As spring rolls on, various Ontario Parks are starting to open, with Sandbanks Provincial Park opening in late April. This fantastic park is known for its natural sand beaches and the world’s largest freshwater dune and sandbar formation.
Sandbanks Provincial Park can be found in the beautiful and popular Prince Edward County.
According to Ontario Parks, Sandbanks has “three expansive sandy beaches that some say are among the best in Canada; Outlet Beach is perfect for families, with shallow waters and gentle drop off.”
The three natural sand beaches include Outlet Beach, located in the East Lake sector of the park; Lakeshore Beach, in the Lakeshore day use area off Lake Ontario; and Dunes Beach, located in the Dunes day use area off West Lake.
Speaking of the dunes, Sandbanks Provincial Park is home to the world’s largest freshwater dune and sandbar formation, formed by glaciers during the last ice age, which was about 12,500 years ago!
If water isn’t your thing, there are plenty of walking trails, too.
- Cedar Sands Nature Trail – 2 km loop
- Woodlands Trail – 3.5 km, linear (7 km 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
If you’re interested in going for the day, you can secure a day permit online or at the park’s office.
Camping is also available at Sandbanks, with plenty of tent sites available for the upcoming few months.
Enjoy all that Sandbanks Provincial Park has to offer, Ontario!
Where: 3004 County Rd. 12 RR#1, Picton, Ont.
