We are blessed with many great stretches of sand, and some of the best happen to be in southern Ontario. If you've already started planning your summer day trips, outdoor adventures and weekend getaways for the summer, you should definitely throw a few relaxing beach days in there where you can get your tan on, have a nap in the sand and take a dip in the bright blue waters! You’ll be pleasantly surprised at the plenty of great options and refreshing beach destinations close to your DECO home.
Here are a few to explore that are perfect for a family day trip.
Paradise Beach is in the southeast corner of Ajax. It’s next to a large park with several amenities and there’s plenty of parking in the area. It should be noted that there is no lifeguard stationed at the beach. There’s plenty of space around the beach for families to have a picnic.


Millennium Square and Frenchman’s Bay East Beach are popular spots in Pickering to soak up some sun and take a swim in Lake Ontario. Plenty of beach for an enjoyable afternoon. Shops, an ice cream parlour and a food truck are within a short walking distance. The Hydro Marsh, just north of the beach, provides great bird watching and fishing opportunities.
The west end boasts beaches to escape the hustle and bustle of city life – the epicentre of summer – where residents come to enjoy summer life. And embraced by a serene lifestyle that makes relaxation a priority.

Enjoy outdoor fun with the beauty of nature as your backdrop at Heart Lake Conservation Park. From fishing in the lake or frolicking at the new pool and splash pad, to speeding above the water on one of the twin zip lines, Heart Lake offers all the best in outdoor entertainment.

Professor’s Lake Brampton offers a variety of activities for everyone to enjoy including a Beach right inside of the Brampton city limits. You can also enjoy the water from non-motorized water crafts (kayaks, canoes, stand up paddle boards etc.) that you bring or rent from the facility. A paved walking trail surrounds the perimeter of the lake and you can also enjoy fishing and beach volleyball!
Wilcox Lake is Richmond Hill's largest body of water and is part of Lake Wilcox Park. Families and friends can enjoy a variety of outdoor recreational activities at the park and lake. Get out on the water with activities such as kayaking, canoeing, fishing, and windsurfing. If you prefer to stay on land, the park is a great place to relax by the shore - plan a picnic, play at the skatepark or compete in a friendly game.


Formed by retreating glaciers and part of the Oak Ridges Corridor Conservation Reserve, this is a popular lake where locals hang out. It's surrounded by an abundance of recreational trails and shaded meadows – perfect for family adventures or picnics, hiking, biking, and bird watching. And whether you're driving or taking public transit, Bond Lake is wonderfully accessible.
If you are willing to drive within the 45-minute range, there are many more beaches just waiting to be explored. Visit decohomes.ca/communities to see how you can live a little closer to your favourite outdoor places to play!