Best Ontario Beaches for a Picnic This Summer | Ontario Culinary
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Best Ontario Beaches for a Picnic This Summer

Is there anything better than spending a summer day at the beach?

 

This is our short-list of sunny, sandy spots worthy of the title Perfect Place to Picnic!


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Fanshawe Conservation Area, London

Feeling trapped in the city with no time to get away? Think again! Fanshawe Conservation Area is less than 20 minutes from London, even though it feels like you�ve ventured deep into the wilderness. Spend an afternoon on this beach and your troubles will be far away.

To ensure you survive your trek through the forest, don�t forget to bring sustenance a.k.a your picnic! The Root Cellar makes great sandwiches to-go and we�re totally crushing on their Local Heirloom Tomato Sammy.


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Point Pelee National Park, Peele Island

There’s something about having a picnic on an island that screams perfect picnic, you know? Well, we can hear the beaches on Peele Island screaming all the way from the mainland! Visit Point Pelee and you will have over 20 kilometres of sandy beach to choose from when picking your lunch spot.

Conorlees’s Bakery is located right on the island and offers an assortment of sandwiches and baked goods you’ll definitely want to put in your basket.


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Grass Creek Park, Kingston

If you find yourself in Kingston and in need of a beach day, Grass Creek Park is where you�ll want to go! With 95 acres of rolling meadows and a public beach with a designated picnic area, you�ll find yourself in day-trip heaven. This park is also pooch friendly so pack up the whole family, including man�s best friend, and we�ll see you there.

Photo Credit: Dianne's Fish Shack
Photo Credit: Dianne’s Fish Shack

Nothing goes better with a day at the beach like fish tacos, so stop by Dianne�s Fish Shack & Smokehouse and grab one of their lunch box specials to-go. If you�re envisioning your picnic to be a more decadent affair, including say, a Chicago-style deep dish pizza, then Attomica Pizza & Wine Bar is where you�ll want to pick up your lunch. But why stop there, you�re on vacation right? Include a poutine from Harpers Burger Bar in your basket for the ultimate feast.


Toronto Islands, Toronto

Toronto Islands have just re-opened for the summer, and we could not be more thrilled! There are so many places you can picnic on the islands, but we especially love Ward’s beach. There are public tennis courts, boat rentals, barbecue pits – and not to mention the swimming there is great!

Before we board the ferry, we make sure to stop at Sanagan’s Meat Locker for their pre-packed Weekender Bag – stuffed with $60 worth of fresh burgers, marinated chicken, hotdogs, bacon, and farm fresh eggs you’ll have enough food to spend a whole week on the beach!


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Grand Bend Beach, Huron County

How could we compile a list of the best beaches for a picnic and not include Grand Bend? We couldn’t. This beach, located on the shores of Lake Huron, has long been considered one of Ontario’s best beaches, in addition to being one of the cleanest. You read that right, Grand Bend Beach has also been designated a Blue Flag beach for its commitment to sustainability and water safety.

There is only one place to stop for lunch while you’re there, and that’s Purdy’s Fish Market. This historic eatery has been open for over one hundred years and they know how to fry a mean fish – we promise you will go crazy for their secret batter recipe.


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Sandbanks Provincial Park, Prince Edward County

Here you will find not one, but three sandy beaches, that are also home to the world’s largest baymouth barrier dune formation (do we sense some Instagram-worthy photo ops?)! The beaches are also shallow which makes it a perfect place to picnic with the family.

Until very recently, the beaches were under water due to heavy rain falls — but they’re back and better than ever!

After a sunny day at the beach you will be in need of some serious refreshments. We suggest stopping at County Cider Company & Estate Winery for a light snack and some cold cider.


Looking to turn your visit into a Perfect Weekend? We go you covered, right here.