Awenda Provincial Park

The 60-metre-high Nipissing Bluff overlooks Methodist Point Bay’s sand, cobble and boulder beaches—home to the best swimming in the park. When the kids tire of the water, send them on a hunt for the 31 slithering species of reptiles and amphibians that call the area home, or take on one of the 30 kilometres of hiking trails amid carnivorous pitcher plants (they consume all sorts of creepy crawlers) and elegant Twayblades orchids.
Where: Penetanguishene (off Concession 16), 705-549-2231.
Driving time from Toronto: One and a half hours.

Bluewater Beach

To escape the Wasaga hordes, head to this secret hideout of local cottagers in the appropriately named township of Tiny. Giant dunes are dotted with a sprinkling of native grasses, saltspray roses and beach plum (good for jam). Get there early: locals lacking access to the shoreline from their front doors compete with visitors for the best beach real estate.
Where: Township of Tiny (off Tiny Beaches Rd. S.), 1-866-939-8469.
Driving time from Toronto: Two hours.

Long Point Provincial Park

Park your beach chair along these 10 kilometres of public sand on Lake Erie’s north shore, recognized by the UN as a biosphere reserve. Outdoor enthusiasts share the park with 350 species of birds (including globally threatened painted buntings and golden-winged warblers) and the extremely rare Virginia opossum. Sea kayakers appreciate the vast expanse of cattail marsh.
Where: Port Rowan (southest of London off Hwy. 59 south), 519-586-2133.
Driving time from Toronto: Two hours and 15 minutes.

Sandbanks Provincial Park

If Ontario permitted dune buggy races, this is where you’d do it. The park’s three beaches form a seemingly endless expanse of golden sand. Stairs and walkways criss-cross the dunes, protecting delicate vegetation such as bluets, juniper heaths and sand spurge.
Where: Picton (off County Rd. 12), 613-393-3319.
Driving time from Toronto: Two and a half hours.

Willow Beach

It has the feel of a public beach—kids in water wings, change rooms and drinking fountains—without the swarms. Featuring crystal clean water at depths of three to six feet and 500 metres of sandy beach, this spot is a windsurfing paradise. Beach volleyball courts debut this season.
Where: 1506 Metro Rd., Georgina, 905-476-4301.
Driving time from Toronto: One hour and 15 minutes.