Ontario Parks
Despite its two unique beaches – one on Lake Ontario, the other on North Bay – North Beach is decidedly less well-known than its famous neighbour, Sandbanks. But don’t go thinking this makes it any less worthy of a visit.
Here, you’ll find 2,000 metres of sand beach, a range of activities to enjoy, and endless ways to make the most of Ontario’s much-too-short summer.
All about North Beach Provincial Park:
Where is North Beach Provincial Park? | Map | North Beach Provincial Park vs. Sandbanks | Hotels | Restaurants | Reservations | Fees
Where is North Beach Provincial Park?
North Beach Provincial Park is an ideal day trip destination from cities like Toronto, Ottawa and Kingston, making it a great option if you’re a city dweller who doesn’t want to spend a lot of time on the road.
You can be here in a little more than two hours if you’re coming here from T.O., and about three hours if you’re traveling from our province’s capital. Visiting from the Limestone City? You can sink your toes in the sand and catch some rays in about 90 minutes. And if you’re coming from Montreal, you’ll arrive in about five hours.
No matter where you’re heading here from, we’d suggest that you take some time to stop at the roadside stands you’ll see dotted along your route. Depending on the time of year you visit, you’ll find everything from peaches and cream corn to freshly baked pies.
North Beach Provincial Park Map
Wherever you’re staying during your visit – Prince Edward County is home to an impressive collection of unique communities – you’re never too far away from the sand and sun.
If you’re making the town of Picton your home-away-from-home during your visit, you’ll love how this park’s only a scenic, 30-minute drive away, so you can go from small town to beach-bound in virtually no time at all.
Directly off North Beach Road in Consecon, you’ll find North Bay to the east and Lake Ontario to the west. Just keep an eye out for the turquoise-coloured water. Once you see it, you’ll know you’ve found the right place!
North Beach Provincial Park vs. Sandbanks Provincial Park
There’s quite simply no denying the beauty of Sandbanks Provincial Park. With its impressive dunes, three sandy beaches, 500 campsites and selection of looping trails, visiting this park is like stepping into a colossal sandbox that invites you to immerse yourself in a dreamscape of sun-soaked bliss.
It should come as no surprise that it’s not exactly a carefully-guarded secret. To put things in perspective, the park welcomed over 800,000 visitors alone in 2020.
If you’re not a pre-planner, there’s a good chance you’re not going to be able to even get into the park unless you make a reservation in advance of your visit. While you’ll still want to make a reservation in advance, North Beach is considerably quieter. So if you’re looking to avoid all the other sunbums, this is where you’ll want to head.
The number of people aside, there are other key differences between the two parks, so if your beach time is limited, it can’t hurt to do your research ahead of time to choose which park suits you best.
Here are a few things to consider:
| Features | North Beach Provincial Park | Sandbanks Provincial Park |
|---|---|---|
| Beaches | Two beaches: One directly on Lake Ontario, the other on North Bay | Three expansive beaches: Outlet, Sandbanks and Dunes |
| Dunes / Vistas | Offers picturesque shorelines | Impressive sand dunes formed millions of years ago |
| Activities | Swimming, birding, fishing and picnicking | Biking, birding, boating, canoeing, fishing, hiking, swimming |
| Facilities | Picnic tables and toilet facilities are located along the beach | Well-equipped with visitor facilities, including washrooms, showers, picnic areas and campgrounds |
| Wildlife | Diverse wildlife and ecosystems | Home to various bird species, especially during the spring and fall migration. |
Whether you’re a sunseeker, dune dreamer, tranquility seeker or wildlife enthusiast, both parks offer unique experiences that will leave a lasting impression, and we think you should visit each of them at least once. Don’t have time for both?
That just means you’ll have to come back.
Hotels Near North Beach Provincial Park
After a day of sun, sand and water, it’s hard to beat the haven of comfort and relaxation a hotel offers. There’s just something satisfying about rinsing off all those little grains of sand that seem to collect everywhere.
Luckily, there are plenty of options close to North Beach Provincial Park that make it easy to flop like a tired dolphin into a soft, pillowy sea of sheets.
Because let’s be real: sand doesn’t count as a high thread count paradise.
Everly Inn
Nestled in a serene meadow with picturesque views of farm fields, Everly Inn Bed & Breakfast provides an idyllic sanctuary for rejuvenation, relaxation and igniting your spirit of exploration.
Within this enchanting retreat, you will discover three exquisite and secluded B&B suites: the Meadow Suite, Garden Suite, and Field Suite. They offer the perfect haven for unwinding after a fulfilling day at the beach. Yet, what truly sets this establishment apart is its ingenious design, incorporating cutting-edge environmentally sustainable practices that ensure your stay leaves no ecological footprint.
Mark and Tonja, the visionary owners of the inn, embraced a comprehensive approach to the inn’s architecture, prioritizing the utilization of renewable energy to power, heat and cool the establishment.
With a commitment to achieving net-zero emissions, they strategically positioned the Inn on the lot to optimize passive heating and cross ventilation. Furthermore, they employed advanced framing techniques to minimize heat loss caused by thermal bridging. The inn also utilizes locally-sourced, environmentally-friendly and recyclable materials and products whenever feasible, further underscoring their dedication to sustainable practices.
At Everly Inn Bed & Breakfast, you can revel in the harmonious blend of tranquility, luxurious comfort and eco-consciousness, making it an ideal destination for a truly remarkable retreat.
The Inn was even featured on Cityline. Watch the segment here.
The Eddie Hotel and Farm
Situated on a 78-acre farm between Wellington and Bloomfield (and just over 20 minutes by car from North Beach Provincial Park), you’ll find the Eddie Hotel and Farm, one of the best examples of Loyalist architecture in the area.
The farm, which dates back to 1860, has 10 rooms that exude warmth and comfort and easily fits 24 people. So if you’re traveling with a large beach crew, this place offers the perfect accommodation.
If you tire of the beach, try out the hotel’s poolside loungers and hammocks. And once the sun sets and dusk pulls a cozy blanket of darkness over Prince Edward County, enjoy a campfire under the stars.
The Lakeside Motel
Situated on two acres of waterfront property, the Lakeside Motel serves as the perfect respite after a day of building sandcastles fit for royalty and defending them from invading seagulls.
This luxurious retreat – and we mean that quite literally – is only a 17-minute drive from North Beach. Here, you can enjoy a range of rooms, including one that serves as the owner’s personal favourite. With a plush, queen-sized bed, and a private deck that overlooks the lake and the pool, you’ll soon come to realize the room got its name, The Ten, for darn good reason. (Spoiler alert: it’s because it’s a perfect 10.)
Sandbanks Vacations
If you prefer to stay in a vacation rental rather than in an inn or hotel, we have tons of options for you to choose from.
Whether you’re seeking a cozy beachfront cottage for a romantic getaway, a spacious family home for a fun-filled vacation, or a luxurious waterfront villa for a lavish retreat, we’ve got what you’re looking for.
Our extensive collection includes charming cottages nestled amidst picturesque landscapes, modern condos with breathtaking views, and elegant estates boasting private pools and exclusive amenities.
Whatever you opt for, we promise comfort, style and a beautiful setting where you’ll create lasting memories. You can view listings here or give us a call and we’ll help you find the perfect rental.
Restaurants Near North Beach Provincial Park
Fun fact: intense physical activity, like splashing in North Beach’s rolling waves, can increase your appetite in a major way!
If you opted not to pack a picnic (not all of us like sand in our sandwiches, after all), there are plenty of restaurants near North Beach Provincial Park that will help conquer your cravings.
Here are just a few of our top picks.
Strato’s Pizzeria and Restaurant
If you’re looking for a meal that contains the whole food pyramid, look no further than Strato’s pizza.
With a range of specialty pizzas – meat lovers, Philly chicken, or the bacon cheeseburger, just to name a few – as well as the option to build your own, this Consecon-based grill and pizzeria truly has something for everyone.
Not feeling like a pie? This place also serves up some epic battered haddock on “Fish Fridays”, so make the most of the fresh-cut fries and house-made tartar sauce. There’s also lasagna, souvlaki, chicken fingers, burgers and more on offer, so there’s a wide selection to choose from.
And the best part? It’s only a seven-minute drive from the beach.
Consecon Honey House Cafe
Tucked away in an unassuming building, you’ll find the Consecon Honey House and Cafe, which has become a go-to spot for a hit of espresso that’ll be just what you need to perk back up after some time in the sunshine.
You’ll love the cheery decor and freshly-baked goods this place has in store for you, including butter croissants and the best oatmeal chocolate chip cookies around.
Trust us: this place has a ton of great reviews for a reason.
Hop in your car for the short, eight-minute drive from the park and grab a jar of local honey while you’re there.
Adega
Apres beach, head to Adega Wine Bar & Bottle Shop for tapas-style dishes and an impressive selection of wines.
The wine list, curated by sommelier and founder Thierry Alcantara-Stewart, features bevvys from both The County and from around the world – and it’s constantly changing. There’s no set By the Glass List. Talk with your server about what you usually enjoy and they’ll suggest a wine that’s unique to you.
Pair it with any of the wine bar’s tapas – charcuterie, beef carpaccio, clams – for an experience you won’t soon forget.
Wrap things up with an espresso or cappuccino.
Please note you’ll need reservations before sipping here. Email adegapec@gmail.com or call (613) 965-080.
Bantam
With a fresh and farm-forward lunch menu, Bantam serves up unique, local ingredients with flair.
The frequently-changing menus offer up a surprise each time you visit, so don’t fall in love with any of the dishes too quickly.
Located on the grounds of Closson Chase Winery (just look for the big purple barn surrounded by more than 30 acres of vineyards), Bantam offers a dine-in option from Wednesday to Saturday, as well as Grab-and-Go from the winery seven days a week. Take your pick and throw it in a cooler to enjoy by the waves.
North Beach Provincial Park Reservations
While North Beach may very well not be quite as busy as Sandbanks, we recommend booking your day-use permit in advance to guarantee entry. Once the park is full, no more beachgoers will be permitted.
And let’s face it: you don’t want to spend time waiting in a lineup, only to be denied entry because it’s full.
According to Ontario Parks, more than 80 per cent of visitors say they like being able to reserve their daily vehicle permit in advance. So join the party, and claim your spot!
You can visit the reservation service here up to five days before your trip, beginning at 7 a.m. So set that alarm clock to make sure you can roll out the towels on your chosen day.
After you secure your permit, you’ll be emailed a confirmation letter, which will tell you how to check in at your chosen park.
Options could include:
- Showing your confirmation at the gate (either on your device or a printed copy).
- Printing your permit and leave it on your dashboard.
- Being able to produce your confirmation if asked.
You may be wondering if you can just grab a permit at the park entrance. The answer is yes – but only if the park has room. If you don’t book in advance, you could be turned away, even if you arrive first thing in the morning.
North Beach Provincial Park Fees
The average price for a drink at Starbucks rings in at around $5. While a fancy caffeine hit is certainly always worth it, you could spend $13 more and enjoy an entire day at the beach. That’s right: admission to North Beach Provincial Park is just $18!
An Adventure Waiting to Unfold
Here, nature’s beauty meets endless possibilities for enjoyment. Pack your sunscreen, grab your beach towel and let the rhythm of the waves take you away.
Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher, a sandcastle architect, or simply seeking tranquility in the company of nature, this park has something for everyone. So, dive in, explore the pristine shores, and make memories that will tide you over until your next visit. Remember, life’s a beach, and North Beach Provincial Park is ready to make your lakeside dreams come true.
