Located in Prince Edward County, Sandbanks is one of the most popular Summer destinations in Ontario. The park is so popular that you need to reserve your parking spot even for a day trip well ahead of time. The park offers a great sandy beach to swim and bath in the sun. If you want Carribbean like beach experience in Ontario, this is the place to go to. The park also offers great hiking trails and camping opportunities
Camping
The park offers five different campgrounds offering campsites to everyone’s taste. Whether you are looking to tent or bring your trailer, there is a site for you
- Outlet River A & B – Outlet River A offers the best waterfront sites but it comes with a price – less privacy and high traffic. Outlet River B is further back from the beach but offers a bit more privacy
- Cedars Campground – family friendly choice with more sheltered and better private sites
- Richardson’s Campground – one of the newest campgrounds offering sunny campsites with less privacy
- West Lake Campground – trailer and RV friendly sites that are electric and pull through
- Woodlands Campground – very open and sunny sites, would be a great choice for cooler months
Swimming, Hiking & Other Activities
Sandbanks has two of the largest freshwater baymouth sandbars in the world and has been rated as one of the best swimming spots in Canada by the National Post. Two of the three beaches are shallow with gradual drops offs; perfect for the little ones to get their feet wet. It is important to note no lifeguards are present so parents need to be aware at all times. The sand reminds us of a Caribbean beach with its almost white colour and silkiness. The dunes provide endless amounts of fun, the park is plenty big enough to explore over a number of days and both parents and kids will delight in the wildlife they see
The park offers 6 different hiking trails:
- Cedar Sands Nature Trail – 2 km loop
- Woodlands Trail – 3.5 km, linear,(7km total out and back) easy, no trail guide
- Sandbanks Dunes Trail – 2.5 km loop, easy to moderate
- Lakeview Trail – 2.4km one way, linear, easy, no trail guide
- Richardson’s Trail – 1 km one way, linear, easy, no trail guide
- MacDonald Trail – 1.5 km one way, linear, easy, no trail guide
The park also hosts a variety of special events and activities that are held throughout the Summer. From bird watching tours to guided hikes examining the flora and fauna, there is never a dull moment here
Blogs
Sandbanks Review, By Maeghan Mott
A Better Walk at Sandbanks Dunes, by Christine Peets
Escape to Sandbanks – A Perfect Family Getaway, by Lindsay MacNevin
