Ontario Parks beaches are prime summer destinations, particularly on weekends with beautiful weather. Our beaches welcome tens of thousands of visitors every year, and we’re proud to be part of so many happy memories.
Here are our top tips to help keep our parks safe and protected, and practice good beach etiquette:
1. Put all trash into designated receptacles, and please take larger items home
Littering is on the rise. In many parks, trash is being left on the beach faster than our staff can clean it up.
We know you can do better, Ontario.
Practice “leave no trace,” and do not leave anything on the beach. This includes:
- broken toys, tents, and beach chairs
- food wrappers and containers
- cigarette butts
- diapers (they do not decompose, even when thrown in bushes)
If you don’t appreciate people leaving garbage in your backyard, don’t leave it here!
2. Give wildlife space, and respect beach vegetation
Our beaches are important habitat.
Never damage plants when you walk to the beach or find a place to sit, and leave driftwood where it lies.
3. Consider visiting on a Tuesday…
…or any weekday, rather than a weekend. Our beaches often reach capacity on Saturdays and Sundays, so shifting your visit to a weekday gives everyone more elbow room. There’s even a chance to have the beach to yourself, if you arrive early in the morning!
If you do visit on a weekend, consider a morning (8:00 – 11:00 a.m.) or evening (6:00 – 10:00 p.m.) visit. You’ll miss the busiest periods, get a better parking spot, and may get to witness a spectacular sunset.
To avoid disappointment, we strongly recommend securing your daily vehicle permit in advance for all our participating parks.
4. Use only single-pole tents or small sun shelters
Our beaches have a limited amount of space, particularly with the high water levels in all Great Lakes.
We’re asking you to keep your larger tents at home, or to use them in day-use areas that have more space. Ask a park staff member if you’re looking for a good spot!
5. Check with the park before bringing a barbecue to the beach
Some parks allow self-contained barbecues on the beach, while others do not.
Always use barbecues safely, on a stable surface like a picnic table, and away from vegetation like dune grasses.
**Check whether your park is under a partial or full fire ban on our alerts page.
6. Leave your alcohol at home
Ontario Parks beaches are not designated for public alcohol consumption. You will face a fine for having alcoholic beverages in a park anywhere other than a campsite.
7. Only bring your pup to a dog friendly beach
Many provincial parks have beaches or off-leash exercise areas where dogs are welcome.
All other beach areas are reserved for humans and wildlife.
Make sure to keep your dog on leash at all times, unless you’re in a designated off-leash area. Always clean up after your dog, and never allow your pooch to chase wildlife or bother other visitors.
8. Bring along some extra kindness and consideration
In addition to water, sunscreen, your bathing suit and a beach towel, make sure you take along a positive attitude and respect for others.
Especially on popular or busy beaches, consider how much space is available around you, and be respectful to other beach-goers, park staff, and the environment. We’d like everyone to leave with as many positive interactions as possible.
9. Leave the park in better condition than when you arrived
Want to go above and beyond?
Consider packing some extra reusable gloves to collect trash left by previous visitors, orphaned balloons, or plastics washed up from the lake.
We’re all in this together
A beach is the perfect place to relax with family and friends, and these tips will help you have a fun, conflict-free day – and possibly even make you a beach superhero.