It’s summertime, and the beach days are easy in Huntsville

Nothing says summer quite like a day at the beach. And with a multitude of beautiful, sandy beaches to choose from, Huntsville and nearby Algonquin Provincial Park, are your summer swimming hot spots.

Sink your toes into the sand and listen to the waves gently lapping the shore. Settle into a Muskoka chair with a good book. Make a sand castle, or a whole sand village, with your kids or grandkids.

Hutcheson Beach

With more than 100 metres of shoreline on Lake Vernon, a sandy beach, and a children’s playground, Hutcheson Beach is the ideal spot to while away a summer’s day.

You can launch your boat here for a day on the water, too, or opt for a quieter ride and put in your canoe, kayak, or SUP to access Huntsville’s 40 km chain of lakes.

Arrowhead Provincial Park

Three quiet, clean, sandy beaches at Arrowhead Provincial Park  are yours to enjoy. There are even two beach areas where your furry friends can make a splash!

Ramp up the fun by renting a water pad from the Visitor Centre, or if the water is calling for more than a swim, canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards can be rented too.

An Ontario Parks permit is required to access these beaches.

Algonquin Provincial Park

In addition to the beaches at all of Algonquin Provincial Park's developed campgrounds, the Canisbay Lake, Lake of Two Rivers, and East Beach picnic and day-use areas all have beaches. Head out for a day by the water, or stop in for a refreshing dip after a hike on one of the park’s many interpretive trails.

Canoe rentals are available from the park’s outfitters, too ⁠— Algonquin Outfitters at Canoe Lake and at Lake Opeongo.

An Ontario Parks permit is required to access these beaches.

Port Sydney Beach

In the charming village of Port Sydney you’ll find one of North Muskoka’s most popular beaches.

This long sandy beach with a beautiful view of Mary Lake’s Rocky Island features a shallow swimming area ideal for younger kids, a wheelchair-accessible swimming area, a long pier for access to deeper waters, picnic tables, and accessible washrooms. There’s a playground just across the road, and a nearby convenience store for snacks and cold treats.

Launch your boat here for a cruise around Mary Lake or make your way through Huntsville’s historic locks to tour the other big lakes in the area ⁠— Fairy Lake, Peninsula Lake, and Lake Vernon.

Avery Beach

Located mid-way through Hunters Bay Trail — part of the nationwide Trans Canada Trail — and a short drive from downtown Huntsville, Avery Beach features a beach volleyball court, picnic tables and Muskoka chairs, a dock, and easy access to the Hunters Bay Trail floating boardwalk. 

The public boat launch is near a waterski slalom course on Hunters Bay where you can test your skills on the water, or take a ride down the Muskoka River to the Huntsville Town Dock for lunch.

The beach is calling!

Pack up your towels and swimsuits, beach chairs and sand shovels, and get ready for some summer fun! (Pro tip: keep a beach bag with all you need for a day by the water in your car for when the beach is calling.)

Make the most of your trip to Huntsville and Lake of Bays and check out these great accommodations nearby.