Are you ready for an epic adventure in one of the most stunning places in Canada? Then pack your bags and head to the Bruce Peninsula, where you’ll find some of the best beaches in the country! 🏖️
The Bruce Peninsula is a gorgeous region in Ontario that has over 850 km of shoreline, with beaches that will make your jaw drop. Whether you want to chill on soft sand, swim in clear water, explore rocky cliffs or discover hidden coves, you’ll find it all here. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the amazing scenery and wildlife of the Niagara Escarpment, a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve that features spectacular cliffs, caves, forests, and wildlife. 🌲
In this blog post, I’m going to share with you all the amazing beaches you can find in the Bruce Peninsula, and why you should add them to your bucket list. Trust me, you’ll be blown away by how beautiful they are. 😍
If you’re looking for more beach destinations in Ontario, then you might also want to check out beaches in Prince Edward County.
Sauble Beach
Sauble Beach, a true sandy paradise on Lake Huron’s eastern shore, won my heart instantly. Located on the north edge of the Saugeen First Nation, in the town of South Bruce Peninsula, this place is one of the best beaches in Bruce Peninsula.
With over 11 kilometers of shoreline, it proudly boasts the title of the second longest freshwater beach in Canada, right after Wasaga Beach. And let me tell you, those warm waters, soft sand, and breathtaking sunsets are simply unforgettable.
This beach offers a little something for everyone. I had a blast swimming, and for those who love being out on the water, there’s boating, fishing, kayaking, paddle boarding, windsurfing, and kite surfing to enjoy.
But the fun doesn’t stop there! On land, you can unleash your competitive spirit with beach volleyball or mini golf, challenge your friends to a tennis match, or explore the surroundings on a relaxing bike ride along the trails.
Beach Facilities
Some of the questions you might have about Sauble Beach are:
• Parking? Parking is available along Lakeshore Boulevard and in municipal parking lots. There is a fee for parking from June 1st to Labour Day. The fee is $3 per hour, $15 per day, or $50 for a season pass. You can also park on the beach south of the Sauble Beach sign, but there is an admission fee to enter the Sauble Park, which is privately owned and operated by the Saugeen First Nation.
• Toilets? There are public restrooms on Lakeshore Boulevard beside Ascent Aerial Park and on the north end of the beach near the tennis courts. There are also portable toilets on the beach south of the Sauble Beach sign and at 6th Street.
• Lifeguards? There are no lifeguards on duty at Sauble Beach. Swimming is at your own risk. Please follow the water safety rules and be aware of the weather and water conditions.
• Dogs? Dogs are not allowed on the beach from June 1st to Labour Day. However, there are several dog parks nearby where you can take your furry friends. These include Oliphant Off Leash Dog Park, Bannister Park in Sauble Beach, and Tayja’s Doggy Park in Wiarton.
• Barbecue places? Barbecuing is not permitted on the beach or in the municipal parking lots. However, you can find some restaurants that offer barbecue food in Sauble Beach. One of them is Sauble Dunes Bar and Cookhouse, which serves barbecue, grill, and Canadian dishes.
• Picnic tables? There are no picnic tables on the beach, but you can rent them from H&H Picnic Table Rentals for your special event. They offer banquet picnic tables for weddings, family reunions, pig roasts, and community events.
• Accessibility? Sauble Beach is not very friendly for people with special needs. The beach does not have any ramps or boardwalks to access the water, and the sand is soft and uneven. There are also no accessible restrooms or parking spaces on the beach.
• Store? There are many stores in Sauble Beach where you can shop for beach accessories, clothing, gifts, food, and beverages. Some of them are Unique Pieces (a gift shop), Suntrail Source for Adventure (an outdoor gear store), Golden Eagle Gift Shop (a souvenir shop), Luscious Bakery Eatery Cafe (a bakery), and The Beer Store (a liquor store).
• Boat launch? There is a boat launch for small and medium-sized boats at the north end of Sauble Beach. It is located at the corner of Sauble Falls Road and Lakeshore Boulevard. There is no charge for launching boats, but there is a fee for parking as per Town of South Bruce Peninsula. You can also launch your boat at Sauble River Marina & Lodge Resort or Oliphant Marina.
Singing Sands Beach
One of the most serene and scenic beaches in Bruce Peninsula is Singing Sands. This beautiful beach is part of Bruce Peninsula National Park, a protected area that preserves the natural and cultural heritage of the region.
Singing Sands is located on the west shore of the Bruce Peninsula, on Dorcas Bay Road, about 10 km south of Tobermory. It has a small, natural (ungroomed) beach and picnic area. The beach is named after the sound that the sand makes when you walk on it.
Singing Sands is a great place for families, nature lovers, and birdwatchers. The water is shallow and calm, making it ideal for swimming and wading.
The beach also has a boardwalk and a trail that passes through rare fen and dune ecosystems, which are home to four species of carnivorous plants, orchids, and rare plants found only in the Great Lakes region. You can also enjoy the views of the lake, the islands, and the sunset from the beach.
Beach Facilities
Some of the questions you might have about Singing Sands are:
• Parking? Parking is available at the beach, but it is limited and fills up quickly on most summer days and long weekends. There is a fee for parking from June 1st to Labour Day. The fee is $11.70 per vehicle per day or $59.40 for an annual pass.
• Toilets? There are public restrooms at the beach, but they are not flushable. They are located near the picnic area and the boardwalk. Also, you might want to bring your own toilet paper and hand sanitizer.
• Lifeguards? There are no lifeguards on duty at Singing Sands. Swimming is at your own risk. Please follow the water safety rules and be aware of the weather and water conditions.
• Dogs? Dogs are allowed on the beach, but they must be on a leash at all times. They are not allowed on the boardwalk or the trail. Please clean up after your dog and dispose of the waste in the garbage bins.
• Barbecue places? Barbecuing is not permitted on the beach or in the picnic area. There are no fire pits or grills available. However, you can find some restaurants that offer barbecue food in Tobermory. One of them is Shipwreck Lee’s Pirate Bistro, which serves barbecue ribs, chicken, burgers, and more .
• Picnic tables? There are picnic tables at the beach, but they are first-come-first-serve. They are located near the parking lot and the restrooms. You can also bring your own picnic blanket or chairs and enjoy your meal on the grass or the sand.
• Accessibility: Singing Sands is partially accessible for people with special needs. The parking lot has two designated accessible parking spaces. The boardwalk is wheelchair accessible and has benches along the way. The trail is not wheelchair accessible and has some steep sections. The beach itself is not very accessible for people with mobility issues or disabilities. The sand is soft and uneven, and there are no ramps or mats to access the water.
• Store? There are no stores at Singing Sands beach. Bring your own snacks and drinks.
• Boat launch? There is no boat launch at Singing Sands. The nearest boat launch is in Tobermory, which is about 10 km away. You can launch your boat at Little Tub Harbour or Big Tub Harbour. You can also rent a boat or join a boat tour from Tobermory.
Lion’s Head Beach
A Hidden Gem among the Beaches in Bruce Peninsula.
If you are looking for a quiet and quaint beach to relax and enjoy the beauty of nature, Lion’s Head Beach might be the perfect destination for you.
Located on the shores of Isthmus Bay, this beach is surrounded by stunning limestone cliffs that resemble the head of a lion, giving the place its name. Lion’s Head Beach is also situated at the 45th parallel, exactly halfway between the equator and the north pole.
Lion’s Head Beach is a small beach, but it offers a lot of activities and attractions for visitors of all ages and interests. You can swim, kayak, paddle board, or boat in the crystal clear water of Georgian Bay.
You can also explore the nearby Lion’s Head Lighthouse, which was built in 1903 and is still operational today. If you are feeling adventurous, you can hike along the Bruce Trail, which passes through Lion’s Head and offers spectacular views of the bay and the cliffs. Or, you can simply relax on the sand, read a book, play in the playground, or have a picnic with your family or friends.
Lion’s Head Beach is not only a great place to visit during the day, but also at night. The beach is home to the Saturday Farmer’s Market, where you can buy fresh produce, baked goods, crafts, and more from local vendors. On Friday evenings, you can enjoy free open air concerts featuring various musical genres and artists. And if you are lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the northern lights or the Milky Way in the dark sky above.
Beach facilities
Here are some practical information that you might want to know before you go:
- Parking: Parking at this location is very limited. Please avoid on weekends in the summer as it gets packed quickly. DO NOT park in private driveways, store parking lots, at the hospital or at the public school.
- Toilets: There are public washrooms available at the beach.
- Lifeguards: There are no lifeguards on duty at this beach. Swim at your own risk and supervise your children at all times.
- Dogs: Dogs are allowed on this beach, but they must be leashed and cleaned up after.
- Barbecue places: There are charcoal BBQs available at the beach for public use. Please bring your own charcoal and utensils.
- Picnic tables: There are a handful of picnic tables at the beach. You can also bring your own chairs or blankets to sit on.
- Accessibility: This beach is not very accessible for people with special needs. The beach is sandy and uneven, and there are no ramps or paved paths to access it.
- Store: There is a grocery store nearby where you can buy snacks, drinks, ice cream, and other essentials.
- Boat launch: There is a boat launch at the Lion’s Head Marina, which is about 1 km away from the beach. You can also rent kayaks and paddle boards there.
Port Elgin Main Beach on Lake Huron
If you’re looking for a relaxing and fun-filled beach destination in Ontario, you might want to check out Port Elgin Main Beach. This beach is one of the primary recreational beaches in Saugeen Shores, a municipality on the Bruce Peninsula that includes the towns of Port Elgin and Southampton. It is located on the beautiful shoreline of Lake Huron, at the base of Green Street in Port Elgin.
Port Elgin Main Beach boasts 3 km of fine sandy beach that is perfect for sunbathing, swimming, building sandcastles, and playing beach volleyball. The beach also has a wheelchair accessible paved walkway that connects people from one end of the beach to the other. You can enjoy a stroll along the promenade and admire the natural beauty and world-famous sunsets of Lake Huron.
But if you’re looking for more than just relaxation, Port Elgin Main Beach has plenty of options for fun and adventure as well. You can rent kayaks, paddle boards, jet skis, and boats from local vendors and explore the lake at your own pace. You can also join a fishing charter or a scenic cruise and experience the lake from a different perspective. If you’re feeling more adventurous, you can even book a helicopter tour and see the beach and the surrounding area from above.
Port Elgin Main Beach is not only a great place to enjoy nature, but also to experience the culture and history of Saugeen Shores. The beach has been a popular destination since the late 1800s, and it has many amenities and attractions to offer. There are restaurants, shops, ice cream parlors, and flea markets nearby for your convenience.
There is also a playground, a pavilion, a fishing dock, and a boat launch for your enjoyment. The beach has an accessible Beach House washroom facility that includes four family change rooms, foot wash stations, and outdoor showers. There are also lifeguards on duty during the summer season for your safety.
Beach Facilities
Here are some frequently asked questions about Port Elgin Main Beach and their answers:
- Parking? Yes. There is ample on-site parking at Port Elgin Main Beach. Parking is free all year-round at all of the Town parking lots.
- Toilets? Yes. There are public washrooms at Port Elgin Main Beach House that are open seasonally from May to October. The washrooms are open daily from 7:00 am to 11:00 pm
- Lifeguards? Yes. There are lifeguards on duty from July 1st to Labour Day, from 11:30 am to 6:30 pm.
- Dogs? Dogs are not allowed on Port Elgin Main Beach from June 1st to September 15th. However, there is an off-leash dog park nearby at 961 Lehnen Street that is open all year-round.
- Barbecue places? There are charcoal BBQs available for public use. You can also bring your own portable BBQs as long as they are not placed directly on the grass or picnic tables.
- Picnic tables? Yes. There are picnic tables and benches available for public use. You can also bring your own chairs and blankets as long as they do not block the walkway or interfere with other beach users.
- Accessibility? Port Elgin Main Beach is accessible for people with special needs. There is a paved walkway that runs along the beach that is wheelchair friendly. There are also accessible washrooms, change rooms, parking spaces, and water bottle fill stations at the beach.
- Store? Yes. There are several stores near Port Elgin Main Beach where you can buy snacks, drinks, souvenirs, clothing, and beach gear.
- Boat launch? There is a boat launch at Port Elgin Harbour that is open for public use. The boat launch is located at 100 Harbour Street, about 1 block away from Port Elgin Main Beach.
Halfway Log Dump: A Tobermory Beach
If you’re looking for a scenic and secluded spot to enjoy some bouldering, hiking, or swimming, you might want to check out Halfway Log Dump. This area is part of the Bruce Peninsula National Park and is located on the northern tip of the peninsula, just south of Tobermory.
It is a rocky beach. It is a good idea to bring your hiking shoes to get to the beach, and climb around.
Halfway Log Dump gets its name from the logging era, when logs were dumped into Georgian Bay and then floated to nearby sawmills. Today, you can see the remnants of these logs along the shoreline, creating a contrast between the white cobblestone beach and the turquoise water. The boulders are clean and solid, and sit on rocky shelves that extend into the crystal clear waters of Lake Huron, providing a great opportunity to cool off between sends on those hot summer days.
The area is also home to some rare and endangered plants and animals, such as the Pitcher’s Thistle and the Massasauga Rattlesnake. You can explore the diverse habitats along the 2.5 km trail that leads from the parking lot to the beach, or follow the Bruce Trail that runs parallel to the shore. Be sure to respect the natural environment and stay on designated paths.
Beach Facilities
Before you head out to Halfway Log Dump, here are some things you should know:
- Parking: You need to reserve a parking spot in advance from June 17 to September 5. You can do this online or by phone. The parking fee is $11.70 per vehicle for a 6-hour time slot.
- Toilets: There are vault toilets at the parking lot, but none at the beach. Plan accordingly and pack out what you pack in.
- Lifeguards: There are no lifeguards at Halfway Log Dump. Swim at your own risk and be aware of the cold water temperature and strong currents.
- Dogs: Dogs are allowed on leash at Halfway Log Dump, but not on the beach. Please keep your furry friends away from the sensitive vegetation and wildlife.
- Barbecue places: There are no barbecue places at Halfway Log Dump. You can bring your own portable stove or grill, but make sure to use it in a safe and responsible manner. No open fires are allowed.
- Picnic tables: There are no picnic tables at Halfway Log Dump. You can bring your own picnic blanket or chairs, but please leave no trace of your visit.
- Accessibility: Halfway Log Dump is not accessible for people with special needs. The trail from the parking lot to the beach is uneven and rocky, and there are no facilities or amenities at the beach.
- Store: There is no store at Halfway Log Dump. The nearest town is Tobermory, which is about 15 km away. Make sure to bring enough food, water, sunscreen, bug spray, and other essentials for your trip.
- Boat launch: There is no boat launch at Halfway Log Dump. You can access the area by car or by bike. If you want to explore Georgian Bay by boat, you can rent a kayak or a canoe from one of the outfitters in Tobermory.
Final Words
Now that you’ve had a glimpse of the stunning beaches in Bruce Peninsula, it’s time to pack your bags and experience the magic for yourself!
Don’t forget to check out our comprehensive Bruce Peninsula Travel Guide for 2023. It’s your key to unlocking the best of this enchanting region and ensuring an unforgettable journey. Let the adventures begin! 🙂
