Ontario is blessed with more clean, fresh water than most places in the world and summer beckons you to jump in.
Build a giant sand castle, learn how to ride white water waves, cruise in a houseboat or cannonball off the dock at a waterfront resort. Share the water adventures you loved most as kid and discover new ones while making family memories.
RESORTING
Looking for a one-stop-shop summer vacation with something for everyone in the family? Resorts of Ontario has a collection of wonderful waterfront resorts, cottages and lodges that cater to families with stay-and-play focused packages. With a host of onsite activities and programs geared for kids, parents can look forward to some illusive chill time.
Oakwood Resort boasts private access to a portion of Grand Bend Beach on Lake Huron, all-inclusive Fern Resort is nestled on the shore of Lake Couchiching, Shamrock Lodge is one of Muskoka’s many lakefront gems where kids can enjoy endless hours tubing, swimming and paddling on the water.
BEACHING
With four of the five great lakes and over half a million bodies of water, it’s no secret we have a lot of beaches. What will surprise you is how diverse and beautiful they are. Inspire young engineers and architects at the Cobourg Sandcastle Festival. Wasaga Beach is the longest freshwater beach in the world wrapping around the bottom of the Georgian Bay, followed by the second longest, Sauble Beach, on Lake Huron, boasting a new aerial park for the climbers in your family. Plus there are loads of family friendly motels, lodges, cottages and campgrounds nearby.
Batchawana Bay is a warm, shallow beach on Lake Superior with all the facilities you’d need for a day of surf and sand. Complete your visit at Lake Shore Salzburger Hof Resort. Check out the string of lovely St. Lawrence Parks beaches followed by a magical overnight at Robin’s Roost Treehouse.
Get even more info on Ontario’s beaches here.
PADDLING & RAFTING
This is family bonding at its best. Become paddling experts together with the Zero to Hero program on the on Madawaska River. Madawaska Kanu Centre offers a full day intro to rafting, canoeing or kayaking, starting on flatwater and moving into the river current. Check out the other kid friendly programs on and off the water during Family Week and Family Weekend. Accommodations vary from wooded campsites to private cabanas.
HOUSEBOATING
Combine the comforts of the cottage with the thrill of exploring on the heritage Trent Severn or Rideau Canal waterways. Treat your skippers and pirates to a houseboating excursion with Egan Houseboat Rentals, Happy Days Houseboats, R&R Houseboats, Big Rideau Lake Boat Rentals or Le Boat. Chart your own course and set your own schedule; drop anchor at one of the many locks, find secluded fishing and swimming spots and share in the awe of magnificent summer sunsets.
Wherever you find yourselves at the end of June, be sure to have your fishing rods ready for Ontario Family Fishing Week.
Where Am I beaching this summer? Start planning your kid friendly adventures in Ontario now.