#5: Wasaga Beach, Ontario

Megan's Beach Rating:

Image provided by: http://uncyclopedia.wikia.com/wiki/File:3.5stars.PNG

I give Wasaga Beach a 3.5 stars out of 5. I come here often because it is conveniently located - just short drive just outside the Greater Toronto Area (GTA).

Image provided by Google Maps

For those of you who live in the GTA, this beach is paradise just outside of the city. It is located on Lake Huron and is the world's longest freshwater beach, reaching 14km in length (Reader's Digest). There is an entertainment strip along the shore consisting of restaurants, surf shops, and many more boutiques. This Provincial Park has either beach areas - all include washroom, changing rooms, picnic tables, and parking and two of the beaches include a playground (Reader's Digest).

Wasaga Beach (Image from: https://locationsnorth.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/02/Wasaga-Beach-Boardwalk.jpg)

For those planning a weekend getaway to Wasaga Beach, there are properties that are available for rent.

Cottage rentals located steps away from the beach:

http://www.summerhillwasaga.com/(Open May 1st - September 30th)

http://www.cooperscabins.com/(May - Labour Day; Winter rates, must contact)

http://www.wasaga.com/pinecrest/wasaga.html(Must contact)

I have stayed at Cooper's Cabins for 3 nights with a group discount. This property is the definition of "you get what you pay for". Most of these cottages/cabins are very outdated and provide you with the basic amenities. They do include full kitchens and a fridge, however, I felt like it was very run-down.

That being said, the beach itself is the best part about this location. There is clean, white sand for you to lay your towels out upon and soak up the sun. The water is typically a warm temperature and has NO SEAWEED! The bottom of the lake is sand with no aquatic plants! The water is shallow for a distance until you are further out, then there are sand bars every few feet:

My drawing to explain how sand bars work under the water

Overall, I think the beach itself is great. The reason as to why I give Wasaga 3.5 stars is because the accommodations could be improved and generally, it is a very busy beach - especially on a nice summer day.

Have any of you visited Wasaga Beach before? Please share your thoughts on accommodations or recommendations for any beach activities!

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References:

1. Izon, L. (2015, September). Canada's Best Beaches. Retrieved October 3, 2016, from http://www.readersdigest.ca/travel/world/canadas-top-10-beaches/8/

2. Pine Crest Cottage Rentals. (n.d). Retrieved October 7, 2016 from http://wasaga.com/pinecrest/wasaga.html

3. Summerhill Cottage & Cabin Rentals, Wasaga Beach, ON – Home (2012). (n.d). Retrieved October 7, 2016 from http://summerhillwasaga.com

4. Welcome to Coopers Cabins (2016). Wasaga Beach Rentals. Retrieved October 7, 2016 from http://cooperscabins.com

#4: Manitoulin Island, Ontario

Megan's Beach Rating:

(Image provided by: http://jenniferjensen.com/2013/05/amazon-book-reviews-3-stars-or-4/)

Manitoulin Island is located on Lake Huron and Georgian Bay and is rich in First Native culture. It is the largest freshwater island in the world! (ManitoulinIsland.com, 2016). Therefore, since it is an island, I drove 7 hours North and then had to take about an hour ferry ride. "Lodges and cottages camps are found nearly everywhere, but they are especially attracted the shores of the large inland lakes" (Putnam, 1947). I stayed on the Lake Huron side at a campsite called Providence Bay, but explored two other villages in the centre of the island - Mindemoya and M'Chigeeng.

Image provided by Google Maps

Image provided by Google Maps

I am usually not one for camping, however this campsite was one of the better ones that I have visited. There were public washrooms for the campers - male and female - that were very clean. The showers never ran out of hot water and there were multiple stalls so you most likely never had to wait your turn. We visited end of August, but the weather made it felt more like mid-October. It was very cold and rainy, which was not ideal for camping.

The beach did not have white, soft sand. There was a decent amount of long tall grass and where there was sand, it was mostly covered in gunk that washed up from the lake. The water was VERY COLD and there was seaweed everywhere.

Image provided by: http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/North_America/Canada/Central/Ontario/Providence_Bay/photo737179.htm

Image provided by: http://www.manitoulin-island.com/providencebaypark/

The reason as to why Providence Bay gets my rating of a 4 star is because there is a long boardwalk that stretches along the shore with a cafe. I stopped here along the walk and had hot chocolate and listened to the live acoustic guitar performance. The atmosphere is very relaxed and genuine on this island, which is a nice change for people who are from a busy city. The fresh air and natural beauty makes up for its cold water.

Below is a short video to one of the breathtaking waterfalls I explored during my visit and you could actually walk behind the falls and swim in the lake:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_UKXxOuyYs

Also, a link for anyone who wants to learn more about this serene island and other activities to do there: http://www.manitoulin-island.com/

Me in front of Bridal Veil Falls - Manitoulin Island, ON

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References:

1. [CanadianRoadDream]. (2012, June 17). Bridal Veil Falls, Kagawong, Manitoulin Island, Ontario. [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m_UKXxOuyYs

2. Manitoulin Island (n.d) Welcome to Manitoulin Island. Retrieved October 9, 2016 from http://www.manitoulin-island.com/.

3. Putnam, D. (1947). Manitoulin Island. Geographical Review, 37(4), 661. doi:1. Retrieved from http://www.jstor.org.subzero.lib.uoguelph.ca/stable/211191doi:1.

#3: Tobermory, Ontario

Megan's Beach Rating:

Image provided by: http://www.notratedfootwear.com/

I've posted this beach as #3 and left it unrated because I have not fully experienced it. I have visited for an hour or so while boarding the ferry to Manitoulin Islands and wished that I was staying a little longer to explore this beach. I posted it as number 3 because I know it has so much potential to receive my rating as a 5 star. 

Image provided by: http://www.alexpuettner.com/p451303551/h1C7D660A#h1c7d660a

The shoreline of Tobermory is Lake Huron on the West side and Georgian Bay on the East side. Just 3 and a half hours away awaits the only beach in Canada (that I have come across) with aqua green water. It reminds me of the Caribbean! 

Image provided by Google Maps

I have seen Tobermory posted all over social media and would love to plan a trip there sometime next summer. There is so much to do in this little town, such as boat tours, cycling, snorkeling, hiking, fishing, swimming, and much, much more (Tobermory.com, 2014).The official Tobermory website offers a list of places to stay, no matter what kind of accommodation you prefer. They offer campgrounds, cabins, cottages, bed & breakfasts, motels and hotels (Tobermory.com, 2014). I, personally, am not one for camping, but a cabin rental might be nice during the summer near this beautiful lake. 

The main thing that drew me in to this place was the shipwrecks. For those who love to scuba dive, or want to pretend to be Ariel from The Little Mermaid, Tobermory offers 26 REAL sight-seeing shipwrecks that are located on this lake. This link provides a brief history of each shipwreck and a map of where they are located: http://tobermory.com/do-see/shipwrecks.html. This place is like something straight out of a storybook with shipwrecks and islands such as Flowerpot Island and Mermaid Cove, how could a Walt Disney fanatic resist such a magical place like Tobermory! 

The Sweepstakes (Schooner) Shipwreck. Image provided by:
https://ucuzauc.com/haber-duyuru/su-alti-dalis-yapabileceginiz-en-guzel-sehirler-ve-yerler/1363/haber

Click this link to watch a YouTube video of divers exploring the Sweepstakes Shipwreck: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-xls3FL8-k

Have any of you ever been here? Any recommendations or stories to share about which accommodation property you stayed at? Comment below with any tips on helping me plan a trip there next summer! Happy treasure hunting!!

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References:

1. [eworosz]. (2012, August 30). The Sweepstakes Shipwreck 2012 - Tobermory Ontario Canada. [Video File]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F-xls3FL8-k

2. Welcome to Tobermory - Tobermory Bruce Peninsula Ontario. (2014). Retrieved October 18, 2016, from http://tobermory.com/

#2: Okanagan Lake, British Columbia

Megan's Beach Rating:

Image provided by: http://cliparts.co/5-star-image

Although it is #2 on my list, this destination is still a 5 star. It is so beautiful and scenic compared to the other beaches listed in Ontario. It is such a different environment and so peaceful. It is located in Kelowna, British Columbia. 

Image provided by: http://www.daniellegrundy.ca/life-kelowna/

I stayed at a hotel resort called The Cove Lakeside Resort and that hotel too, was a 5 star. I had a 2 bedroom suite (to share with family) which included two private bathrooms, two private bedrooms, a full kitchen, dining and living room area with a balcony overlooking the pool and onto Lake Okanagan. Pictures will not do this experience any justice. It's almost tough to believe something like this exists here in Canada, eh!

Image provided by: http://www.booking.com/hotel/ca/the-cove-lakeside-resort.en-gb.html?aid=356994;label=gog235jc-hotel-XX-ca-theNcoveNlakesideNresort-unspec-ca-com-L%3Aen-O%3AwindowsSnt-B%3Achrome-N%3AXX-S%3Abo-U%3AXX;sid=81924faf67e5314c0fe0ed2bc8e3cb8c;dist=0&sb_price_type=total&type=total&#

There is access to the beach from the hotel and you can walk all along the shoreline for a few miles. There is a cute, little ice cream shop along the strip and a gated off area for your pets! It is still on the beach so owners can throw the ball into the lake for their pooch or try to teach them how to swim. There is also a paved walkway that runs parallel with the shore so those who want a scenic run early in the morning, Kelowna is the perfect spot!

I didn't actually go swimming, so I can't rate this beach based on the water temperature and seaweed content, however the view of mountains in the horizon and the hotel gave my experience in Kelowna a 5 star. 

Head out West to visit this beautiful, refreshing lake in Canada. There are over 30 isolated beaches throughout the Kelowna region (TourismKelowna.com, 2016), which beach will you discover as your paradise?

Family, friends and myself in Kelowna, British Columbia

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References:

1. Tourism Kelowna. (2016). Okanagan Lake in Kelowna. Retrieved October 15, 2016 from http://www.tourismkelowna.com/do/lake/

#1: Port Dover, Ontario

Megan's Beach Rating:

Image provided by: http://cliparts.co/5-star-image

I give this beach a 5 star. I would give it a 10 star. I love, love, love this beach. Located on the north side of Lake Erie (Canada's South Coast, 2011) and just an hour and 10 minutes South West of Oakville, awaits a hot, white sandy beach with fresh, warm water. The reason I chose this beach as number one is because it is easily accessible from Oakville.

Image provided by: http://www.ebox.ca/en/blog/the-10-best-beaches-in-ontario-2/

Image provided by Google Maps

This beach does have free, street parking available - however on a busy, summer day, parking spots may be hard to find. There is a hotel nearby that you can pay to use that lot which costs $20.00 for the full day. There is also a restaurant right on the beach, as well as other ice cream shops, french fries and hot dogs shops, and surf shops located on the main strip of the beach. 

If you want to getaway to Port Dover, there are accommodations located right on the beach or within the town - there is something for everyone!

The image blow illustrates the locations of a few accommodations that are available.

Image provided by Google Maps

There are also cottage rentals available through this website:

http://portdoverbeach.com/pb/wp_bc9def12/wp_bc9def12.html

Finally, this beach gets a 5 star rating because it truly makes you feel as if you were in the Caribbean. There are even a few palm trees!!! Also, there is NO SEAWEED again, which is a big bonus for me! The water was warm, but still refreshing on a hot, summer day. The bottom of the lake also has sandbars, so you can swim or walk along the shallow areas further off shore. The sand is warm and soft and the beach is very clean. There are families, teenagers, seniors - every one of all ages! It's the perfect spot to veg out and relax on the sand or bring your friends for a volleyball game in the sun! I would recommend this beach to anyone!

This wall mural was painted on the side of a shop that is located a few steps away from the beach. It is so amazing because this is exactly how the main strip looks!

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References:

1.  Cottages in Port Dover. (n.d). Retrieved October 14, 2016, from http://portdoverbeach.com/index.html