8 Dog-Friendly Beaches in Ontario to Visit this Summer with Your Pup
What could be better than a beach day with your dog by your side?
Ontario has a stunning coastline and over 250,000 lakes, creating beautiful beaches across the province. But not all beaches are dog-friendly.
If you’re trying to book a dog beach getaway, we’re here to help.
Below, you will find 8 of our favourite dog-friendly beaches in Ontario, complete with photos and a brief description to help you find the perfect location for your next adventure.
So, pack your beach bags, grab your leashes, and get ready for a puppy-approved beach day!
Craigleith Provincial Park
Unlike the other beaches on this list, the dog beach at Craigleith Provincial Park doesn’t boast any sandy shores. In fact, the shoreline is entirely formed by flat shale rock.
For some, this could be a turn-off. And that’s okay!
It’s a great option if you’re looking for a great swimming spot for dogs without worrying about dragging piles of sand back into the vehicle.
The water is shallow, with a gradual slope as you head further into it. This is helpful for dogs that just like getting their feet wet, those learning to swim, and senior dogs that may not be able to swim the way they once did.
It’s also a fun place to search for fossils, a fun activity for the whole family.
The park is smaller and near the highway, with just over 150 campsites. The sites aren’t very private, which isn’t ideal for those camping with a reactive dog.
However, if your dog can comfortably be around others, it offers a great “home base” for exploring the area. Or, if you live close enough, it’s a good day trip beach spot.
Wasaga Beach – Beach Area 3
Wasaga Beach is easily one of the most popular beaches in the province, and for good reason!
This 14 km stretch is the world’s longest freshwater beach, stretching across South Georgian Bay and divided into 6 designated beach areas.
Wasaga Beach Area 3 is the dog-friendly portion of the beach.
The fact it allows dogs doesn’t mean they have neglected to offer the many amenities that make this a popular tourist destination.
You will have access to bike paths, a mobi-mat, washrooms, and picnic areas.
The beach is a beautiful sandy beach that is regularly groomed to keep it clean and well-cared-for despite the heavy foot (and paw) traffic.
But it should be noted that it IS a very high-traffic beach area during the peak season.
We prefer to visit the area during less popular times, like our mid-May Friday morning trip pictured here with Lucifer.
MacGregor Point Provincial Park
One of our favourite camping spots, MacGregor Point Provincial Park, is included in our summer travel plans at least once every year.
We love the private campsites, comfortable trails (even when travelling with senior dogs), and, of course, the dog beach!
There are 2 different dog beaches at McGregor Point PP – one in the day-use area and one in the Huron Campground further back in the park.
The beach in the day-use area is a beautiful sandy beach. It is a little more popular and trafficked, but you can easily find quieter times if you plan to visit earlier in the day or during the week.
The Huron Campground beach is rocky but quieter for dogs that need a little space. The rocks were a little challenging for our senior dogs to navigate.
You can see both dog beaches in our MacGregor Point PP video on YouTube.
Point Pelee National Park
If you’re in the Windsor/Essex area (or travelling to that area), here’s a unique spot to explore with your dog by your side.
Point Pelee National Park is the southernmost point of mainland Canada.
How far you can walk out on the point depends on the weather and water levels, but it’s worth the trip.
While swimming at the tip is unsafe, the park has several beach access points.
The beaches are relatively narrow but sandy, and because of their length, it’s easy to find your own space while keeping a bit of distance from other visitors.
The park is surprisingly dog-friendly. Pups are welcomed on leash throughout the park, including in the Visitor Centre and even on the shuttle to the tip.
For those who want to make it a weekend getaway, there are two pet-friendly oTENTik sites.
Port Burwell Provincial Park
Viewed by many as the best dog-friendly beach in the province, Port Burwell Provincial Park is a must-visit spot for every dog parent.
The beach is just outside the campground. The dog beach area is a large, groomed sandy beach split into two sections: an on–leash area and an off-leash area.
The fact that there are two separate sections makes it ideal for almost every dog.
For example, our dog-loving senior girl, Daviana, was more than happy to run and play on the off-leash side, making other puppy friends.
Meanwhile, our reactive pup Lucifer isn’t comfortable with unknown dogs running up to him.
He’s much happier hanging out in the on-leash area, where we can control who he meets and how those meetings happen.
This is the perfect spot to hang out for an afternoon at the beach with your best friend.
The beach is large, open and VERY sunny. So, be sure to pack everything you need for a safe and enjoyable dog beach day, including some form of shelter (like a beach umbrella) and plenty of fresh water.
Long Point Provincial Park
The newest dog beach to make our list of favourites is Long Point Provincial Park.
We had heard many great things about the beach and the park as a whole, so when the opportunity presented itself, we booked a trip this past May.
There are two different beach areas at the park where dogs are permitted:
- Beach 2 in the day-use area
- Beaches 10 & 11 in the Turtle Dunes Campground
This is a busy summer destination – especially in the day-use area. If you have a nervous or reactive dog, I recommend heading back to the Turtle Dunes Campground.
However, when we went in May, we could enjoy Beach 2 on the weekend with our reactive boy.
Oastler Lake Provincial Park
When most people mention Oastler Lake Provincial Point, the conversation usually turns instantly to the sound of nearby trains.
But don’t let this discourage you from visiting the park.
This is another location we recommend checking out whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or a fun beach day.
The park isn’t as popular as some other parks on this list, so there is much less traffic. This makes it a great choice for those needing a more secluded beach experience.
We last visited the park in June and had the dog beach to ourselves for several hours on a Saturday!
Several campsites with water access are also available for those who want to experience their own “private beach” during their stay.
Six Mile Lake Provincial Park
This final location holds a very special place in my heart.
I grew up spending countless weekends at Six Mile Lake Provincial Park with my family, including our dogs and cats, each summer.
This park has a large sandy beach that is groomed as frequently as the human-only beaches.
However, it is an off-leash beach. It may not be the best option for you if you have a dog who is nervous about or reactive to other dogs.
Several campsites in Lakeview Heights Campground offer water access right off your site.
We also love this park for introducing our pets to canoeing, kayaking, or paddleboarding.
A portion of the lake closest to the campground is restricted to boats, with no motors allowed. This creates the perfect calm atmosphere for learning.
When you’re comfortable, head out into the open waters for a longer paddle.
Final Thoughts: Dog-Friendly Beaches in Ontario
Of course, there are SO many more dog beaches than the few listed here. We may need to follow up with a part two!
If you’re planning an upcoming trip, rest assured that we have a comprehensive list of provincial parks with dog beach areas in our post “Tips and Tricks for Booking Ontario Parks with Dogs (& Cats).”
You can also check the rules regarding pets at your county or town beaches and local conservation areas.
Remember: be responsible when heading to the beach with your dog!
We have seen a growing number of beaches allowing dogs to access all or part of the beach space – but this can quickly change if they are inundated with irresponsible owners.
Keep dogs on leash where required, and always clean up after your pup.
Setting a good example while adventuring with our dogs is the best way to encourage a greater acceptance of pet-friendly travel across the province!
Do you have a favourite dog-friendly beach? We invite you to share your recommendations in the comments!
