Dreamy beach days and summer go hand in hand, and if you’re looking for the perfect day trip or weekend getaway from Toronto this season, look no further than Ontario’s Sauble Beach, which was also rated as the top freshwater beach in all of Canada.
Just a three-hour drive northwest of the city, this charming beach town is found along the eastern shore of Lake Huron and features laid-back retro vibes, stunning views, and countless outdoor activities.
Sauble Beach is home to one of the longest freshwater beaches in the world, second to the province’s 14 km-long Wasaga Beach found less than 1.5 hours away. With over 11 kilometres of soft golden sand, Sauble’s shallow, clear waters make it a prime destination for water activities, including swimming, paddleboarding, boating, and kitesurfing.
With its west-facing orientation, sunsets here are nothing short of spectacular, often drawing the whole town to its shores to take it in.
Steps away from the beach, the town of Sauble Beach has all the nostalgic charm of a classic beach town, complete with ice cream shops, mini putt courses, surf shops, and casual restaurants and bars. The community also hosts a variety of events throughout the season, from live music nights and vintage car shows to sandcastle contests and fireworks displays on select holidays.
Outdoor lovers also have plenty of options beyond the water to explore, including Sauble Falls Provincial Park’s hiking trails and waterfalls, or the Bruce Peninsula a short drive away.
For those planning to visit in the future, the beachfront may look a little different than you remember. On July 1, 2025, the town’s iconic Sauble Beach sign was changed to read “Saugeen Beach”, reflecting the reclamation of a stretch of the beach that was returned to the Saugeen First Nation after decades of legal battles.
According to a post written on the Saugeen First Nation’s Facebook Page, “Saugeen First Nation has been fighting for the rightful recognition and return of this land for decades. What some see as just a sign change is, for us, a symbol of truth, resilience and the reclamation of what has always been ours. Welcome to Saugeen Beach – where the land remembers, and so do we.”
With its laid-back atmosphere, beautiful shoreline, and easy access from the city, Sauble Beach is a must-visit summer getaway for anyone living in or near Toronto. Soak up the sun on the golden sand, grab an ice cream cone, and don’t miss one of their famous sunsets!