Ultimate Ontario Road Trip Guide: Beaches, Camping & Hidden Gem
- Hisham Ibrahim
- Aug 13
- 8 min read
In our previous article, we explored the east side of Montreal. This time, let’s head west and uncover the natural gems of Ontario. From crystal-clear waters and camping on sand dunes to standing at the southernmost point of Canada, hiking breathtaking trails, diving into turquoise coves, sleeping on a haunted island, and even gazing at the Milky Way from a grotto. Ontario has it all. Just be ready to hit the road.
This article is a bit different in style. We've visited all the places listed below over several short (3 - 4 day) trips, and now it's your turn to mix and match. Whether you're looking for a weekend escape or a full-on summer adventure, these spots are perfect for anyone living in Montreal, Ottawa, or even Toronto. Budget-friendly and nature-packed, these trips are within reach.
For the best experience, we recommend traveling in June or September—crowds are thinner, and campsites are much easier to book. In peak summer months, things fill up fast!
📍 Road Trip Stops
These are all the recommended stops, hiking spots, camping ground... worth considering in your roadtrip. We will cover all of them in the sections below !
The Great Lakes Connection
Ontario is home to some of Canada’s most breathtaking natural escapes, and many of its best provincial parks are nestled along the shores of the Great Lakes. These massive freshwater wonders don’t just provide stunning beaches and crystal-clear waters—they shape the landscapes, fuel outdoor adventures, and make each stop unique.
From the turquoise waves of Lake Huron to the vast horizon of Lake Ontario and the warm shallows of Lake Erie, we’ll share our experiences visiting some of Ontario’s most iconic parks and coastal towns, each offering its own charm, activities, and views you won’t forget.
🏰 Kingston
🚗 Drive: ~3 hours from Montreal
📍 Vibe: Historic charm, riverside views, cultural pit stop
Why go? Whether you're starting or wrapping up your Ontario adventure from Montreal, Kingston makes for the perfect first or last stop. Rich in history and full of small-town charm, it was once the capital of Canada !
What to do:
🏯 Visit Fort Henry: wander the old military site and get a dose of 19th-century history
🧺 Pack a picnic and enjoy the scenic views around the fort
⛵️ Optional: take a short cruise through the Thousand Islands if time allows
Personal tip: Fort Henry offers incredible views of the water—grab lunch and sit on the grass outside the fort walls. Great spot to stretch your legs and ease into the road trip mindset.
🏖️ Sandbanks Provincial Park
🚗 Drive: ~4 hours from Montreal
📍Vibe: Sand dunes, beach fun, wine country vibes
Why go? This is one of the best ways to kick off your Ontario road trip. As the name suggests, Sandbanks is all about sand—miles of golden dunes and stunning beaches on the shores of Lake Ontario, with surprisingly clear, blue water.
What to do:
🏖️ Chill at Dunes Beach — walk 15 minutes through the dunes to reach a secluded swimming spot.
Dunes, Sand Banks 🌊 Head to Outlet Beach — flatter, bigger, and great for games like frisbee, mölkky, or spikeball
Outlet Beach, Sand Banks 🍷 Go wine tasting in nearby Prince Edward County (don’t miss Three Dog Winery)
🍽️ Explore the vibrant town of Picton — patios, restaurants, and cozy bars
Camping tip: Book early for sites inside the park. If it’s full, consider nearby private campgrounds—we stayed at one run by a friendly East Asian family, and it was peaceful and well-kept.
Personal tip: Have breakfast on the dunes with a view of the lake, then split your day between the calm, remote beach and the lively Outlet Beach.
Good to know: If you’re not sleeping inside the park, you still need a day-use permit to access the beaches. Reserve online in advance.
🍎 The Big Apple
🚗 Location: Just off Highway 401 near Colborne
📍 Vibe: Quirky roadside stop, sweet treats, family-friendly
Why go? This is a classic Ontario road trip stop—quick, fun, and delicious. Just before the final stretch to Toronto, stretch your legs and grab a slice of freshly baked apple pie.
What to do:
🥧 Try their famous apple pie — a must!
🐐 Visit the mini farm — goats, llamas, and other animals make it a hit with kids
🎯 Snap a pic in front of the giant red apple (you can’t miss it!)
Personal tip: Even if you’re in a rush, this stop takes less than 30 minutes and is totally worth it for the pie alone. Plus, clean bathrooms and picnic tables make it a great pit stop.
🌊 Niagara Falls
🚗 Drive: ~1.5 hours from Toronto
📍 Vibe: Iconic natural wonder meets tourist-town buzz
Why go? One of Canada’s most iconic landmarks, Niagara Falls is a must-see. These powerful falls are among the biggest in North America and a true bucket-list stop. Yes, it’s touristy—but it’s 100% worth the visit.
What to do:
👣 Walk the promenade right next to the falls (prepare to get misted!)
🚢 Hop on the boat tour (Hornblower) to get up close and soaked
🌌 Explore the tunnel behind the falls for a unique underground view
🏞️ Looking for something quieter? Venture a few miles away from the crowds—there are scenic, lesser-known trails with peaceful views
Bonus if you have a bike:
🚴♂️ The Niagara Parkway offers amazing cycling routes along the river, through vineyards, and straight into the charming town of Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Extend the trip:
🍇 Cruise through Niagara’s wine region
🥂 Stop at a local winery for a tasting
🏘️ Wind down in Niagara-on-the-Lake — cobblestone charm, boutique shops, and relaxing vibes
Personal tip: Skip the tourist traps and take the long way out of Niagara. The backroads through wine country are absolutely stunning—and way more peaceful than Clifton Hill.
🌌 Long Point Provincial Park
🚗 Drive: ~2.5 hours from Toronto
📍 Vibe: Remote beach camping, stargazing, wildlife haven
Why go? If you're looking for peace, nature, and some of the clearest night skies in Ontario, Long Point is the place. Set along a delicate sand spit that stretches into Lake Erie, this park offers an off-grid vibe while still being organized and accessible.
What to do:
🏕️ Camp at Turtle Dunes Campground — where we stayed and had an unforgettable night under the stars
🌌 Walk to the beach at night for Milky Way views you won’t believe
🐦 Explore the Long Point Biosphere Reserve, a UNESCO-designated site
🚶♂️ Take a walk along the beach dunes or forest trails
Personal tip: Bring a blanket, lie back on the beach at night, and just look up. You’ll see shooting stars, satellites, and the Milky Way. A surreal experience.
Good to know: There aren’t many shops or restaurants nearby, so make sure to stock up in advance. This place is about disconnecting from everything, and that’s part of the magic.
🌿 Point Pelee National Park
🚗 Drive: ~1 hour from Windsor
📍 Vibe: Unique geography, birdwatching haven, surreal nature walk
Why go? Welcome to the southernmost point of mainland Canada! Point Pelee is a narrow peninsula that stretches into Lake Erie, creating a one-of-a-kind experience where you can stand at the tip and feel the water wrapping around you from both sides.
What to do:
🚶♂️ Walk the iconic Peninsula Tip Trail
🐦 Visit during migration seasons for world-class birdwatching
🌾 Explore the Marsh Boardwalk
Personal tip: Even if you’re not staying overnight, this park is absolutely worth the detour. Standing at the edge of Canada with waves on both sides? It’s a feeling you won’t forget.
Good to know: There’s no overnight camping, but accommodations can be found nearby.
🌲 Pinery Provincial Park
🚗 Drive: ~3 hours from Toronto
📍 Vibe: Crystal-clear lakes, peaceful paddling, festive summer nights
Why go? Pinery was one of our best recent discoveries—a park that blends tranquil nature with lakeside fun. You can spend the day canoeing through calm waters, then jump into the clear waves of Lake Huron for a refreshing swim.
What to do:
🛶 Canoe or kayak along the Old Ausable Channel
🏖️ Swim or relax on Lake Huron’s beach
🚴♂️ Bike or hike the park’s scenic trails
🔭 Stargaze at night in one of the darkest skies in southern Ontario
🎆 Visit Grand Bend on Canada Day (July 1st) for an epic fireworks display
Personal tip: We stayed one night during Canada Day, and it was the perfect combo of nature and celebration. The fireworks in Grand Bend lit up the lake like something out of a movie.
Good to know: The park is popular—book campsites early, especially for summer weekends and holidays.
🌴 Sauble Beach
🚗 Drive: ~3 hours from Toronto
📍 Vibe: Caribbean-style beach town with arcade fun and surfable waves
Why go? Sauble Beach feels like a summer getaway without leaving Ontario. With one of the longest freshwater beaches in the world, it offers soft sand, swimmable waves, and a town full of charm. There’s a laid-back, festive vibe that makes it perfect for a full day or even a weekend escape.
What to do:
🏄♂️ Try surfing or paddleboarding — the waves can surprise you on a good day
🎡 Explore the beach town: roller coasters, arcades, ice cream shops, and cute boutiques give it that summer-fun atmosphere
🌅 Catch a sunset over Lake Huron — it’s a stunning end to any day
🏕️ Camp at sauble falls to stay close to the beach and soak in the night sounds
Personal tip: Try visiting on a weekday if possible — Sauble can get packed on weekends, and parking fills up quickly. Also, the main strip can get busy, but it’s part of the fun!
🌊 Georgian Bay Peninsula
🚗 Drive: ~4 hours from Toronto
📍 Vibe: Shipwreck dives, dramatic cliffs, ghostly island legends, cave diving!
Why go? The Georgian Bay Peninsula is a magical stretch of Ontario that offers a full-on adventure experience—both above and below water. It's a place where you can snorkel over sunken ships, dive under caves, hike dramatic clifftop trails, and spend the night on a historic island said to be haunted. Whether you’re into hiking, kayaking, or simply soaking in incredible views, this region delivers.
What to do:
🪨 Hike the Lions Head Trail — towering cliffs and unreal views of the turquoise bay
🚤 Take a boat tour and sleep overnight at Flowerpot Island, famous for its rock formations and remote beauty
🛶 Kayak or boat around Tobermory’s clear blue waters — a paradise for paddlers
🌊 Snorkel or scuba dive around Tobermory’s shipwrecks — crystal-clear waters and accessible wreck sites make this one of the best freshwater dive spots in the world
🤿 Dive under the famous Grotto — explore the underwater cave system in crystal-clear water
⚓ Go shipwreck spotting on a glass-bottom boat tour in Fathom Five National Marine Park
Personal tip: We’ll be linking a full detailed article about this section soon — it's a destination that deserves its own spotlight. But if you're planning now, don’t skip Lion’s Head, Tobermory, or Flowerpot Island. They each bring something special.
Good to know: Book your ferry and campsites well in advance — this area is one of Ontario’s most popular summer destinations. And bring good shoes: you’ll want to hike! Go to our separate article to find our recommended camping sites !
Conclusion
Ontario’s provincial parks and wild landscapes offer a perfect mix of adventure, history, and pure relaxation. Whether you’re paddling through quiet waters, hiking cliffside trails, swimming over shipwrecks, or watching fireworks light up the night sky, each destination leaves its own unforgettable mark. All you have to do is pick your starting point, pack your sense of wonder, and let the journey unfold.
If there’s a spot you love that I didn’t mention, drop it in the comments—I’m always looking for my next adventure!
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