Book the ultimate summer beach vacation on Ontario’s Great Lakes

Lake Huron and Georgian Bay

The west coast of Lake Huron extends from St. Joseph Island just south of Sault Ste. Marie down to the Blue Water Bridge into Sarnia. The stretch of shoreline south of the Bruce Peninsula in Tobermory is renowned for its beautiful beaches and coastal communities.

In the northeastern portion of Lake Huron, the turquoise waters of Georgian Bay harbour sunken shipwrecks, unique stacked rock formations, limestone cliffs and long, sandy sections of beach.

The June Motel Sauble Beach

Steps from one of Ontario’s longest and most popular beach destinations, The June Motel Sauble Beach embraces a vintage-style surf town ambiance with retro prints, poolside patios and balcony hammocks.

A sister property to the June Motel in Prince Edward County, recently featured in Motel Makeover on Netflix, both spots make great beach vacations for couples or friend group reunions.

Location: 11 Sauble Falls Parkway, Sauble Beach

The Beach Motel

The pale cork flooring, shiplap walls, cozy wood-burning fireplace and rooftop patio make this relaxing, eco-minded oasis feel like a natural extension of the white sand and crystal waters of Lake Huron’s beautiful Southampton Beach.

Choose from 17 thoughtfully designed and detailed suites that range from a single-queen suite to a two-bedroom unit with a kitchenette and living space. After a day at the beach, indulge in a soothing spa treatment followed by beach-inspired cuisine at the SandBar.

If you’re in need of a peaceful, rejuvenating vacation, book your stay at The Beach Motel.

Location: 21 Huron Street South, Southampton

Paradise Inn

Located directly across from the Port Elgin main beach, Paradise Inn delivers epic family fun and surf-side adventure.

Take advantage of water toy rentals, including kayaks and stand-up paddle boards, organize a fishing charter or simply soak in the sun and sand on the beach. At the end of the day, gather for Lake Huron’s famous sunsets on the tiki patio overlooking the beach.

The inn is within walking distance from downtown shops, restaurants and kid-friendly attractions including a bowling alley and museum.

Location: 188 Mill Street, Port Elgin

The Kiwi Motel

Farther south along Lake Huron’s coastline, Grand Bend is one of Ontario’s most visited beach destinations. The long, sandy stretch and clean, swimmable waters attract beachgoers and sun lovers all summer long.

And the beach town of Grand Bend buzzes with shops, cafes, nightlife and seasonal events. With dockside access, waterfront views and delicious baked goods, Cottage Café is a great spot to relax.

New to the scene, The Kiwi is a fresh, fun and vibrant boutique motel that sets the beach tone with palm motifs, crisp linens and tropical fruit-themed suites. Transition leisurely from the poolside lounge chairs and cabanas to the soft sandy beach just a short walk away.

Location: 40 Main Street East, Grand Bend

Oakwood Resort

Originally established in 1922, Oakwood Resort has been providing perfecting the ultimate beach experience for over a century.

The resort offers Canadiana cabin-style rooms and cottages, onsite dining, a nine-hole golf course, pool, sauna and even its own private beach area. It’s also just a short drive from more scenic beaches in Pinery Provincial Park. So, there’s lots to do, or do nothing at all.

The whole family is welcome, including dogs in select suites for an additional fee.

Location: 70671 Bluewater Highway, Grand Bend

Cobble Beach Resort

Compliment a beachy getaway with a round of golf on an award-winning course and a romantic dinner with stunning views of Georgian Bay at Cobble Beach Resort, north of Owen Sound.

Guests can enjoy a small, private beach at the Beach Club for swimming, launching kayaks and canoes or lounging by the firepit.

Location: 221 McLeese Drive, Kemble

Penny's Motel

Close to three local beaches, this restored roadside motel retained its original name and chill 70’s vibe but upgraded everything else.

The rooms are airy and modern with heated bathroom floors, soft white linens and a splash of colour. Chat around the communal firepit or over craft beer and oysters at Apres Snack Bar.

It’s the perfect homebase for a Georgian Bay getaway with your friends, including your four-legged friends – Penny’s is dog-friendly.

Location: 141 King Street East, Thornbury

Balm Beach Resort Motel

Balm Beach Resort is located on the shoreline of Georgian Bay, just up the coast from Wasaga Beach, the world’s longest freshwater beach.

The family-friendly property enjoys full southern exposure with a sweeping view of sunny beach across the bay. A host of water and land-based activities including paddle boarding, an arcade, tennis and mini-putt are sure to keep kids entertained from sunup to sunset.

Location: 15 Tiny Beaches Road North, Tiny

Blue Mountain Resort

Blue Mountain is the perfect family destination for the summer. From hotel-style suites to private homes and chalets, Blue Mountain offers a selection of accommodations to suit your needs. The Westin Trillium House provides pet-friendly accommodation.

The resort’s private beach and Beach Club Activity Centre is just ten minutes away, on the shores of Georgian Bay.

Lounge on a warm sandy beach, splash in the shallow waters or venture a little deeper with a canoe, kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Access to the private beach and beach activities are included with your stay at Blue Mountain Resort. For extra comfort, beachside cabanas and beach towels are available for rent onsite.

Location: The Blue Mountains

Tyrolean Village Resorts

Tyrolean Village is located within a walking distance from Blue Mountain Village. Spacious chalets and cottages equipped with full kitchens, fireplaces, decks, hot tubs and even saunas are perfect for groups of friends or family gatherings.

Unwind on the private Georgian Bay coastline beach. The 300-metre waterfront lot features Muskoka chairs, picnic tables and barbecues, as well as a volleyball court and soccer field.

Location: 796455 Grey County Road 19, The Blue Mountains

Kit Wat Motel & Marina

Kit Wat Motel & Marina is a five-minute walk from Sauble Beach, known for its stunning sunsets and expansive freshwater beach.

Clean and airy rooms include mini-fridge, microwave and coffeemaker, and most offer a balcony view of the Sauble River.

Activities are endless. Paddle the river with complimentary canoes, kayaks and paddleboards. Spend the day swimming, boating, fishing and kiteboarding in the freshwater of Lake Huron. And explore multiple hiking, biking and ATV trails right outside your doorstep.

Location: 71 Sauble Falls Road, Sauble Beach

Lake Erie

Of the five great lakes, Lake Erie is the furthest south. It’s also the smallest by volume and the shallowest, resulting in wonderful, warm, swimmable waters that lap up to inviting, sunny beaches.

The Grove Motel

With a brand-new retro makeover and 27 individually-themed rooms, chill at this roadside motel in the beachfront community of Colchester.

Visit local wineries and a lavender farm nearby during your stay.

Location: 96 County Road 50, Colchester

Long Beach Resort

With clean and comfortable water-facing suites, shade umbrellas, lounge chairs and a spacious wooden deck flanked by palm trees, and soft white sand and Caribbean blue water, Long Beach Resort checks all the boxes for a sun-soaked beach destination. And that includes tiki torches and beach bonfires that light up the evenings after a magnificent sunset.

The warm, shallow water of Lake Erie is great for younger kids to splash in. For those wanting to get out farther on the lake, stand-up paddleboard, kayak and Sea-Doo rentals are available.

A variety of cottages and suites will accommodate most family groups.

Location: 12265 Lakeshore Road, Wainfleet

Lake Haven Beach Resort

Next door to Long Beach Resort, Lake Haven is an intimate resort property with seven fully-equipped two and three-bedroom housekeeping cottages facing the lake. The splash of surf-inspired colours in fabrics and sun-bleached wooden furniture add to the breezy beachside feel.

Shared facilities include a beach firepit, loungers and an upper deck seating area. As a bonus, they’ve curated a chill beach-inspired Spotify playlist for you.

Reserve your summer stay well in advance as this popular resort fills up quickly.

Location: 12343 Lakeshore Road, Wainfleet

Lake Ontario

From Niagara-on-the-Lake to Prince Edward County, several of Ontario’s most populated communities and cities are dotted along the east and north shores of Lake Ontario alongside both urban and country beaches.

The Juniper Inn

Just steps away from Lakeside Beach Park in Port Dalhousie, this intimate inn overlooking the water offers six uniquely themed rooms including the Flamingo and Palm suites.

Enjoy the neighbourly feel in this waterfront community and explore shops, cafes and wineries nearby. It's a great spot to escape for small-town, lakeside R&R.

Location: 38 Lakeport Road, St. Catharines

Breakers on the Lake

Nestled on the east end of Victoria Beach in the historic town of Cobourg, Breakers is a family-owned property with housekeeping-style suites, select pet-friendly rooms and a cozy cottage.

Colourful Muskoka chairs facing the lake invite you to relax on the lawn and listen to the sound of the surf. Take advantage of the private beach area or wander down the beach to the splash pad and kid’s play area. Breakers on the Lake will easily become a summer tradition for your family … your whole family if you select the pet friendly rooms.

Location: 94 Green Street, Cobourg

Wander the Resort

Experience ultimate peace and tranquility at this modern beachfront property overlooking West Lake in Prince Edward County.

After a day at the pool and on the beach, retreat to one of ten lakeside and poolside cabins that blend minimalist design and Scandinavian aesthetic with luxurious comforts and privacy. The two-bedroom units are suitable for both adult groups and families with full kitchens, heated floors, cozy indoor living spaces with boardgames and private outdoor showers.

Surrounded by tall grasses and pines, the brand-new lakefront Nordic spa opens this summer. Look forward to total relaxation in the hydrotherapy pool, steam room, sauna and exfoliation cabin.

Location: 15841 Loyalist Parkway, Bloomfield

The Lakeside Motel

Inspired by the laidback culture of Prince Edward County, The Lakeside Motel invites you to enjoy good company and expansive waterfront views over a glass of local wine or craft beer.

The two-acre property takes full advantage of its scenic, rocky beach with a large viewing deck, sunken fire pits, a sparkling swimming pool with loungers, cabanas and bar and a luxurious sauna.

Located close to the Wellington public beach, Sandbanks Provincial Park and wineries, breweries and cideries, The Lakeside is the perfect spot to soak in the sun and toast happy hour with your best friends or soulmate.

Location: 349 Main Street, Wellington

Mirazule

Mirazule is a new, strikingly modern luxury lakeside inn in the southeast corner of Prince Edward County. Floor-to-ceiling windows and a walkout terrace provide stunning water views from both inside and out.

Beyond the gorgeous infinity pool overlooking a narrow beachfront, the property is under a half-hour drive from the sandy shores of North Beach Provincial Park or the cobblestone beach at Little Bluff Conservation Area. The plethora of scenic wineries and restaurants nearby make it a sublime destination for a couple or a getaway with friends.

Location: 1641 County Road 13, Milford

Pebbles Beach Resort and Club

Connect with the outdoors at one of Prince Edward County’s newest beach resorts.

Surrounded by nature and facing a gorgeous waterfront, Pebbles is the perfect spot to soak in the beach vibes, enjoy hiking, bird watching, and cycling, and relax in chic Scandinavian-designed cottages.

Location: 5504 Long Point Road, Milford

Isaiah Tubbs Resort & Conference Centre

Isaiah Tubbs is located on West Lake overlooking the Sandbanks and boasts exclusive beach houses that offer tranquillity and comfort. Relax on the private patio and enjoy the scenic beachfront views, stroll the sandy shores or swim in the water. Surrounded by stunning natural beauty, there’s no shortage for families, friends or couples to enjoy.

Location: 1642 County Rd 12, Prince Edward

Lake Superior

The largest freshwater lake in the world is nothing short of breathtaking.

Ontario is blessed with the stunning and wild Lake Superior shoreline between Thunder Bay and Sault Ste. Marie characterized by rugged and rocky outcrops, pristine forests and beautiful windswept beaches.

Rock Island Lodge

Perched on the edge of Lake Superior’s wilderness coastline at the mouth of the Michipicoten River Rock Island Lodge is a cozy four-room bed and breakfast style accommodation with a shared lounge area and fireplace.

Guided paddling trips and rentals are offered by Naturally Superior Adventures.

In addition to epic water-based excursions, such as sea kayaking, canoeing and stand-up paddling, the property features a sandy beach area mixed with Canadian Shield boulders.

Enjoy a sundowner at sunset and relive the day’s adventures around the beach campfire.

Rock Island Lodge is the place to be this summer for adventure travellers and nature enthusiasts.

Location: 10 Government Dock Road, Wawa

Voyageurs' Lodge

Voyageurs' Lodge is a landmark stop on one of the most beautiful stretches of the Trans Canada Highway along the Lake Superior Coast.

The general store, gas station, gift shop, deli and bake shop have been serving travellers for decades. In addition, motel-style housekeeping accommodations invite you to stay a while longer and enjoy the soft sand and refreshing waters of Batchawana Bay Beach and Pancake Bay.

Location: ON-17, Batchawana Bay