Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, Sandbanks Provincial Park is one of Ontario’s most popular parks to visit. Known for having the world’s largest baymouth barrier dunes, Sandbanks boasts soft sandy beaches, scenic hiking trails, and a variety of water sports activities, making it a top-tier summer vacation destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts alike. As someone who has lived my entire life in Prince Edward County near Sandbanks, I can share some invaluable tips and tricks to help you plan your visit. In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about visiting Sandbanks Provincial Park!

A Brief History of Sandbanks Provincial Park
Sandbanks Provincial Park is renowned for its sand dunes, which began to form approximately 12,000 years ago during the melting of the last Ice Age. As large glaciers retreated, massive amounts of sand were deposited. Combined with the strong winds blowing off Lake Ontario, these sand deposits were sculpted into large dunes.
The park and the surrounding area hold deep historical significance for the Anishinaabeg, Wendat, and Haudenosaunee Indigenous communities. Indigenous peoples, particularly the Anishinaabe, hunted, gathered, and fished in these lands for thousands of years until European settlers arrived in the 17th century. In 1615, French explorer Samuel de Champlain famously explored the region, documenting one of the earliest recorded interactions between Europeans and Indigenous peoples in Ontario.
By the 18th and 19th centuries, European settlers began establishing towns and farms in the area. This extensive deforestation led to soil erosion, which caused the sand dunes to expand and bury nearby roads and farmland. Recognizing the need for conservation, locals planted vegetation to stabilize the dunes by the end of the 19th century. In 1970, Sandbanks Provincial Park was officially established to protect this unique dune ecosystem and provide recreational opportunities. However, local families had already been enjoying the area’s beaches since the early 20th century.


Find Your Way Around Sandbanks Provincial Park
Sandbanks Provincial Park is relatively small compared to other Ontario provincial parks, covering about 1,500 hectares (3,700 acres). The park is bordered by three bodies of water: Lake Ontario, East Lake, and West Lake.
Lakeshore Area (Southwest)
On the park’s southwest side lies the Lakeshore area, which runs along Lake Ontario. Here, visitors will find the Lakeshore Lodge Day Use Area, which features a designated swimming beach, a pet-friendly area, Richardson’s Campground, and access to the Lakeview Trail.
Lakeshore Beach, the park’s largest beach, is a no-radio zone, making it a quieter option. While it tends to be less crowded due to the limited nearby facilities, it offers a peaceful experience. Visitors can also access the Cedar Sands Trail near Richardson’s Campground, which leads to Dunes Beach.
Sandbanks Dunes Beach Area (Northwest)
Located on West Lake, the Sandbanks Dunes Beach area is home to the park’s iconic sand dunes. The beach here offers pristine sands and calm, warmer waters compared to Lake Ontario, making it ideal for families with young children.
Although the dunes provide a stunning backdrop for photos, the waters at Outlet Beach (on the east side) tend to be clearer, making it a more popular choice for swimming. In the Dunes Beach area, visitors can find the Dunes Canteen, West Lake Campground, and the West Lake Gate Entrance, as well as access to the Dunes Trail, MacDonald Trail, and Woodland Trail.
Many visitors mistakenly believe Sheba’s Island, located just north of Dunes Beach, is part of the provincial park, but it isn’t. This public area does not require a park entrance ticket. Sheba’s Island is a great spot to rent water sports equipment like kayaks or jet skis, and Westlake Willy Waterpark offers fun activities for kids and adults alike. If the park is fully booked, staying on or near Sheba’s Island is an excellent alternative, as there are picturesque cottages for rent along West Lake.
East Lake (East)
The eastern side of Sandbanks Provincial Park narrows into a peninsula shape. The Main Entrance Gate, Park Office, and Visitor Center & Nature Shop are all located at the base of this peninsula.
Heading west from the Main Gate brings visitors to the Lakeland Lodge Day Use Area along the shores of Lake Ontario and the trailhead for the MacDonald Trail. Southeast of the Main Gate, visitors will find Cedars Campground and Outlet Beach, which features two designated swimming areas and a pet-friendly area.
Outlet Beach is the park’s most popular beach, stretching two kilometers with a gentle slope into crystal-clear waters—perfect for families. Woodyard Equipment Rentals is located near the Cedar Sands Trailhead and offers free personal flotation devices, as well as kayaks and other water sports equipment.
In the southeast corner of the park, you’ll find the Group Campground, Outlet River Campground, another Park Store, and Cedar Sands Trail.


Best Time to Visit Sandbanks Provincial Park
The best time to visit Sandbanks Provincial Park is, without a doubt, during the summer months of July and August. This is when the weather is warm enough to enjoy swimming, and by August, the waters of Lake Ontario have warmed up to a comfortable temperature for water sports.
If, like me, you prefer to visit places when they are less crowded, plan your trip for a weekday, ideally from Tuesday to Thursday. Try to arrive before 11 a.m. or after 3 p.m., as these are the park’s busiest times. During the summer, many locals take long weekends, making the park particularly busy from Friday through Monday.
If your goal is to explore the dunes and trails rather than swim, consider visiting in the fall. The summer crowds will have thinned out, the weather remains pleasant, and the trees start transforming into a stunning display of fall colors.
How Much Does it Cost to Visit Sandbanks Provincial Park?
Whether or not you have an overnight camping reservation, all visitors must purchase a Day-Use Vehicle Permit (DVP), which costs $21 CAD per vehicle. These passes can be purchased up to five days in advance of your visit. We highly recommend booking as early as possible during the summer months (June to August) since the park often reaches its daily capacity limit days ahead of time.
DVP passes are released at 7:00 a.m., five days prior to the entry date, and can be printed at home to bypass the line at the park gate. If you show up during the summer without a pass, there’s a 99% chance you’ll be turned away due to capacity limits. Visitors who arrive without their printed DVP will need to wait in line at the gate to have it printed there.
Free entry is available on weekdays for Canadian Armed Forces members and veterans residing in Ontario. Discounted rates are offered to seniors aged 65 and older (residing in Ontario) and to people with disabilities.


How to Get to Sandbanks Provincial Park
The only way to reach Sandbanks Provincial Park is by car, as there are no public transit options or tours that go there.
The two closest airports to Sandbanks Provincial Park are Toronto Pearson International Airport and Ottawa International Airport. Both are major hubs offering direct flights to and from numerous North American and European cities. Car rentals are available at both airports.
Toronto Pearson International Airport is slightly closer to Sandbanks (226 kilometers away), but travelers need to drive through Toronto, as the airport is located in Mississauga. Toronto traffic is notoriously bad, so while the distance may be shorter, the drive can take two to three hours longer if you get stuck in rush-hour traffic. If traffic is minimal, the drive from Toronto Pearson Airport to Sandbanks takes about two and a half hours.
Ottawa International Airport is slightly farther (253 kilometers) and requires a roughly three-hour drive to Sandbanks. Ottawa’s traffic can also cause delays, though it is generally less congested than Toronto’s.
How Much Time Should I Spend in Sandbanks Provincial Park?
Sandbanks Provincial Park is an excellent destination for a day trip, but we recommend spending two or three days to fully enjoy the area at a relaxed pace. Two days is the perfect amount of time to spend a day on the beaches and another exploring the trails and activities within the park.
Suggested One-Day Itinerary
If you’re visiting for just one day, we recommend arriving at the park before 9 a.m. Spend the morning at Dunes Beach or Outlet Beach, swimming and enjoying the sandy shores. After grabbing a bite to eat at Dunes Canteen, head out for an afternoon hike on Cedar Sands Trail (great for families with little ones), Lakeview Trail, or Woodlands Trail. End your day by heading back to one of the beaches to enjoy a stunning sunset.


How to Get Around in Sandbanks Provincial Park
By Car
While a car is the easiest way to reach Sandbanks Provincial Park, it’s not always the most convenient way to get around once inside. The park gets very busy during the summer, and finding parking can be a challenge. Once you secure a good parking spot, it’s best to stick with it, as moving to another lot might leave you struggling to find a free space.
By Bike
Although there aren’t any dedicated bike trails within Sandbanks Provincial Park, bicycles are one of the easiest ways to navigate the park, especially if you’re camping. Bikes are welcome on all campground roads, and the surrounding area is popular with cyclists due to its flat terrain and quiet roads.
On Foot
Walking is another great way to get around the park. There are several trails that connect campgrounds, roads, beaches, and day-use areas, making it easy to explore on foot.
What to Pack for Visiting Sandbanks Provincial Park
When planning your visit to Sandbanks Provincial Park, be sure to pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a bathing suit, bug spray, reusable picnic items, a hat, a change of clothes, a towel, snacks, and any floaties you may want if you’re visiting during the summer months. For spring or fall visits, add a jacket, gloves, warm socks, a hat, and waterproof shoes to your list. Regardless of the season, some essentials include a sturdy day pack, a power bank and charging cables, a first aid kit, binoculars, water, and a headlamp.


Where to Stay in Sandbanks Provincial Park
Sandbanks Provincial Park does not offer backcountry camping, but there are several campgrounds and two historic cottage rentals to choose from. All campsites and cottages can be booked up to five months in advance online. However, an additional Daily Vehicle Permit (DVP) pass is required for each vehicle entering the park. We highly recommend booking as early as possible, as Sandbanks’ campgrounds are notoriously fully booked long before summer begins.
Campgrounds
Sandbanks offers over 500 campsites spread across six campgrounds in the park.
- Outlet River A & B are two of the most popular campgrounds as they are located right beside Outlet Beach. Outlet A is known for its fantastic waterfront campsites, while Outlet B offers sites with more privacy.
- Cedars Campground, near East Lake, is a family favorite with well-sheltered, more private sites to choose from. While it’s still close to the beach, Cedars sees less traffic than Outlet A and B. Both Cedars and Outlet campgrounds can accommodate tent and trailer camping, with amenities such as water taps, comfort stations, and laundry facilities nearby.
- Woodlands Campground is located near the main gate and features all electrical serviced sites with a mix of sun and shade. The sunny sites in Woodlands are particularly popular with fall campers, who can enjoy the stunning autumn colors.
- Richardson’s Campground, located beside the Lakeshore Day-Use Area, offers 19 electrical hook-up sites.
- West Lake Campground is the closest campground to Dunes Beach and features 75 electrical sites, most of which are pull-through sites suitable for trailers and RVs. Group campsites are also available, accommodating 30–50 people per site.
All campgrounds are equipped with comfort stations that include flush toilets, showers, and laundry facilities.
Cottages
Sandbanks Provincial Park has two beautiful historic cottages available for rent. Guests can book a maximum of six nights in a cottage and must bring their own bedding and towels.
- Maplerest Heritage House is the larger of the two cottages, with space for up to eight guests across four bedrooms. This Victorian-era house is furnished with antiques and includes laundry facilities, an indoor fireplace, a screened-in porch, and an outdoor firepit. It also offers parking for one vehicle and is wheelchair accessible.
- Jacques Cottage is a one-and-a-half-story cottage located on the shores of Lake Ontario, just a short bike ride from Outlet Beach. This cozy two-bedroom cottage accommodates four guests, with a master bedroom featuring a double bed and a loft-style bedroom with two single beds. Guests can prepare meals in the fully equipped kitchen or use the outdoor barbecue to grill. The cottage also includes a propane fireplace indoors and a campfire pit outside.
Nearby Hotels
Prince Edward County, often referred to by locals as “the County,” is full of stunning B&Bs, charming hotels, and family-friendly resorts, thanks to its popularity as a wine region.
Newsroom Suites, located in the nearby town of Wellington, is a delightful four-star inn and an excellent choice for visitors to Sandbanks. Each room features a well-equipped kitchenette with a microwave and toaster, a sitting area, and a sofa bed. From its central downtown location, visitors can walk to boutique shops and restaurants, while Sandbanks Provincial Park is only a 20-minute drive away.
Another great option in Wellington is Hadovka Lakeside Inn, an adults-only bed and breakfast housed in a historic 19th-century home. Guests can choose between an à la carte or continental breakfast and enjoy it while watching the sunrise over Lake Ontario. Hadovka also provides packed lunches for those heading out to hike or bike in the County. This charming B&B is just a 20-minute drive from Sandbanks Provincial Park and a five-minute walk from Wellington Beach.
For those looking to stay in the larger town of Picton, Cribs on Main is a top choice. This modern, pet-friendly hotel offers both studio-style rooms and classic suites with air conditioning. Some rooms even feature indoor fireplaces and large bathtubs. Free parking is available, and guests can explore the many shops and restaurants located right on Main Street. Sandbanks Provincial Park is only a 15-minute drive away.


Tips for Visiting Sandbanks Provincial Park
Print Your DVP in Advance
Skip the check-in line by printing your Day-Use Vehicle Permit (DVP) at home and displaying it on your dashboard before arriving at one of the gates. If your DVP is only available in digital form, you’ll need to wait in line at either the West Gate or Main Gate to have it printed for display.
Exit Sandbanks via the West Gate
When leaving Sandbanks, we recommend taking the West Gate route through Bloomfield. The Main Gate road, County Road 11, requires a left turn onto County Road 10 if you’re heading toward Picton or Highway 401. This turn can be tricky and time-consuming, as it’s located on a busy corner. Long lines of vehicles often form here, making the West Gate a safer and faster option.
Campers Cannot Arrive Before Check-In Time
Due to Sandbanks’ popularity, campers are not permitted to check in before 2 p.m. Camping reservations are valid from 2 p.m. on the day of arrival until 10 p.m. on the day of departure. While there isn’t a specific gate for campground check-ins, campers with reservations in West Lake, Richardson’s, and Woodlands are encouraged to use the West Gate entrance.
Don’t Bring Alcohol to the Beach
Alcohol is strictly prohibited on all Sandbanks beaches. It is only permitted within designated campground areas.
Reserve Permits and Passes ASAP
Sandbanks Provincial Park is one of Ontario’s busiest parks, welcoming over 700,000 visitors annually and often reaching capacity during summer. It’s crucial to book your DVP and camping reservations as early as possible. Camping reservations can be made up to five months in advance, while DVPs are available five days in advance.
Check Social Media for Capacity and Conditions
Before heading to Sandbanks for a beach day, check their official social media accounts on Facebook, Instagram, and X for updates. The park regularly posts about conditions, including when water activities are unsafe or when the park has reached capacity.
Arrive Early for Day Use
The park gets extremely busy during summer, and parking fills up quickly. While a DVP guarantees you a parking space, it doesn’t guarantee proximity to your preferred area. Arrive early to secure a convenient spot. Also, avoid leaving your parking space unless you’re ready to leave the park, as spots are quickly taken by other visitors.
Get Gas in Deseronto
On your way to or from Highway 401, consider taking a short detour through Deseronto/Tyendinaga Mohawk Territory. This area, part of the local Mohawk community, offers lower prices on gas and other goods due to different tax regulations. Gas stations, souvenir shops, and other stores along ON-49 often sell products at a discount. You can save 10–20 cents per litre on gas, making the 20-minute detour worthwhile.
Watch Out for Poison Ivy
Poison ivy is common in Prince Edward County, and while Sandbanks actively removes it from trails, day-use areas, and campgrounds, it can still be found in the park. Stick to designated trails and consider wearing long pants to avoid contact and the itching that comes with it.
Rent a Free PFD
No need to pack life jackets! Sandbanks Provincial Park is one of 70 parks offering free Personal Floatation Device (PFD) rentals to visitors. PFDs can be rented at the West Gate or Woodyard locations.


Best Things to Do in Algonquin Provincial Park
Enjoy the Beaches
The beaches at Sandbanks Provincial Park are among the best in Ontario! Visitors can access the beaches daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m., but families should note that none of the beaches have lifeguards.
- Outlet Beach is the most popular beach in the park, boasting two kilometers of pristine sand and clear waters. This beach features a pet-friendly swimming area and a no-boat zone for swimmers. Near the mouth of Outlet River, you’ll find Woodyard Equipment Rental, where visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards for use on Outlet River, East Lake, or Lake Ontario. Woodyard also provides free PFDs and runs the Tackleshare Program, offering tackle and rods to borrow (a valid fishing license is required).
- Lakeshore Beach is the park’s largest and least crowded beach, stretching roughly seven kilometers from Wellington to Lakeshore. This beach is ideal for those who enjoy long, peaceful walks. While beautiful, it has fewer amenities—only chemical toilets—which contributes to its quieter atmosphere. Notably, Lakeshore Beach is a designated no-radio zone, making it perfect for visitors seeking solitude. There’s also a pet-friendly swimming area, and on windy days, you might spot local windsurfers taking advantage of the conditions.
- Dunes Beach is perhaps the most picturesque spot in the park, thanks to the stunning baymouth dune formations. It’s a fantastic location for family photos and features a gentle slope into the water, making it a great swimming spot. West Lake, being shallow, warms up quickly and is comfortable for swimming as early as late May. However, parents should note the steep drop-off a few meters from the shore. Around Dunes Beach, visitors can enjoy several conveniences, including the Dunes Canteen, a children’s playground, and picnic shelters.
Catch Fresh Fish
While Lake Ontario offers excellent fishing, East Lake and West Lake are also fantastic spots for anglers. Largemouth bass, yellow pickerel, northern pike, and various panfish are commonly found here. Visitors can bring their own fishing gear or take advantage of Woodyard’s Tackleshare Program to borrow tackle and rods for free. Just remember to carry a valid Ontario fishing license.
Join a Discovery Program
During the summer months, Sandbanks Provincial Park hosts an exceptional weekly Discovery Program. These programs include staff-led activities, self-guided explorations, and interpretive displays designed to deepen visitors’ connection to the park’s ecosystem. Activities range from guided trail walks with naturalists and craft workshops to evening campfires and more. For updates, check the park’s social media pages or ask at the gate or Visitor Center. Discovery Activity Books are also available for free, and all activities are included with a day pass.
Go Birding
Birding at Sandbanks Provincial Park is truly remarkable! Situated along a migratory bird path and home to diverse ecosystems—including dunes, wetlands, and woodlands—the park is a haven for bird enthusiasts. Over 300 species of birds have been recorded here throughout the year, including redhead ducks, greater scaups, warblers, and the endangered piping plover. The Dunes Trail is particularly popular among birdwatchers.
Hit the Trails
While Sandbanks Provincial Park doesn’t offer long hiking trails, the shorter paths—most averaging around 45 minutes—are perfect for stretching your legs or enjoying a family-friendly trek.
- Cedars Nature Trail is a two-kilometer interpretive loop featuring two lookout points and 12 stops with information on the park’s baymouth dunes and its unique ecology. Visitors can hike independently or hire a guide at the trailhead or the Friends of Sandbanks Giftshop for a more detailed experience. The trail takes about 25 minutes to complete without stops, but with stops, it may take closer to an hour.
- Dunes Trail is arguably the best trail in the park. It winds around the dunes and through the dune swamps (pannes), home to fascinating wildlife and plants. The 2.5-kilometer trail includes sandy paths, boardwalks, and forested sections, taking roughly 40 minutes to complete. Trail guides are available at the trailhead for those interested in a guided hike.
- Lakeview Trail is ideal for stunning views of Lake Ontario without the crowds—or the sand—of the beaches. This 2.4-kilometer trail runs from Woodlands Campground to West Point, once the site of the luxurious Lakeshore Lodge, which mysteriously burned down in 1983. The trail features shade trees, wildflowers, and historic lodges, with plenty of scenic views along the way. While the trail is technically an out-and-back trail, a one-kilometer loop around West Point extends the round-trip distance to approximately five kilometers. On average, the hike takes about two hours to complete.
- Woodlands Trail is the park’s longest trail, with a roundtrip length of seven kilometers (3.5 kilometers each way). This out-and-back path meanders through farm fields bordered by hedgerows and mature woodlands filled with oak and maple trees—an especially beautiful sight in the fall. Starting near the Main Gate and ending at Dunes Beach, this relatively flat trail is more of a leisurely walk than a strenuous hike. It typically takes 90 minutes to hike one way or three hours roundtrip.


Sandbanks Provincial Park Rules and Prohibited Items
As a visitor, it’s important to help keep the park and its ecosystem clean and healthy for future generations to enjoy. Below are some of the most important rules and regulations in the park:
- No Early Check-In: Sandbanks does not allow campers to check in before the designated 2 p.m. check-in time. Attempting to do so will result in being turned away.
- No Alcohol on the Beach: Alcohol is only permitted in campgrounds. It is not allowed on any of the beaches or trails in the park.
- No Charcoal Grills on the Beach: Charcoal barbecues are only permitted in campgrounds. However, propane barbecues are allowed on the beach.
- No Fireworks: Fireworks are strictly prohibited in the park.
- No Parking on County Roads: Even if the park is crowded, do not park on the side of County roads. Doing so may result in a fine and your vehicle being towed.
- Pets Must Be Leashed: Pets must always be leashed with a lead no longer than two meters.
FAQ About Visiting Sandbanks Provincial Park
When is Sandbanks Provincial Park open?
Sandbanks Provincial Park is open seasonally from the end of April to the end of October, with varying operational hours depending on the season. Day-use areas are typically open from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Is Sandbanks Provincial Park pet-friendly?
Yes, Sandbanks is pet-friendly and offers pet-friendly campsites as well as designated pet areas in the park. All pets must be leashed with a lead no longer than two meters.
Can I rent kayaks and canoes at Sandbanks Provincial Park?
Yes, canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) are available for rent near Outlet Beach at Woodyard.
Can I enter Sandbanks Provincial Park from Salmon Point?
No, there is no official entrance to the park at Salmon Point.
My family has been visiting Sandbanks Provincial Park for over a hundred years and continues to return year after year. I hope you get to experience the same magic and fun this incredible park has to offer, creating lasting memories with your loved ones!