If you are looking for a day trip to the beach, Sandbanks Provincial Park is might just be the place for you. The Provincial park consist of three beaches: Outlet Beach, Sandbanks Beach, and Dunes Beach. The biggest and longest is Outlet Beach, It has been said that the provincial park has one of the best sandy beaches in Ontario.
You can enjoy the long stretch of sandy beach, sand dunes, go camping, hiking, biking, fishing and swimming to name a few.
Sandbanks Provincial Park is located in the island of Prince Edward County in the province of Ontario. A short three hour drive from Ottawa, Ontario and two hour and thirty minutes drive from Toronto.
If you are anything like me and driving more than two hours requires an over night stay.
Places to stay at Prince Edward County.
- Camping is a famous way to enjoy sandbanks, the park offers several campground – click here to make your reservation
Not a fan of camping? that is totally fine, the island of Prince Edward County offers, a variety of unique hotels and motels
Prince Edward County Motel and Hotels
- Compass Rose – https://www.compassrosesuites.ca/suites1
- The Royal Hotel – https://www.theroyalhotel.ca/
- Drake Devonshire – https://www.visitpec.ca/business_listings/drake-devonshire/
- The June Motel – https://thejunemotel.com/
- The Drake Motor Inn – https://www.thedrake.ca/drakemotorinn/
- The Lakeside Motel – https://thelakesidemotel.com/
Airbnb recommendation just a short drive from Sandbanks
- Wellington Two Bedroom Cottage with Stunning Views of Lake Ontario
- Sandbanker
- Little Ben Prince Edward County
- Bear’s Cabin: Cozy Waterfront Loft on West Lake
- Serendipity – Waterfront Cottage with Parks Pass
- Flats Hotel: West Suite in Wellington
- Lyttleton in Prince Edward County
- Main St. Suite
Things to do at Sandbanks Provincial Park
- Laying on the beach (duhhh)
- Volleyball (Outlet Beach)
- Watersports; swimming, sailing, fishing, boating, canoeing, paddle boarding, windsurfing, etc
- Camping
- Hiking
- Biking
- Birdwatching
Unique activities to do in Prince Edward County, known for its bicycle touring, wineries, food and antiques
- vineyard tour
- Go on a bike tour in the county
- Visit an Alpaca farm – The Bloomin’ Welly Alpaca Trekk
- Frolic in a lavander field – Prince Edward County Lavander
- Learn more about bee’s! – Bees & Blooms
- Explore the town of Picton
- Thrift shopping
- do vacation photo shoot
Biking at Prince Edward County
As someone that enjoys biking, I thought it make sense to further discuss this activity. Through my resource I found out that Prince Edward County is known for its bike trails that stretches from towns, farms and shorelines. The 46KM Millennium multi use trail that used to be a train rail bed stretching from the town of Picton to Carrying. The trail is available for all types of cyclist to enjoy.
bike rental place in Prince Edward County
Want to get the most of your trip? try a cycling guide with Prince Edward County Cycling Guides. Biking is a great way to get around, take in the scenery and get your exercise. If you enjoy biking, I highly recommend you try it out when you visit Sandbanks.
Prince Edward County Photography
Memories are fleeting, going on a day trip is a great opportunity to get your photos taken. Its a misconception that you can only get your photos done on a “special occasion” If you feel that way I am giving you permission and letting you know that is not true. I have photograph many couples just because they wish to have their memories captured.
Sandbanks is by far one of my favorite location to photograph, sand dunes in Ontario?!say what… I did not think that it is possible but nature always surprises me. As you keep scrolling down you will see Laura and Luc. They both grew up near sandbanks and enjoyed countless of summer here, it was incredible having the opportunity to capture their love in a special place for them.
Keep scrolling to check out Laura and Luc’s Sandbanks Provincial park couple shoot.
When visiting sandbanks or any parks please make sure to follow the leave no trace principle
- dispose of waste properly, throw garbage in designated bins and if a garbage bin cant be located bring your waste with you until you find one
- leave what you find, try to fight the urge to collect things to bring back home. Make sure to stay on designated paths to minimize our distraction of the park.
- respect wildlife, please do not feed wildlife. They are meant to be wild
- be considerate of others, respect other visitors experience
Leave no trace is meant to protect the land, human foot traffic can greatly change the landscape and eco system of a park. We should do our part to minimize this so that the kids of the future can also enjoy the park for years to come.
Helpful Links to plan your visit:
Official tourism site of Prince Edward County –
Sandbanks Provincial Park Info –enjoy Ontario & parks Ontario
