Temperatures are rising and the sun is shining! It’s time to go to the beach! Many are looking for the perfect spot to soak in the summer weather. So, we’ve rounded up a list of the top beaches in York Durham Headwaters to help you maximize those sunny days and work on your tan! The region is filled with beautiful stretches of coastline that are home to incredible beaches.
Pack up the sunscreen, towel, and put on your swimsuit! Get ready to pull up a lounge chair on some prime beach real estate in YDH at these amazing beaches! Just to be safe though, before you swim, check @LOWaterkeeper or https://www.theswimguide.org/ and for any water quality advisories.
Frenchman’s Bay Beach
Just south of Pickering, on Lake Ontario, sits one of the best beaches in the province! Frenchman’s Bay Beach is a gem of a location that goes beyond the long sandy stretch of coastline! This beach is fabulous if you’re looking to relax and soak in the sun. Known as a barrier beach, it’s also an ideal spot for kiteboarding and surfing thanks to the strong winds!
Visitors to Frenchman’s Bay Beach will find a ton of things to do in the area! For hikers, the Great Lake Waterfront Trail runs through the water. Plus, there’s an incredible waterfront community here called Pickering’s Nautical Village. This adorable area will transport you to beach towns down south!
Nautical Village’s main strip along Liverpool Road is lined with great shops, cute cafes, and incredible restaurants. You can grab lunch in the village before heading to the beach. Or pop in for an old-fashioned ice cream after.
A great restaurant close to the beach is PORT! With a globally inspired menu, a polished modern interior, and the best cocktails in town, this is one place you’re going to want to eat at! On top of a mouth-watering menu, their awesome patio overlooks the bay.
For a fun-filled summer day trip close to Toronto, head to Pickering’s Nautical Village and Frenchman’s Bay Beach. You’ll find it all here, sand, shops, sweets and superb food!
Darlington Provincial Park Beach
Within Darlington Provincial Park lies one of the top beaches in York Durham Headwaters! The park is located between Oshawa and Bowmanville. Perched along the shoreline, unlike most other stretches of Lake Ontario, the beach here has crystal blue waters!
The beach at Darlington is a beautiful mix of sandy and pebble shoreline, making it ideal for swimming. Plus, if you stretch your beach day out, you’ll be reward with stunning sunsets over the still waters.
To mix up your day at the beach, visitors will find a host of activities within the park. You can head out on the water by canoe or paddle boat. There are also four different trails winding through Darlington, many of which are short and easy.
During the summer months the park also puts on daily family-friendly activities like guided hikes as well as children’s programs. These opportunities allow you to learn all about the park, its ecology, and the history of the area.
If you’re looking for a great park for an extended stay, Darlington Provincial Park has a range of campsites too! There are picnic tables, washroom facilities, barbeques, and more!
Don’t forget to stop into the park store to celebrate your day at the beach and grab a tasty ice cream scoop!
Sibbald Point Provincial Park Beach
One of the best beaches in York Durham Headwaters can be found at Sibbald Point Provincial Park. This 225-hectare park is located in Sutton. It’s a popular spot to go camping but is also a hot spot for summer beach goers.
Locals and visitors travelling up from the city love the large sandy beach found within the park. Set along the shores of Lake Simcoe, the beach has a sandy bottom and shallow water. This makes it ideal for families looking for kid-friendly beaches! Visitors will find plenty of picnic tables and trees nearby for shade. If you’re looking for a bite to eat during your visit, pop into the park store that’s located right on the main beach. They serve up different food options, including ice cream!
Sibbald Point Provincial Park has a wide variety of things to do, for families with children or day trippers looking for outdoor adventure. The park is home to a couple of hiking trails, one of which explores the history of the family that the park was named after. You can also visit Eildon Hall Museum, which was the Sibbald home. This museum within the park showcases the story of the Sibbald family with pieces and displays from their time here in the 19th century.
The park also runs an assortment of programs that are great for kids. One of which is the Adventure Lab course where you can learn about the various habitats that can be found throughout the park.
Another interesting sight nearby is St. George’s Anglican Church. Located right outside the park boundaries, the church was built by the Sibbald family. Many of the family are buried here. However, so is another famous Canadian, Stephen Leacock! The grounds are a lovely spot to stroll and offer beautiful views of the lake.
One thing to note before visiting is that visitors need to reserve a daily permit to guarantee access. The park fills up fast in the summer months, especially on weekends. So, be sure to book ahead!
Jackson’s Point Beach
For those looking for a lovely beach getaway this summer head to Jackson’s Point. This quaint area in Georgina Township is known as a resort harbour. Hugging the southern shores of Lake Simcoe, Jackson’s Point Beach is a great place to plan your summer vacation around.
Jackson’s Point is one of the main draws to the area! This gem has a dock stretching out into the refreshing waters of Lake Simcoe, a picturesque lighthouse off the pier, and a beach! The white sandy beach is at the edge of Bonnie Park and is ideal for swimming or lounging in the sun.
Plus, right next door is the Ramada! If you’re staying here, you’ll have prime access to the beach by day and the sunsets at night. The hotel offers casual rooms, free breakfast, and an outdoor fire pit and lounge. You can also enjoy their Lakeview Restaurant & Bar whether you’re staying the night or on a day trip. Pull up a seat on their patio and breathe in the fresh air and awesome lake views.
Another wonderful spot to stay close to Jackson’s Point Beach is the Briar’s Resort. This historic resort dates back to the 1840s and is home to a golf course, spa, indoor and outdoor pools, and a fabulous restaurant. In addition, it’s only a ten-minute walk to the beach!
