Top 5 Ontario Provincial Park Beaches
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- čas přidán 1. 08. 2024
- We've camped at over 40 Ontario Provincial Parks over the past 4 years and have shared with you our opinions of each park. In this video we share with you or opinion of what the best beaches are at the Ontario Provincial Parks that offer camping. If you're looking for a beach vacation at a provincial park then sit back and enjoy. These are our Top 5 Ontario Provincial Park Beaches. We hope this helps you when choosing where to camp.
Sandbanks Provincial Park Review: • S03E11 Sandbanks Provi...
Pancake Bay Provincial Park Review: • S04E10 Pancake Bay Pro...
Presqu'ile Provincial Park Review: • S02E02 Presqu'ile Prov...
Port Burwell Provincial Park Review: • S03E05 Port Burwell Pr...
Pinery Provincial Park Review: • S2E06 Pinery Provincia...
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00:00 Intro
01:24 #5 Pinery Provincial Park
02:38 #4 Port Burwell Provincial Park
05:10 #3 Presqu'ile Provincial Park
07:01 #2 Pancake Bay Provincial Park
09:51 #1 Sandbanks Provincial Park
13:02 Wrap up
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Let us know what your favourite beach is.
Great summary, IMHO Pancake Bay is #1 and Sandbanks is #2. ;-)
Got my tea and muffins ready. Always a great way to start the weekend watching the coles. Thank you for everything you guys do.
Our pleasure. Enjoy!
I am a swimmer. Some of the beaches you mention are way too cold. Sibbald Point next to Lake Simcoe is generally warm enough. This year (2024), I went from July 21th and it was cold.
Can not thank you enough. I trust you and you make my searches really more informed and much easier and quicker🙏🏼
Happy to help!
Halfway Lake PP has a nice beach, we also like the day use beach at McGregor and we like the beach at Awenda, it is a little more rocky but we love the dog beach for our furbaby.
We haven't been to Halfway Lake yet. Last time we were at MacGregor we found the walk in to the water to be kinda gross as it was very silty and we sunk in. Also, the snake swimming by was a big NOPE for our daughter. Awenda's beaches are very nice. I like swimming out to the big boulders.
Halfway has lovely water, it is so clear you can see your toes. Beautiful lake.
Great, informative video, as always. Thanks!
Ou pleasure! Thanks for watching.
I thought Long Point would have been on top 5, but another great Camping with the Coles video. You need to do a livestream Q&A
Long Point was close to making it on the list. We noticed the beach really came back this past summer from the previous couple when it was almost washed away.
I’m glad that you showed beaches that aren’t too crowded. They were beautiful to see. 😍
I can see why Lake Simcoe wasn’t mentioned. The parks on it get way too crazy in summer. This has been increasingly concerning and for many reasons.
Thanks for taking us along on the beaches! 😊
We've been to a couple of the park on Lake Simcoe and they have nice beaches. We went to Mara and Sibbald Point. You're right though, they are CRAZY busy in the summer especially on weekends.
Great review and comments. Some new beaches to add to my list. Killbear and Mikisew are also some of my favourite beaches.
Yes, Killbear has a lot of nice beaches around the park. Mikisew is nice too with nice views.
Love watching your videos! We are huge fans of Lake Superior to try to head up there every summer. We'd have to say Pancake Bay is a top spot for us to camp and have a beach vacation. SO relaxing and the swimming is fabulous! We have to agree with many of your picks incuding Sandbanks and Pinery as well (we love picking out the fossils at the Pinery!). Your review of Port Burwell reminded me so much of Long Point. Sprawling beach area and the warm waters of Erie! Keep the tips and trips coming - so fun to watch and very informative!
Sounds like we're pretty much on the same page. Good to hear. Thanks for your kind words. We have lots more videos coming! Happy camping!
Thanks for another amazing video, those are all great beaches. We have found that Awenda and Inverhuron have been great for us for water quality. The water at Port Burwell and Pinery has been less than ideal in the past few years in our experience but maybe as the lakes go down a bit it will improve.
Awenda and Inverhuron are both very nice too. We were at Inverhuron for the May two four this year and saw that the beach hadn't really recovered yet. The water was still very high, right up to the wooden stairs. It used to be much nicer. The water seems to have gone down in all the Greal Lakes over the past year so hopefully that continues and we get our beaches back.
Awesome to see this list. Hoping to visit some of the parks you've mentioned that we didn't get to. One year of camping down... many more parks to go!!
That was a pretty impressive first year of camping that you had. Keep up the good work.
Thanks for posting! excellent video!
Glad you enjoyed it!
Great idea for a video! We also loved Pancake Bay for the beach and access from our campsite. So I guess we need to give Sandbanks a try. We like Achray in Algonquin Park for sites and access to the beach if your ok with no electrical hookup and minimal services. CHEERS!!!
If you have the option to camp in June or September, try those months for Sandbanks. It's such a busy park. We haven't been to Achray yet. We'll have to check it out.
Killbear beaches will always be in the top 5 for us. The nice sand, the Georgian Bay breezes and watching the 30,000 Islands boat sailing by. I always know what time it is by that boat. Plus, there is always plenty of shade on all the beaches with no shortage of trees. Please do not book here. Lol
We love the many beaches at Killbear too. I mean...it's awful, everyone stay away!😋
I like that little beach at Mew Lake a lot, all I really need, easy walk, great video
Sometimes you're just looking for a quiet little beach. Mew, Lake St. Peter, Bonnechere etc, have very nice little beaches.
Great review of your top 5. We don't do much provincial park camping with our RV due to its size. The Parks that we have tried were a bit tight for your our liking. Also, popular parks can be difficult to book as their sites book up fast. Enjoying your channel, Cheers Dave
It's tough when you have a big RV. We found it's best to book the most popular parks for June or September if you can. September preferably because less bugs and the water had all summer to warm up. Thanks for watching.
@@CampingwiththeColes Very good suggestion, thanks
Sandbanks 100%. Nice to see Presquile on the list too. The others I've never been to. Sounds like they are worth the trip. Thanks for recommending. 🙂
You bet! Happy camping.
Great compilation! I love Lakeshore beach at Sandbanks, and Inverhuron :). Although we’ve enjoyed most all the beaches we’ve been to! Water is usually always so clean everywhere we go :)
We used to love the beach at Inverhuron but then a few years of high water levels almost made it disappear. We were last there on the May two four of this year and the beach was still pretty small due to high water. Do you know if it improved over the summer?
Looking back at photos I suppose yes it was pretty narrow… we were there in the shoulder seasons so it didn’t affect us as the beach was deserted! Made for a long shallow entrance for the little ones though.
Inverhuron was always so cold for swimming. Yet go up the road to Port Elgin and water temp is fine!
great video, thanks!
Glad you liked it!
I absolutely loved Neys Provincial Park. Yes, cold Superior water, but in the heat of summer, the kids loved swimming there. The picturesque sunsets are top notch (similar to Agawa Bay), and the sand is beautiful. It is a naturalized beach, like many on Lake Superior, so there are interesting driftwood clumps and pretty stones to look at, and with a short hike, you can take in the sunset just off the dog beach side on some beautiful rock outcroppings! Great campsites are available right across from the beach with incredible views of the bay. History in the park is fascinating, and the vibe is very quiet and calm. This is not a party park, nor is it a park like Sandbanks that gets very busy. If you want quiet down time and good beach sitting, this is a beautiful spot and worth the drive.
You're making us jealous! We tried to get into Neys this past summer but couldn't get a site. We ended up going to Rainbow Falls instead. Cheryl keeps telling me we should have tried harder to get into Neys. We're definitely going to have to try to make it there now. Thanks for the tips.
Oops ,,,,,, just scene you already commented on Long point. Thanks for your video on this. Makes planning for next season a little easier.
Ha ha ha ha! Not many people read all the previous comments but you did. Yeah, we like the beach at Long Point and good to see that it's back to how it used to be.
great video i was thing sauble beach but think the beach is not really in the park keep the videos coming . God bless and merry christmas
Thanks, you too!
I have not been to any of those parks, but Sandbanks and Pancake Bay are on my bucket list. And maybe one day I will get to the Pinery.
Sandbanks is a very busy park, so going in June or September is best. Pancake Bay is a lot less busy on the beach but for most, like us in Southern Ontario it's a pretty long drive. We've been going to Pinery for 30 years. It's nice that from any site in Burley or Dunes campgrounds you just do a short walk west and you'll hit the beach.
Was for sure thinking Long point would have been near the top.....With the water level back down its magnificent!
We're not really beach people but we went to Burwell last summer and thought that it would be a really nice place for those who are. The campsite we had was pretty decent as well. Long Point is pretty popular too.
We agree. We're not big into the beaches but if you are a beach person then Port Burwell and Long Point are some places to check out.
Spent 12 summers on West Lake from 1972 to 1985. Nothing like water-skiing along the sand banks near evening. Great times. Miss those days.
Sounds amazing! Glad we could help bring back some memories for you.
Pancake bay is on bucket list !
It is definitely a bucket list type of place. When there you should spend a day visiting Lake Superior Provincial Park for some beautiful scenery, beaches and trails. It's only about 65km away.
Sandbanks is also our number 1 beach. We go almost every year in the shoulder season. We love to walk the length of both the Lakeshore and the Outlet beach.
We've only been to Sandbanks that one time but it sure made an impression on us. Those beaches are amazing!
We have been to all the campgrounds except Pancake Bay, too far with the young children. I can't say I've been to a beach in an Ontario provincial park we didn't like. Its just a matter of either experience, or research before you go.
Lake Erie - warmer water, yet not as clean. We own a cottage on the lakefront so it never feels like camping.
Lake Ontario - feels too much like home to consider it camping however Presquile was a nice quiet treat.
Lake Huron is our favourite. Cool blue water, rocky beaches with some artificial sand here and there.. feels very "Canadian" if there is there is a lake/feeling for that. From Awenda down through Saugeeen, McGregor, InverHuron, Point Farms, and Pinery feels like the most majestic part of Ontario.
Well stated opinions. We love different kinds of beaches at different times too. In this video we talked about big beaches on the Great Lakes but there are so many parks with little beaches that we love too. We love the small beaches like at Bonnechere, Killbear, Charleston Lake, Arrowhead, Balsam Lake and Sibbald Point. It depends what you're in the mood for and who you're going with.
You can't beat a Pinery sunset!
Lake Huron sunsets are the best!
Try sunset rocks at Killbear for stunning sunsets.
Just a friendly tip for anyone heading out to beaches next year for day-use trips I would recommend going on the Ontario parks website to check the water quality because it happened to us that we went to port Burwell one weekend and unfortunately there were high levels of bacteria on the water that weekend, and it pretty much was a bummer.
Good tip! That's surprising that Port Burwell would get high levels of bacteria when it's one of the Great Lakes. That would be much more common for smaller bodies of water. It's always good to check the Ontario Parks Website for alerts before you head out. There could be a boil water advisory or a fire ban or closed beaches.
Blue Lake Provincial Park is our go-to beach camping park. It's pretty far west (about 3 hrs from the Manitoba border) but it is beautiful. The water is crystal clear and the sandy beach is dotted with pines. It's starting to show its age a bit. We need to reinvest in parks and park maintenance in Ontario.
The furthest we've gone west is Sleeping Giant. We hope to get to Blue Lake one day. Thanks for the recommendation.
You two are awesome! Im moving back out that way from Alberta, my Mom just passed and I need a change! Id love to connect and talk about safety for woman there possibly 😊 Angela
We have to be on these beaches for sure, because we have a beach loving 6 years old. The only beaches we have been in Ontario are those of Earl Rowe, Killarney, Awenda, and Grundy Lake. Sandbanks and Presqu'ile are very popular with visitors from Quebec as well. That is why they are busy.
So sorry you had to go to the beach at Earl Rowe😜 All 5 of these beaches are big. There are so many nice small beaches at great parks that a 6 year old would enjoy. Bonnechere would be a great place for you to check out if you haven't been there yet. Small park with a beautiful beach and all the activities in one central location.
@@CampingwiththeColes Earl Rowe LOL! We will surely check out Bonnechere.
Enjoy your all's videos. I'm curious to know if in this video if you had water in the camper or was it winterized, it seem on the cold side, and if winterized do you use a porta potty.
We didn't have the trailer winterized on this trip. We only had one night that went below freezing. The day time temps were around 14C and night was around 2 or 3C. We just had the one night that got below freezing. Our trailer is considered a 3 season trailer. It has an enclosed underbelly with a furnace vent that goes into the underbelly. At night we had the furnace on and since a vent goes into the underbelly it adds some warmth under there. If most of the trip was below freezing I would winterize. If only a small part of the time it goes below freezing and not too far below then we're ok.
No mention of Rondeau Provincial Park?!?!?! 11 Kms of beautiful sandy beach, with Rondeau Bay Erieau and of course Shrewbury (the oldest official recreational village in Canada). We built a place in Shrewsbury and wouldn't hesitate to to it again.
We've been to Rondeau a couple of times and really enjoyed it there. I like that it has the lake (beach) side and the bay side. A very nice park. It's the 2nd oldest Provincial Park in Ontario, after Algonquin. I can see why it would be on the top of some peoples list.
Love port burwell !
The beach is great there. Unfortunately when we were there it rained most of the time and there was mud everywhere in the campground. All our camping companions we went there with left early. We need to go back in nice weather.
We love watching your videos! By the way, I believe everyone including myself would love to see you guys winter camping in different parks! I think a big chunk of the demographic would love to experience it with you! Please let us know your thoughts!
Interesting...we used to winter camp at Pinery, staying in a Yurt. That was a lot of fun with the kids. We went hiking, skating, tobogganing. Now the kids are older it doesn't appeal to us as much. We've debated it for this winter but I haven't convinced Cheryl yet. Arrowhead would be very cool with the Fire & Ice skating nights through the park. Thanks for the suggestion.
It goes to show how lucky we are to live near the Great Lakes. Question - What do you use those large clamps on your chair arms for?
Those are beverage holders. Clip it on one way and it holds cups and cans. Flip it over and it holds wine glasses. They sell them at Bed Bath and Beyond. Here is the link www.bedbathandbeyond.ca/store/product/o2cool-beverage-and-wine-clip/5509853?keyword=Lawn+chair+Wine+glass+holder
With two young kids we thought Bonnechere was great. Everything is right there that you could need. Has shady spots, playground, comfort station, rentals, handicap accessible mat into the water and the store is there for ice cream.
North Beach is nice but it’s a day use - sister park to Sandbanks.
We agree! Bonnechere is great. Everything all together in one spot. Cheryl especially loves that you can sit in the shade on the sand at the beach.
Wheatley And Rondeau’s beaches are nice
For a smaller park, Bonnechere has a very nice little beach.
We agree! That's our kind of beach.
I am curious to know how smaller beaches compare for you both! For me, I prefer beaches on smaller lakes! Arrowhead, Grundy Lake and Algonquin have some of the best beaches in the province in my opinion :)
We are not really beach people. It's not something that we really look for when researching a park to camp at, however we know that it is a big consideration for many people and that's why we decided to make this video. Personally, we prefer the smaller beaches like at Killbear, Bonnechere, Grundy Lake, Arrowhead etc. We really like when the beach area has some trees on it so that you can get some natural shade.
My favourite is Port Elgin!
When at MacGregor Point we always spend some time in Port Elgin and go to the beach and marina. It's a great spot!
Definitely Pinery for the sand and water but my favorite is McGregor Point for the water and view.
Last time we were at MacGregor we found the walk in to the water at campers beach to be kinda gross as it was very silty and we sunk in. Periodically it has a bad fishy smell to it too. Also, the snake swimming by was a big NOPE for our daughter.
@@CampingwiththeColes Geez! We didn't notice any of that as we didn't swim. Loved the rocky shore and sunsets. Thank for the great reviews, so helpful.
Old Woman Bay near Wawa is the nicest beach on Ontario to me
What are those green and blue clips on your chairs?
Those are our cup/wine glass holders. Cheryl got them at Bed Bath and Beyond. They're called O2COOL Beverage and Wine Clip. Here is the link www.bedbathandbeyond.ca/store/product/o2cool-beverage-and-wine-clip/5509853
I like the beach at Killbear pp.
Hey Greg, thanks for watching. We agree with you about Killbear. They have a bunch of beaches. You could stay for a week and go to a different beach or even more than one beach each day and not hit them all.
How was the cell reception at pancake Bay?
Koodo, Telus, Bell, Virgin Mobile - ok service. Some buffering watching videos. Good for phone calls, texting and general surfing.
I grew up going to presquile, it could be a nice beach if there weren’t a million twigs and other crap to step on. I wish they did a better job with that
I would take Long Point over Port Burwell. only because you don’t have to drive to the beach
That's a definite plus with Long Point. The dog beaches are what put Port Burwell over the top for us.
I can't believe grand bend and port stanley is not in the list which is way better than port burwell is at 4..😅
This is a list of beaches in Provincial Parks. Grand Bend and Port Stanley aren't in Provincial Parks.
The beaches at Killbear are terrible. The water is too clean. They are too long and you get tired from walking along them. Plus the kids enjoy them too much. Do not book at Killbear!
You are very funny!
Yeah, that's why we didn't bring Killbear up. Who needs so many beautiful beaches in one park. It's like they're trying too hard! Everyone should just avoid this park.😋
I love how you hosted the show from a winter setting. I’ll go off the board for my beach choice - Windy Lake. Huge beach and very nice lake. The park isn’t the greatest because of the train, but if you are at Halfway, it’s a short drive.
Killbear is #1 for us. 44 sqare mile park. Granite rock and sany beaches for mile within a protected bay. Water is pristine and vlear. Miles of beach and not stoney like Pinery. Need watershoes for pinery because of stones and rocks. The flies at pinery beaches are unbearable. Sandbanks water is less clean and sometimes smells like algae probably most polluted.
Killbear is great with it's many small beaches. Spend a week there and you can go to two different beaches each and every day.
@@CampingwiththeColes We have been going to Killbear for 30 years. The main beach is huge and protected by a large bay and the water is exceptionally clean and never closed due to contimanination unlike many Lake Ontario and Erie beaches. It is true that Killbear has many beaches but the main beach is not small. Water is sandy and not rocky or pebbly. Never seen a park with so many beautiful clear water beaches. It tops our list and reason why it is one of the most booked parks.
Ontario Parks should ask you to participate into re-creating their booking sites.
Oh gosh, I'd want no part of that mess!
@@CampingwiththeColes It needs your help to get out of the 90s :)
yep Sandbanks best beach in Ontario ..no doubt