Lake Ontario is pretty groovy ( pun absolutely intended ) and a veritable fresh water ocean . But when you ’re feel a break from the gang at some of Toronto ’s local beaches , hop in the car with some friends for a lakeshore escapade further afield . These lakes within driving distance of Toronto will serve you beat the last of the oppressive rut of this Canadian concrete jungle and almost , just almost , make you wish it was summertime in the city for another six months .
Kelso Conservation Area
MiltonKelso Conservation area is a brusk 45 minute drive from Downtown Toronto , and not only can you luxuriate on Kelso Beach for a paltry $ 6.75 ingress fee , the park also has picnic arena and a groovy track hiking when you ’re over sitting lakeside . The tranquil H2O on this man - made reservoir impart themselves to excellent canoeing and endure - up boat paddle boarding . Rent a instrument panel and do armed with your portable BBQ and a 24 - pack .
Marmoraton Mine
MarmoraEngineers blast through 120 ft of limestone to create the successful Marmoraton Mine that operated from 1955 - 73 ; by the time it closed , it had mine almost 1.3 million loads of ore . The termination ? A gaping hole in the background that eventually fill with rain and hole-and-corner streams to make the “ lake ” we know today . Come prepared as there are no amenities whatsoever , and lake - going is book for those who defy to take the plunge off the side of the mine . sentence for an epic backflip ?
Sibbald Point Provincial Park
GeorginaSibbald Point on Lake Simcoe is your go - to for glamping on a budget . dateless sandy beaches , picturesque bivouac available to appropriate , raccoons that are are relatively under control , and the pits – there are even real , live , flushingtoilets . Only an time of day ’s drive from Toronto , this lake is known for its excellent , if busy , beach and loud , late - Nox campsite saltation parties . You ’ve been warned .
Mono Cliffs Provincial Park
OrangevilleMcCarston ’s Lake is located in the geologically copious Mono Cliffs Provincial Park on the Niagara Escarpment , where you may hike up to your heart ’s cognitive content and never see another psyche . tally up the spelunking and rock mounting area before cooling off at McCarston ’s Lake . fix in the profuse greenery of the parking lot , you ’ll sense as if the steamy street of the 6ix are another world in all .
Wasaga Beach Provincial Parks
Wasaga BeachGreat news – there ’s more than one Great Lake in these here purlieu . labor two hours northward and find yourself on the shores of Georgian Bay , Lake Huron . The town of Wasaga Beach feature 14 kilometer of white grit ( the longest fresh water beach in the world ! ) , well - keep facilities , and warm , shallow water . There are eight different beach areas to choose from , and raft of beachside beer vendors . Be trusted to stick around for the extremely Instagrammable sundown !
Trout Lake Park
InnerkipIf you ’re itch to go scuba dive but simply can not give that tripper to Belize right now , Trout Lake has the solvent . Shipwrecks , airplanes , school buses , a mine shaft – you name it , they go down it in Trout Lake . Anything goes here – you’re able to collapse a beer , dive off the cliffs , make for your own raft , play your own music , BBQ the raccoons ; not necessarily in that monastic order . Our mesmerism : the H2O is freeze year - rotund , so hold back for a scorcher to reach up this quirky little lake .
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Georgian Bay on Lake Huron|LesPalenik/Shutterstock (edited)
Marmora Historical Foundation
LesPalenik/Shutterstock
Elena Elisseeva/Shutterstock
Flickr/Jeff Borden