You can road trip to a beach near Montreal with Caribbean blue water and vast sand dunes

There's nothing better than a Montreal summer. But with scorching temperatures and new festivals cropping up every weekend, we wouldn't blame you for dreaming of escaping the city every once in a while — whether to embark on a road trip or take a dip in the ocean.Actually, now that we mention it, exchanging traffic and construction for beautiful beaches — complete with white sand and turquoise waters — sounds like a pretty good idea, albeit an expensive one.If you can't afford to take a trip to the Caribbean, why not bring the Caribbean to you? Okay, fine... the provincial park we're talking about — around four hours by car from Montreal — isn't actually in the Caribbean.But thanks to its three pristine beaches, vast sand dunes and warm, crystal-clear water, it's a pretty solid dupe. Especially when you consider that it's within driving distance, and you don't need to renew your passport to get there.See on InstagramLocated on the shores of Lake Ontario, about a two-and-a-half hour drive east of Toronto, Sandbanks Provincial Park is home to the world’s largest baymouth barrier dune formation, which was created by glaciers during the last ice age. Today, that translates into miles of sandy beaches and 12 kilometres of rolling sand dunes.In fact, Sandbanks' Dunes Beach was named among the best beaches in Canada by Lonely Planet. However, the park's other beaches — Outlet and Lakeshore — are equally stunning and expansive, with Outlet Beach being the most popular for families on account of its shallow and gentle waters.Both Lakeshore and Outlet have dog-friendly areas, too.See on InstagramAside from swimming and sunbathing, there are amazing birding opportunities and plenty of watersports, including boating and paddle boarding. Or, you can lace up your sneakers and take a walk through the park's many trails. Sandbanks Dunes Trail is a 2.5-kilometre loop that takes you over giant sand dunes, while the Lakeview Trail (2.4 kilometres) leads you to breathtaking views of Lake Ontario via paths of shady trees and wildflowers.Once you've had your fill of nature, there's loads to explore in Prince Edward County, a charming municipality known for its wineries, bicycle tours, antiques, the June Motel, which was featured on Netflix, and more. You can opt to stay in town or at the actual park where you can reserve a campsite through Ontario Parks for around $45. There are 500 campsites available as well as a cottage to rent.The park can get extremely busy so it's best to arrive early and book your daily vehicle permit in advance if you're planning on visiting. Note that there is a $21.00 day rate per vehicle to enter Sandbanks Provincial Park. All three beaches have parking.All that being said, any slightly annoying logistics will be well worth it. With your favourite bathing suit on, sand between your toes and waves from Lake Ontario crashing into the shore, Sandbanks offers a taste of the tropics without requiring a costly plane ticket.Sandbanks Provincial ParkSee on InstagramPrice: Fees vary When: April 26 to October 31, 2024 (summer season) from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.Address: 3004 County Road 12, RR#1, Picton, OntarioWhy You Need To Go: A four-hour drive is all it takes to fuel your wanderlust because Sandbanks Provincial Park feels like a trip to the Caribbean! White sand? Check. Warm, tropical blue water? Check. A quaint town filled with wineries and vineyards to explore? Check. All of that, in addition to 12 kilometres of rolling sand dunes, makes Sandbanks an extra special destination, and the perfect summer road trip from Montreal.Accessibility: "During the summer, Mobi Mats create an accessible path through the sand, starting at the Park Store and heading out onto the beach. These help make the beach more accessible to anyone using assistive devices like wheelchairs, walkers, and canes. New this year: an additional Mobi Mat will be available at Lakeshore Beach!" according to the Ontario Parks website.Sandbanks Provincial Park websiteBefore you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your trip.This article's cover image was used for illustrative purposes only.

There's nothing better than a Montreal summer. But with and cropping up every weekend, we wouldn't blame you for dreaming of escaping the city every once in a while — whether to or take a dip in the ocean. Actually, now that we mention it, exchanging traffic and construction for — complete with white sand and turquoise waters — sounds like a pretty good idea, albeit an expensive one.

If you can't afford to take a , why not bring the Caribbean to you? Okay, fine...

the provincial park we're talking about — around four hours by car from Montreal — isn't in the Caribbean. But thanks to its three pristine beaches, vast sand dunes and warm, crystal-clear water, it's a pretty solid dupe. Especially when you consider that it's within driving distance, and you don't need to renew your passport to get there.

Located on the shores of Lake Ontario, about a two-and-a-half hour drive east of Toronto, is home to the world’s largest baymouth barrier dune formation, which was created by glaciers during the last ice age. Today, that translates into miles of sandy beaches and . In fact, Sandbanks' Dunes Beach was named among the .

However, the park's other beaches — Outlet and Lakeshore — are equally stunning and expansive, with Outlet Beach being the most popular for families on account of its shallow and gentle waters. Both Lakeshore and Outlet have dog-friendly areas, too. Aside from swimming and sunbathing, there are amazing birding opportunities and plenty of watersports, .