Canada: Sandbanks Provincial Park | Itineraries and Highlights

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:

• The Maplerest cottage, a luxurious Victorian house with four bedrooms
• The more modest Chalet Jacques sleeps four.

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:

• 23 in a tent, trailer or motorhome (car camping)
• 16 in the backcountry (wilderness camping)
• 14 in one of the two chalets (pitch with roof)

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:

• Where can you camp when your favourite park is already sold out?
• How to avoid the crowds at Sandbanks Provincial Park?

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).

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:

• A superb wooden park for the little ones;
• A public pebble beach where you can take a stroll;
• An ice cream parlour that has nothing to envy the most famous.

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.

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:

• Marriott Bonvoy^® American Express^®* Card
• Marriott Bonvoy^® Business American Express^®* Card

If you’re not going to the TownePlace Suites Belleville, we also suggest other strategies for accommodation:

• How can I save on independent hotel reservations?
• How to save money on Airbnb with points?