is located at 1675 Simcoe Street South. Parking is available off Lakeview Park Avenue.

Rideau and Ottawa River Beaches, Ottawa

Because Ottawa sits at the intersection of three key rivers and a heritage canal, it boasts great water-based activities, including inviting, swim-able public beaches.

Highlights include the view across the river from Petrie Island Beach and watching the annual Ottawa Dragon Boat Festival at Mooney’s Bay.

Where to stay in Ottawa

Ottawa has a great selection of places to stay. Just 20 a minute drive west from downtown, Brookstreet Hotel has amenities, activities and packages designed for ultimate kid fun.

Snacks near the beach

While in the nation’s capital, you’ll want to try flapjacks, poutine and beavertails. If you like your treats on the colder side, look out for the Merry Dairy ice cream truck or head to the Hintonburg parlour location.

Location and parking

Mooney’s Bay Beach is located at 2950 Riverside Drive on the Rideau River.
Britannia Beach is located at 2805 Carling Avenue.
Petrie Island Beaches is located at 795 Trim Road in the Orleans neighbourhood, both on the Ottawa River.
OC Transpo provides bus service to Britannia Beach. Limited free and paid parking is available at each beach location.

Canatara Park Beach, Sarnia

The beach at Canatara Park proudly flies its Blue Flag status as eco-certified for its water quality and safety standards so it’s a great spot to swim and play. You can also visit furry friends at the Children’s Animal Farm, tear up the BMX track or join a beach volleyball match.

You’ll also want to catch one of Lake Huron legendary sunsets. And the blue mobi-mats (pictured above) make wheelchair and stroller access to the beach easier.

Where to stay in Sarnia

The Harbourfront Inn & Suites is Sarnia’s only waterfront property overlooking the St. Clair River and within walking distance of Canatara Park.

Snacks near the beach

Nothing compliments a day at the beach better than ice cream and fries. Albert’s Rolling Lunch chip wagon has been serving just that for over 50 years.

Location and parking

Canatara Beach is located along Christina Street in the Point Edward neighbourhood of Sarnia. A parking lot is located off Christina Street.

Bell Park Beach, Sudbury

On the shores of Ramsey Lake, Bell Park Beach is a clean, blue flag-certified, accessible beach area supervised by lifeguards. Bell Park offers an all-terrain, floating wheelchair service for visitors with disabilities to easily transition from land to water and enjoy a refreshing dip.

It’s also within walking distance to Science North and Dynamic Earth, and close to downtown Sudbury.

Where to stay in Sudbury

Hampton Inn and Homewood Suites offer spacious suites with kitchenettes, complimentary breakfast and a pool for little ones who didn’t get enough splashing in at the beach. Kids stay and eat for free at the Holiday Inn.

Places to eat

Check out the thoughtful kid’s menu with pizza and pasta at Ripe Restaurant. Gloria’s Family Restaurant is a great option for breakfast or brunch with everything from pancakes, crepes and waffles to omelettes and even breakfast poutines.

Location and parking

Bell Park Beach is located off Paris Street in Greater Sudbury.

Parking is available in lots at 506 Elizabeth Street and at 100 Ramsey Lake Road.

Shabogesic Beach, North Bay

There are over 40 beaches in and around North Bay! Get information on the lifeguard schedule at supervised beaches, including Shabogesic Beach, formally known as Marathon Beach, on Lake Nipissing.

Boathouse Rentals rent out canoes, kayaks, SUP boards and bikes.

Where to stay in North Bay

Families looking for comfort and convenience will love the Travelodge, Comfort Inn or Homewood Suites, all within a stone’s throw of the lakeshore.

Places to eat

Syl’s is a contemporary family restaurant in the heart of North Bay that caters to families with hot dogs, fish and chips, French toast and sundaes for the kids.

Location and parking

Shabogesic Beach is located beside King’s Landing off Memorial Drive on the north shore of Lake Nipissing. A public parking lot is located on the south side of King’s Landing Wharf.