10 Awesome (and Secluded) Northern Ontario Beaches

We're really lucky in Algoma Country because this region is home to many beautiful, and often secluded, beaches that are the perfect places for a swim to cool off, or just to bask in the warmth of the sun.

These beaches are off the beaten path—you won't find them covered in hundreds of bathers. You might even have one all to yourself.

Below are just 10 awesome drive-to beaches in Algoma that you'll want to make your way to this summer.

1. Old Woman Bay

Step out onto the glorious sandy beach and look up to the craggy rock cliffs—you'll be able to see the face of an old woman. It's truly amazing! This beach is situated on Lake Superior, and what you may find interesting about Superior is that the water is quite cool even on the most sultry summer days—it's very refreshing!
Quick Facts: Day-use park, parking permit required, picnic areas, washroom facilities
Nearby: hiking trails, Wawa

2. Katherine Cove, Lake Superior Provincial Park

The fine sandy beach and blue-green water at this beach resemble the one you'd find on a tropical island, but instead, you're on Lake Superior. This is a great place to swim, build sandcastles, and have a picnic.
Quick Facts: Day-use, parking permit required, shallow water, public washrooms, great for families with small children
Nearby: Agawa Rock Pictographs Trails
Where to Stay: find accommodations
www.ontarioparks.com

3. Sandy Beach

Sandy Beach has some of the most spectacular views in the Wawa area, with a beautiful sandy beach framed by rugged cliffs on Lake Superior. The beach is just 10 minutes from the famous Wawa Goose Monument. You can take a leisurely stroll along the boardwalk, go for a swim, and sunbathe.

Visit the storytelling pavilion that teaches visitors about the First Nations who settled the area, famous artists who spent time on Lake Superior, and more.
Nearby: waterfalls, hiking trails, restaurants, accommodations in Wawa

4. Batchawana Bay

This is an exceptional beach for picnics and the perfect place for families with small children because the water is shallow and considered to be the warmest on Lake Superior. This day-use provincial park is located on Highway 17. 
Quick Facts: Day-use, washroom facilities, parking permit required, picnic tables, children's playground, boat rentals nearby
Nearby: The Voyageur's Lodge

5. Rock Lake

Named during the 1900s during the old copper mining days, this beach is on a peaceful, secluded inland lake behind the town of Bruce Mines. The drive to it is very scenic, as the back roads take you through farmland. This is a great place to swim and have a BBQ (a camping-sized one is best). What's really nice about this beach is that you could have the entire beach to yourself all day—it's that awesomely secluded.
Nearby: The Rock Lake Overlook

6. Pointe des Chenes

Growing up, this was the beach my family frequented during the summer, so it holds many fond family memories for me. Pointe des Chenes is family-friendly with a beautiful sandy shore, perfect for building sandcastles, swimming, and sunbathing. Its location makes it a great spot to take a picnic to watch the sunset or watch the lake freighters go by.
Quick Facts: change room and washroom facilities, convenience store, close to Sault Ste. Marie and amenities
saulttourism.com

7. Women's Institute Park

St. Joseph Island is a wonderful place to vacation in Algoma and has numerous beaches. One beach in particular that comes to mind is the Women's Institute Park in Richards Landing. This day-use park offers a sandy beach, playground, tennis courts, and picnic pavilion. The WI Park is right in town, so it's close to restaurants and shops. If you want to really explore, rent a bicycle at the Richards Landing Marina.
You Would Also Like: Forbes Community Park in Hilton Beach

8. Harmony Beach

If you really want to blend in with locals, Harmony Beach is the place for you. This is a really nice public beach with a sandy shoreline, good swimming, and sunbathing. Bring a picnic lunch or eat at one of the local restaurants. There are also two lookouts across the highway that overlook Harmony Beach and Havilland Bay which are part of the Voyageur Hiking Trail.
Recommended: Northwinds Restaurant, Goulais River

9. Johnson's Lake Park 

When you're staying in Hearst, visit this beach is just 1 km from downtown. Quick Facts: supervised beach, playground, picnic area, campsites, lifeguards during July and August
www.hearst.ca

10. Spruce Beach

This is one of two beaches located in Elliot Lake. It's easily accessible and close to restaurants and amenities. Spruce Beach has a sandy beach shoreline where you'll want to toss off your sandals to walk barefoot to feel the warm sand between your toes.
Quick Facts: supervised swim area, playground, picnic areas, washroom facilities, parking
Nearby: Mississagi Provincial Park

More Beaches in Algoma Country

Lake Lauzon Beach, Algoma Mills
This is a pretty public beach located right off Highway 17 in Algoma Mills and a great spot for swimming, fishing and boating. Lake Lauzon is an inland lake with breathtaking views of the rugged landscape and a good spot for wildlife viewing. You will love spending the day at this beach!
Quick Facts: playground equipment, washroom facilities, picnic tables, BBQ pits, parking
Nearby: Lake Lauzon Resort, Blind River

Beech Beach Park, Joceyln Township, St. Joseph Island
This pretty park has a white sand beach, great for swimming and having a picnic.
www.jocelyntownship.com

Horseshoe Beach, Pukaskwa National Park
One of our best-kept secrets, this sandy beach on the shores of Lake Superior is located in the National Park and accessed from the boardwalk at Hattie's Cove Campground.
www.pc.gc.ca

Find even more beaches and favourite local spots in Algoma's Cities and Towns.

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