Nothing says summer like spending long days on the beach. Even the thought or the image of a beach evokes instant feelings of nostalgia in a way that nothing else can. Spend some time beachin’ this summer on one of Northeastern Ontario’s beautiful beaches. Whether you are looking for something a bit wilder or are interested in bringing the whole family out for a day to socialize, this part of the world will fill your boots with sandy fun!
Sudbury
Let’s start with Greater Sudbury. Bell Park is located along the western shore of Ramsey Lake and is a terrific place to spend the day. Bell Park has Blue Flag certification defining it as a world-class beach. It was the first beach in northern Ontario to join the global program which promotes environmental education initiatives and the management of the environment. Their main beach features lifeguard supervision running 11 am to 7 pm, from June 27 to August 19. There is ample parking, washrooms, a children’s play area, gazebos and even an amphitheater. One of the big attractions is the Sudbury Dragon Boat Races on July 15, 2017. For more details, click here.
Photo: Greater Sudbury
Ramsey Lake is also home to the fantastic Moonlight Beach. Again this beach is perfect for families with a lifeguard on duty during the same hours and time frame as Bell Park. Free parking, a playground and picnic areas make this an easy spot to spend the day. For more information on all of the beaches and nearby amenities in this area you can check out Sudbury Tourism’s website here.
Manitoulin Island
For those wanting to get a bit more away from the hustle and bustle, Manitoulin Island’s Misery Bay gives you the chance to live out the fantasy of deserted island life. The shallow, crystal clear waters are warm and inviting and seem to stretch on forever. Those wanting to explore will enjoy the more than 15 kilometres of hiking trails, boardwalk and a bird viewing platform. This piece of paradise is one of the island’s hidden treasures.
Manitoulin Island also boasts the beautiful Providence Bay. Renowned as the best sandy beach on the island, thousands of visitor’s flock to the area each year. A huge play park, snack shop, and visitor centre make the day an easy one to prepare for. Families won’t want to miss out on a visit here.
Timmins
Around Timmins, the family-friendly beach at Gillies Lake Conservation Area is a good choice. It’s right in the heart of the city and has beautiful walking trails with amenities like public washrooms, supervised swimming areas and change rooms. This beach is popular with locals and for those passing through, it’s a nice spot to recharge before piling yourself and the kids back into the car.
There’s also the large beach in the Hersey Lake Conservation Area just north of town, which is popular for its hiking and biking trails. Lots of visitors enjoy a jump into this modest and clean lake after a trek on the trails.
Kettle Lakes Provincial Park has often been described by visitors as having the nicest beaches in the area, with spacious and private campsites that are especially great for families with young children. The 22 spring-fed lakes in the area were formed by glaciers and there are countless trails that describe the history of this park through its gorgeous jack pine boreal forests.
Temiskaming Shores
If you’re in Temiskaming Shores, check out the Haileybury public beach—a large outdoor chlorinated, enclosed beach. Kids will love the slide and parents will appreciate the lifeguard supervision through the summer months.
North Bay
North Bay is home to loads of sandy beaches due to its location between Lake Nipissing and Trout Lake. While there are a total of 43 beach access areas in North Bay, only three beaches are supervised: Marathon Beach, Olmsted Beach and Birchaven Cove.
Birchhaven Cove on Trout Lake is definitely worth a visit. It has been the “cool” place to swim for generations for good reason. Accessed down a narrow, dirt road, the beach is in a beautiful, sheltered cove setting as the name suggests. The beach is well maintained and features a popular dock to jump into the lake.
Photo: City of North Bay
Temagami
Lake Temagami is another gem of Northeastern Ontario. The hundreds of secluded islands, stunningly clear water and beautiful scenery leave you no choice but to relax and indulge in the unspoiled surroundings. The north end of the lake at Ferguson Bay offers some of the nicest and most remote sand beaches.
Visit Smoothwater Outfitters & Ecolodge or Temagami Outfitting Company to rent a canoe and explore the winding shorelines yourself. No doubt you’ll discover empty beaches in this spectacular wilderness to call your own for the day!
Cochrane
Cochrane is home to a fantastic beach right downtown on Commando Lake. Isabelle Denault, the Economic Development Officer for the Corporation of the Town of Cochrane commented, “We have so many things to do at the beach. Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks or paddleboards, take a bike ride around the lake with our free bike share program or just enjoy a picnic or barbecue.” Visitors can also take a short 10-15 minute walk from the beach to all of the little shops and restaurants the downtown core has to offer.
There is clearly no shortage of beaches to explore this summer in Northeastern Ontario. Wherever your summer plans take you, we hope you’ll check out some of these incredible spots and create new memories for years to come.
