The Sandy Six

Published in Today's Parent Toronto

The Sandy Six


By Neilia Sherman

Cobourg Beach

Every day can be a vacation this summer because we have amazing beaches that are only an hour or two away from the GTA.

Cobourg Beach on Lake Ontario is only an hour east of Toronto but it feels like another world. A series of peaked walkways lead onto the beach at various entry points from the surrounding Victoria Park. The serene town of Cobourg is the backdrop to this beautiful strip of smooth white sand. The beach is wide and the clear water deepens so gradually that your kids will be able to walk out quite before the water goes over their knees.

There are change rooms with flush toilets and running water just steps away from the water’s edge. Lifeguards are on duty and floatation devices and small personal watercrafts are allowed near the swimming area. To check on the condition of the water go to: www.hkpr.on.ca

Victoria Park boasts large covered picnic areas, tables, a snack bar and a really nice playground with a splash pad. Other sources of entertainment nearby include a wading pool, an outdoor pool, mini gold and lawn bowling. There is no cost to enter the beach area and parking lots are available or you can park in the town and walk down to the waterfront. www.cobourgtourism.ca or 1-888-262-6874:

Grand Bend Beach
Families love the town of Grand Bend which is right on the shores of beautiful Lake Huron. At the end of the day, people gather to watch the renowned sunsets; the raised platform next to the concession stand offers a perfect view. The beach is right at the end of one of the funkiest beach towns this side of the border, thus it has come to be known as Florida North in these parts.

Running water, flush toilets and outdoor showers are all onsite. There is no entrance fee and free or metered parking is available on nearby side streets. This strip of beach isn’t very shaded -so it is recommended that you bring a large beach umbrella to plant in the sand. Although there is no playground right at the beach- a walk through the town of Grand Bend will show you the myriad of the things to do here-including mini-golf, arcades, playgrounds and tons of shopping and restaurants. In the late afternoon, the waves can get so high that you’ll swear you’re on the ocean of the some Caribbean Island. There are lifeguards but keep an extra eye out for small kids. Your older ones will be busy body surfing.
www.grandbend.com. Phone: 519-786-2335 Beach Water Quality Hotline Info:(519) 482-3416 or

KELSO CONSERVATION AREA

Kelso Conservation Area is the place to take your budding outdoor enthusiasts. The sandy beach is in a 397 hectare park that was established on the Niagara Escarpment in Milton in 1960. The rates for entry are $4.50 for adults and $3.25 for children. Kids 4 and under are no charge. After you park-you must go down some hillside stairs to get the refreshing lake water. Hundreds of picnic tables dot the rolling landscape and since foliage abounds-finding shade is not a problem here. The swimming is supervised by lifeguards and you can rent kayaks, paddle boats and canoes. Even lessons are available. In spite of being in the middle of a huge conservation area-all your needs are met right next to the beach with a beach concession stand, change rooms and lockers being available. In addition to swimming, there is a playground and a volleyball court not to mention 16 km of hiking trails.

To get to Kelso drive west on the 401 to Highway 25 then go north to Campbellville Road. http://www.conservationhalton.on.ca/ or call 905-336-1158.

For information on Water Quality call 905-878-5011.


KEMPENFELT BAY IN BARRIE

Barrie’s waterfront is another fantastic place to hang out with your kids. From the northern part of Toronto-just drive around 45 minutes up the 400 and you’re at beautiful Kempenfelt Bay. A favourite section is Centennial Beach which has an extensive playground with unique adult sized equipment such as flying saucer swings which can fit two or three people and a huge pirate ship. The beautiful waters of Lake Simcoe are a great place to cool off after running around in the sun. There is a concession stand with a variety of food and change rooms and bathrooms are attached. Also, the city of Barrie is just a ten minute walk from the beach. Entry is free and parking is available.

The Beach is supervised from June until mid August and there are plenty of shaded areas as well as a picnic shelter and tables. Biking and walking paths wind around the area and there a pretty flower gardens to gaze at. Barbecues that use charcoal only are permitted in the parks-but not on the beach.

PROFESSOR’S LAKE IN BRAMPTON
You’d never know that Professor’s Lake was originally a gravel pit, because this Brampton man-made waterhole is now the ultimate summer hideaway. In addition to cooling off by sliding down the waterslide and jumping off the swim raft, there is also water sport rentals available including wind surfers, canoes, sailboats and paddleboat available ( small deposit required). The lake is also replete with fish-so bring your fishing gear and try and catch some. On site are a snack bar, change rooms and showers. No barbequing or camping permitted. professorslake.com/rec_centre.htm or 905-791-7751


PORT DOVER-LAKE ERIE
Did you know that an hour and half south of Toronto is Canada’s version of Cape Cod-otherwise known as Port Dover? Famous for its sunshine, boardwalks, fresh perch and hand cut fries, Port Dover is a Lake Erie fishing village turned tourism mecca. Although there are no lifeguards, Millie Coulthart-general manager of for the Port Dover board of trade assures me that this is a family friendly beach with shallow warm waters and no undertow. There are washrooms with showers where you can change the kids and tons of places to snack nearby. The beach is free and so is the parking. Seadoo rentals are extremely popular. Take the Queen E to the 403 and go south to Port Dover. For information on water quality go to www.norfolkcounty.ca and click on the health department link.

www.portdover.ca
519-583-1314