The best beaches near London, Ontario

There is no shortage of great freshwater beaches near London, Ontario. In fact, London is less than an hour drive from two Great Lakes -- which make up around 20% of the world's freshwater! So how can you make the most of your summer? Head to the beach for fun in the sun! 

Here’s a list of the top beaches near London

Grand Bend

Located on Lake Huron, Grand Bend is like a college student’s summer dream come true. It has earned a reputation as one of Canada’s best beach towns with great shops, bars, and restaurants to check out, as well as a beautiful sandy beach. Stay for the sunset, which National Geographic once named one of the best in the world!  

Port Stanley

Port Stanley's Main Beach has one of the best stretches of sandy beach on Lake Erie. Port Stanley's Main Beach is one of only 27 in Canada to have earned official Blue Flag status for its commitment to strict water quality and safety criteria. Port Stanley also features mats to make the beach more accessible to people using wheelchairs or strollers. Try Mackie's on the Beach for their world-famous Orangeade and delicious fries.

Looking for something a little smaller? Head down the road to Port Stanley's Little Beach for 185 meters of secluded sandy beach.

Long Point/ Port Dover 

Further away from London, Port Dover is famous for Friday the 13th motorcycle weekends when enthusiasts flock to this lakeside town to show off their wheels. Port Dover and nearby Long Point Provincial Park, boast over a 40 km stretch of beach and are always busy with sun-seekers.

Pinery Provincial Park

Just down the road from Grand Bend with 10 km of sandy beach, Pinery Provincial Park is a great place to spend a quiet, nature-filled day in the sun. Besides a great beach, there is camping within the park, ten different hiking trails, and a 14 km bike trail. Rental kayaks are also available on site.