Updated our January 20, 2022 article with more money-saving tips.
The Sandbanks barrier beach is to Ontario what the Gaspé is to Quebec. Popular and idyllic for summer vacations, but difficult to find accommodation, even on a camping site.
The popularity of this waterfront destination among Quebecers and Ontarians alike means that you have to plan ahead to get a few nights at any type of accommodation.
When the sandy beaches and vineyards along Lake Ontario start calling, it’s impossible to resist.
This article is primarily intended to help our readers and members of the milesopedia community find accommodation in this provincial park. We’re also revealing some well-kept secrets that can be discovered by getting away from the crowds. Words from local Phillip Norton, Picton resident, and from some of our members who know the area well.
Ontario Parks offers accommodations ranging from primitive camping to heated and lighted cabins.
Sandbanks, part of Ontario Parks, has over 500 sites in five areas along the Lake Ontario barrier beach. These waterfront sites are ideal for both tents and large trailers.
Two cottages are added to the possibilities:
A guaranteed favorite. Three large sandy beaches among the most beautiful in Canada. A special mention for Outlet Beach, one of the most popular because of its shallow waters and the small slope of its shoreline. The children have a great time there. I loved the warm water and waves of Lake Ontario.
Here is how the booking system works for sleeping at Sandbanks Park.
Reservations can be made on the Ontario Parks website or by telephone up to five months in advance. For example, if you want a place on July 18, the earliest you can start the process is February 18.
The problem is that all the spaces may already be taken by holidaymakers who have booked for the previous week and want to spend several nights there. The Outlet River, Cedars, or Woodlands lots are particularly popular.
Fortunately there is a maximum number of nights allowed:
There is no possibility to book for the whole season at Sandbanks. Fortunately.
This is a very popular spot, so you’ll need to be patient and call regularly to see if a space has become available after a camper has left. After all, isn’t it better to spend less time there than not at all?
Ontario Parks has established four fee levels: AA, A, B and C based on the popularity of the land and the availability of facilities.
Payment by Visa and Mastercard is accepted. To give you an idea.
Finally, I refer you to these articles from Ontario Parks:
Please note that your pet must be attached to a leash no longer than two meters at all times. Dogs are not allowed on the beach (with the exception of designated dog beaches).
We stayed at the TownePlace Suites Belleville. Located 45 minutes from the beaches of Sandbanks, you can get there by country roads: sheep, vineyards, century-old houses are part of the landscape. In the city of Belleville itself, there’s a public market open several days a week.
All rooms are studios with full kitchens, including two double beds or one king-size bed. And then there are the included breakfasts, free parking, laundry facilities. Finally, the indoor pool for rainy days.
In short, we recommend it if the distance to the beaches doesn’t scare you too much or if you don’t want to go swimming at Sandbanks every day. There is so much to do in the area.
In addition to swimming and resting, Ontario Parks informs us that you can watch the spring and fall bird migration, hike the trails, participate in interpretive programs and discover Prince Edward County.
We refer you to our globetrotter Valérie Why’s beautiful article Canada: A travel guide to Ontario for activities to do in this region of Ontario.
We also asked Picton resident Phillip, photographer and photo tour guide, to reveal some of Prince Edward County’s best-kept secrets. He agreed to reveal four of them to us, one for each direction on a compass.
To get away from the hustle and bustle of the beaches, head for the south shore of Sandbanks.
This 45-minute drive through a bucolic setting will take you past sheep farms, churches and villages as well as the cemeteries of the region’s founders.
In South Bay, you’ll find the Mariners Museum, owned by the municipality. From there, you can drive to Prince Edward Point where there is a bird banding station, hiking trails and the Prince Edward Point Lighthouse.
Phillip suggests we make a donation if we visit the National Wildlife Refuge to support the conservation of these refuges for future generations.
The second proposal takes us on a scenic drive to Northport, all the way to Big Island. The tugboats on Lake Ontario will help you discover the maritime vocation of the region.
We then head east to Fifth Town Cheese where we’re invited to sample regional cheeses such as Water Buffalo Parmesan. Jellies, jams and spicy beef jerky are also for sale. For $25 we bought a nice box of cheeses, charcuterie, dried fruit, rusks and more, which we ate at the nearby vineyard.
On the same road, you’ll come across the Wauppo petting zoo, a farm where children can enjoy petting the animals on the grounds of Waupoos Estates Winery.
Waupoos Estates Winery’s activities are combined with those of the vineyard and orchard. Wine and cider tastings. For an additional charge, pizzas cooked in a wood-fired oven are served on the patio, which offers a beautiful view of the sailboats on Lake Ontario. We want to go there!
Finally, we’re invited to get out our bikes and head west on the Millenium cycle path. It will take us to another nature reserve on the Station Road .
And to reward our efforts, we discover a series of vineyards and a distillery not far from here. A well-kept secret, it also offers the best street food there is, namely Big Mike’s BBQ food truck.
Let’s close with recommendations from Amélie and a few other members of the Milesopedia group. Regulars of the region:
On the way to the Kinsip distillery, the small town of Wellington gives access to:
In Lake on the Mountain, a stop at the Miller House coffee shop is a must. From there, a short free ferry ride to Glenora completes the trip. On the way to Waupoos Winery, a great seasonal activity is picking organic blueberries.
Finally, between Belleville and Picton, on Highway 62, the Huff Estates Winery & Inn not only offers tastings and accommodation in a sophisticated inn, but also gives us access to its gardens. These host works of art that make the walk a delightful moment for slow traveling.
To learn more about the region, we recommend this book: A four seasons County-Prince Edwardby local authors and photographers.
Or the excellent Ulysses guide Explore Sandbanks, Kingston and the Thousand Islands.
To save on restaurants in the region, we recommend two credit cards: the National Bank World Elite Mastercard® or the American Express Cobalt® Card, which offer 5 points per dollar.
On the accommodation side, if you want to stay a few nights at the TownePlace Suites Belleville, it would be worth accumulating reward points with the Marriott Bonvoy loyalty program.
As a member, you can earn points that can be exchanged for free nights. The following two credit cards earn Marriott Bonvoy points:
If you’re not going to the TownePlace Suites Belleville, we also suggest other strategies for accommodation:
Finally, here are some ways to reduce your fuel bill. These two credit cards are among the best in Canada for gas purchases.
Get 4% cash back on gas with the SimplyCash® Preferred Card from American Express and the CIBC Dividend® Visa Infinite* Card.
Need more tips? We invite you to discover our guide How to save on gas prices in Canada.
Park entry fees will vary according to your preference: wilderness camping, group camping, day use, etc. Please consult the Ontario Parks website for rates.
Reservations can be made online at the Ontario Parks website or by phone at 1-888-ONT-PARK (1-888-668-7275).
Sandbanks Park offers over 500 car campsites in five camping areas. There’s no shortage of hotels and Airbnb rentals in the area.
Outlet Beach is perfect for families, with its shallow waters and gently sloping shoreline, according to Ontario Parks.
Savings are here:
