Nestled along the picturesque shores of Lake Ontario, the cities of Burlington, Hamilton and Oakville offer an unmatched collection of local beaches waiting to be discovered. From secluded coves embraced by lush vegetation to expansive white sand havens, each of these idyllic retreats promises a relaxing escape.
Here are 17 beaches to discover for the ultimate freshwater experience in Southern Ontario.
Burlington Beach
Burlington beach, a natural sandbar with a fascinating history, offers an array of amenities and activities for all. With 2 km of mostly paved waterfront trails, a pavilion housing a snack bar, playground, and accessibility access to the water, there's something for everyone. It's particularly suitable for young kids due to the shallow waters allowing safe exploration. While no lifeguard is on duty, keeping an eye on weaker swimmers in your group is essential. The beachside trail, surrounded by trees providing shade, has numerous access points to the beach. Public washrooms, showers, and a snack shack are available at the main pavilion, as well as an accessible pathway for beach access.
Beach Boulevard
Continuing along the path, you'll reach the 2 km stretch of Burlington Beach, leading to Beach Blvd and the start of the Hamilton Beach Trail. Along this stretch, you'll find sandy beaches, protected dunes, and amenities like a water refilling station, an accessibility path to the beach, and washrooms. Although there are playgrounds along the trail, they are spaced out, making this area quieter compared to the neighbouring beaches due to limited parking and the presence of historic and newly renovated homes in the Hamilton Beach community.
Van Wagners Beach
If you opt for Beach Blvd over Hamilton Beach Trail, turning left at the southern end leads you to Hamilton's Van Wagners Beach. This 1.5 km rocky waterfront includes various peninsulas of boulders and excellent amenities from Confederation Park, such as Lakeview, hosting lakeside events, washrooms, splash pad, pool, go-karts, volleyball, and basketball courts. Don't miss out on Hutches, offering laid-back food options and delicious ice cream. With ample parking and amenities, this bustling beach is perfect for hot summer days.
Confederation Beach
Continuing along this stretch, you'll find the parking lot just beyond Barangas, a favourite Greek restaurant among locals and visitors, which is open only during the warmer months for a beachside patio. This 2 km section of beach forms the southernmost tip of the sandy dune barrier, making it a bit shadier as the trail winds through a dense tree canopy, perfect for enjoyable strolls on hot summer days.
The beach is generally quieter than Van Wagners and is ideal for those seeking a quieter experience. You can find more in-depth information here. What's great about this park is that there is no cost for access, and there are plenty of large parking lots available. Parents will appreciate the fantastic playground with nearby washroom facilities and easy beach access beside the pirate-themed park space.
Want to continue the journey and discover more of the area’s best beach destinations? Check out the video above as Burlington Realtor® and host of The Genuine Realtor® Show, Rochelle Edwards tours the best Burlington, Oakville and Hamilton have to offer.
For more information on Burlington living, reach out to Rochelle Edwards, The Genuine Realtor® at 905-484-0747 or email [email protected].
