Where There’s A Will There’s A Wave
Taking advantage of the summer weather is something us Canadians are all too familiar with. Before we know it, the leaves will be falling and the winter tires will be back on. In preparation of this, we recommend a heavy dose of beach days. Below is a list of our favorite dog-friendly beaches right here in Ontario! Whether it’s a day trip or a weekend getaway, these beaches have something to offer the whole family!
1) Cherry/Clark Beach
Located in Toronto, ON, Cherry Beach has designated an off-leash beach area with space for dogs to splash around Lake Ontario. Cherry beach boasts bike trails, hiking trails, picnic areas, public washrooms and enough beach for the whole family!
2) Long Point Provincial Park
Long Point Provincial Park is located on the north shore of Lake Erie in Norfolk County, Ontario and has a beautiful off-leash area on the beach. Long Point is the largest erosion deposit formation in the Great Lakes, creating a beautiful sandy beach with far reaching sand banks at the shores of the lake. Attracting between 100,000 and 300,000 visitors each year, Long Point is a wonderful weekend getaway for the whole family (fur family included) and is less than 3 hours from the city!
3) Pinery Provincial Park
Pinery’s white-sand shoreline, turquoise water and sandbars allow you to walk far into the water, providing a wonderful vacation destination. Located in Grand Bend, Ontario on the shores of Lake Huron, about 3 hours Southwest of Toronto, Pinery is said to be Ontario’s best dog-friendly beach. Pinery Provincial Park is home to lengthy hiking and biking trails, sand dunes, forests, grasslands, and private camping sites.
4) Wasaga Beach
Located on the spectacular Georgian Bay, Wasaga Beach is known for its long sandy beaches, far-reaching sand banks and its endless dining and shopping opportunities. any don’t know they have designated an entire beach for dogs and dog-owners. Beach 3 has a wonderfully central location, with breathtaking views of the Blue Mountains in Collingwood. Heavily patrolled by Ministry of Natural Resources staff, Beach 3 is maintained daily to provide as beautiful of a resting spot to dog-owning families as the rest of the beach and its visitors.
5) Awenda Provincial Park
Awenda Provincial Park, located in Penetanguishene, Ontario is the best of both worlds. It’s white-sandy beaches provide ample sun-tanning opportunities for two and four-legged family members, and its many trails provide excellent hiking opportunities. Beach 2 is fully designated for dogs and has beautiful views of the surrounding islands.
So what are you waiting for? Pack up the car and get to the beach!