Visit / Things to do / Outdoors / Beaches
Beaches in the Bay of Quinte
Beaches in the Bay of Quinte run from the long Lake Ontario sand at Presqu’ile to a quiet stretch of the Trent River in Frankford, with the big dunes of Prince Edward County next door. Toss down a towel, pack a picnic and stay for the sunset.
Beach, please!
Pick your patch of sand
Pick a spot below to jump to it: beaches in the Bay of Quinte, the big sand next door in Prince Edward County, or what to know before you swim. Beach full? Try our waterfront picnic spots instead.
In the Bay of Quinte
Two very different days at the water: a long Lake Ontario beach in a provincial park, and a free riverside beach in the middle of Frankford.
Brighton · Lake Ontario
Presqu’ile Provincial Park
About 2.5 km of sand on a peninsula, with shallow water that suits kids. An accessibility mat runs from the Beach 1 lot, and all-terrain wheelchairs can be borrowed at the gate. There are no lifeguards, and dogs are never allowed on the sand.
Frankford · Trent River
Frankford Tourist Park
A sandy beach on the Trent River in downtown Frankford, with a playground, a covered picnic pavilion and a skatepark. Parking and admission are free. The park is open 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., and dogs stay on a leash.
Next door in the County
Two provincial parks in Prince Edward County with Lake Ontario sand. Both fill up on summer weekends, so reserve a day-use permit first.
Picton · Lake Ontario & West Lake
Sandbanks Provincial Park
Three sand beaches and towering dunes. Outlet and Lakeshore slope in gently, so they’re the easy pick with kids; Dunes Beach on West Lake drops off steeply. No lifeguards. Dogs can use the two dog beaches only, at the mouth of the Outlet River and near Lakeshore Lodge.
Consecon · Lake Ontario & North Bay
North Beach Provincial Park
A smaller park on a sandbar, with about 1,200 m of sand on the lake and 800 m on North Bay. Watch for undertow on the lake on windy days and a steep drop-off on the bay side. No camping and no lifeguards; dogs have their own beach on the North Bay side.
Before you swim
The rules and the water change from beach to beach. Here’s the short version.
Bringing the dog
Where dogs can go
Swimming with kids
How the water drops off
Before you go
Book the permit, then pack the cooler
Provincial park beaches fill up in summer, so reserve a daily vehicle permit first. Permits open at 7 a.m., five days before your visit. Don’t park outside the gates at North Beach, where cars can be fined and towed. The provincial parks have no lifeguards, so keep kids close and check the water report before you wade in.
Staying the night?
Camp near the water
Campgrounds, RV parks and cottages across the region, from Presqu’ile to Hay Bay.
Digital Discovery Map
Map your beach day
Find these beaches, plus patios and ice cream nearby, on one map, then save your favourites to a trip itinerary.
