Sandbanks Provincial Park

Tucked away on the southern edge of Prince Edward County, Sandbanks Provincial Park is home to three gorgeous beaches with shifting sand dunes and shallow turquoise waters. The park feels like a tropical island getaway without the plane ticket and is one of the reasons why “The County” has become one of Ontario’s most popular holiday destinations.

It’s easy to spend a whole day exploring Sandbanks Provincial Park, with plenty of activities from walking and cycling to fishing, swimming and camping. Or escape the crowds by visiting in the fall and spring for birding and hiking.

Visit the Sandbanks Provincial Park website

A child runs into the waters of Sandbanks Provincial Park. — Sandbanks Provincial Park | Destination Ontario

How to get to Sandbanks Provincial Park

Location: 3004 County Road 12, Picton

By car: Sandbanks Provincial Park is about a three-hour drive from Toronto along the ON-401 East, three hours from Ottawa and 1.5 hours from Kingston via the ON-401 West.

By transit: VIA Rail provides regular train service to Belleville. From Belleville, take a local taxi to Sandbanks Provincial Park.

Know before you go

Sandbanks Provincial Park is a popular destination for day visits and overnight stays. The over 500 campsites and two rustic cottages book up quickly, especially during the summer.

Make camping and daily vehicle permit reservations in advance online or by phone. Daily vehicle permits are available at 7:00 a.m., five days before your arrival date.

Things to do at Sandbanks Provincial Park

Discover more activities and experiences.

Experience outdoor fun

Outdoor activities include swimming, kayaking, canoeing and fishing. Kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddleboards are available for rent at the wood yard or borrow free fishing rods and tackle.

Walk through nature

Explore scenic hiking hiking trails, including the Sandbanks Dune Trail as well as woodland and wetland trails.

Enjoy overnight camping

Set up camp at one of the park’s campsites, available between May to October. Campsites offer toilets, showers, water and laundry facilities and some with power.

Visit during the off-season

Enjoy a quieter visit in the off-season. The park is a bird migration hotspot in the spring and fall. In the winter, stay cozy in one of the cottages.

Take a snack break

Stop in at Currah’s Park Store and Grill or Currah’s Dunes and Grill for treats like ice cream and grill favourites.

Find unique gifts

During the summer, visit the Friends of Sandbanks Nature Shoppe at the Visitor Centre and shop for guides, clothing, artwork and souvenirs.

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A group of friends walk on the beach. — Sandbanks Provincial Park | Destination Ontario

Interesting facts about Sandbanks Provincial Park

A magnet for tourists since the early 19th century, visiting Sandbanks is one of the most popular things to do in Prince Edward County. Its beaches—Dunes Beach, Lakeshore Beach and Outlet Beach—have long been ranked among Canada's best.

Sandbanks Provincial Park features the largest freshwater dune and sandbar formation in the world, created by longshore currents flowing from west to east along Lake Ontario’s northern shore. The 25-metre-high shifting ridges stretch for 12 kilometres across the lake.

Last updated: August 22, 2024