Kandice VincentWhen a friend and her kids planned on visiting Toronto for a weekend, she asked me for the best water holes in and around the city. Of course, I obliged, and I sent her a list of the best bars in Toronto.
She laughed and said, “Not that type of watering hole, silly, like natural swimming holes? For me and my kids?” Whoops! My bad.
I laughed and said, “Relax, I was joking! Give me a sec.” Okay, I wasn’t joking—but she didn’t need to know that.
Long story short, I sent her a list of the best water holes in Toronto, they hit a couple of them, and had a blast. So yeah, I don’t want to be called a hero, but if the shoe fits.
Without further ado, here are the top water holes that we locals usually gatekeep. Enjoy!
Elora Quarry
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Website: https://www.grandriver.ca/outdoor-recreation/conservation-areas/elora-quarry/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/19300979/elora-quarry/
Address: 319 Wellington Rd 18, Elora
Hours: Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
Contact: (519) 846-5234
If you’re down for an hour’s drive (and a whole lot of wow), Elora Quarry is 100% worth the trip. This former limestone quarry is now one of the prettiest water holes around.
The huge, two-acre swimming area is surrounded by tall limestone cliffs and forest, giving it serious ‘secret lagoon’ vibes. Plus, there’s a sandy beach on the south side that’s perfect for catching some rays.
Aside from swimming, you can go on a light one-kilometer hike through a cedar forest. But if you’re a serious hiker (good for you!), there’s a whopping 47 km trail between the Grand and Credit River watersheds.
Note that the Elora Conservation Area is run by the Grand River Conservation Authority, so there’s a small entrance fee ($10.50 per person). But it’s a tiny price to pay for clean facilities in this paradise.
Pro Tip:
To beat the crowds and lock in a solid parking spot at Elora Quarry, I suggest arriving early in the day, especially on hot weekends!
Trout Lake
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Website: http://troutlakequarry.ca/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trout-lake-innerkip-quarry/
Address: 51 George St, Innerkip
Hours: Mon – Sun: 8 AM – 8 PM
Contact: (519) 469-3363
Trout Lake is not the most obvious pick for a swim day (since it’s roughly 3 hours or so from Toronto), but if you want fewer crowds, the day trip is totally worth it.
It’s a massive 98,500-acre epic spot with crystal-clear waters and even a diving ledge if you want to pretend to be an Olympic diver.
And the name is not just for show—you can go fishing for trout, panfish, muskies, and more. You don’t have to go on a boat either, you can simply cast a line and chill lakeside with an ice-cold can of beer.
This is also a popular spot for scuba divers, with sunken wrecks resting in its 30-foot-deep waters. The visibility is usually great, so make sure to bring your gear.
Pro Tip:
Trout Lake is pretty remote, and amenities are minimal. Pack a day’s worth of snacks, drinks, and gear—picnic stuff, sunscreen, a book, and maybe even a hammock!
Grotto at Bruce Peninsula
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Website: https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/on/bruce/activ/emplacements-locations/parking
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bruce-peninsula-national-park-and-the-grotto/
Address: Bruce Trail, Tobermory
Hours: Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
Contact: (519) 596-2233
Tucked into the rugged coastline of Georgian Bay, the Grotto at Bruce Peninsula is a natural cave with turquoise waters and dramatic limestone cliffs around it. I have to say it’s one of the most jaw-dropping places to swim in Ontario.
Getting there takes a bit of effort; you’ll need to hike in about a 30-minute walk through the Bruce Peninsula National Park, and things get rocky near the end, so wear solid shoes. But once the view opens up? Heaven.
Brave souls (not me) love to cliff jump from the limestone edges, while others chill out by the water—just keep in mind that there’s no lifeguard on duty. Plus, it’s cold out there (like, Canadian cold).
If you’re up for more than just a day trip, there are camping facilities nearby in the park.
Pro Tip:
Planning to do some light hiking at the Grotto? Make sure to bring water shoes for easier climbing around the rocky shoreline.
DeCew Falls
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Website: http://www.infoniagara.com/decew_falls_tour/decew_falls_tour.aspx
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/explore/locations/243999131/decew-falls/
Address: 2714 Decew Rd, St. Catharines
Hours: Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
Contact: (905)-684-5353
A free-to-visit water hole is DeCew Falls in St. Catharines, which is just a short drive away from Toronto. Located along the Niagara Escarpment, it features not one but two waterfalls, plus a turquoise pool at the base of the main 72-foot drop!
The hike is half the fun—if you follow the Bruce Trail heading east, keep an eye out for a steep but doable scramble into the gorge. Once you make it down, you’ll get a stunning view of the falls, and you can even walk behind them.
Swimming here is a highlight, and the pool at the bottom of the falls is a sweet spot to cool off. Just remember to be smart, since there’s no lifeguard around to save you.
If you’re planning to sightsee, you can visit Morningstar Mill, a beautifully restored heritage site right next to the falls.
Pro Tip:
DeCew Falls’ parking is tiny—only about 20 spots. Go on a weekday in late spring for the best combo of good weather, fewer crowds, and full waterfall flow.
St. Mary’s Quarry
Media credit: explore.ontario
Website: https://www.townofstmarys.com/en/rSwimming-Quarry.aspx
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/st-marys-quarry/
Address: 425 Water St S, St. Marys
Hours: Mon – Sun: 11 AM – 7:30 PM
Contact: (519) 284-3090
St. Mary’s Quarry is a couple of hours away from Toronto, but people still flock here. Not surprising since it’s actually the largest freshwater swimming pool in Canada.
Once a limestone quarry, it was converted into a pool back in the 1940s. Now, it has been a go-to swim spot for over 80 years.
Floating docks? Check. Waterslide? Yep. A giant inflatable water trampoline that makes you feel like a kid again? Absolutely. The water is deep and refreshing, and it’s kid-friendly since there are lifeguards on duty.
Swimming is not the only draw here—you can picnic, cliff jump (in designated safe zones), and hit up volleyball courts. There’s also a second quarry just across the road that’s perfect for fishing.
If hunger strikes, and you didn’t bring anything, there’s a cute little Tiki Hut nearby selling snacks for lunch.
Pro Tip:
St. Mary’s Quarry Park is open from June 30 to September 5, and admission is only $5 for ages 3 to 18 and $7.50 per person for adults. Try to visit on a weekday for fewer crowds.
Kelso Conservation Area
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Website: https://www.conservationhalton.ca/parks/kelso/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelso-conservation-area/
Address: 5234 Kelso Rd, Milton
Hours: (905) 878-5011
Contact: Mon – Sun: 8 AM – 9:30 PM
Kelso Conservation Area in Milton (just west of Toronto) features a gorgeous 35-hectare man-made reservoir that’s warm, calm, and inviting during the summer months.
This water hole is not just for swimmers—it’s also a go-to spot for paddleboarders. That’s because the flat, peaceful water makes it easy to test your balance.
Other fun activities here include fishing, walking along the boardwalk, hiking, sailing, yoga, mountain biking, and even rock climbing! You can go by yourself, bring your crew who love outdoor activities, or your family.
If you just want to swim and nibble on snacks, there are picnic tables nearby. Just bring your own spread and maybe a good book, too.
Pro Tip:
No need to bring your own paddleboard to the Kelso Conservation Area—there’s a paddleboard rental spot on-site. Just don’t forget your hat and sunscreen!
The Cove at Canatara Beach
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Website: https://www.ontariossouthwest.com/on-the-water/beaches/canatara-park/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canatara-beach/
Address: Sarnia
Hours: Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
Contact: (519)-332-0330
Canatara Beach is already a stunner on its own—Blue Flag certified, sandy shores, and warm Lake Huron waters. But further west along the beach, you’ll find the Cove. Located behind a small peninsula, this swimming hole is a dreamy place to recharge.
It’s easy to see why locals love it so much. Being a bit off the radar than the main beach means fewer crowds and more space to spread out your towel.
The beach has mats that make it easier for strollers and wheelchairs to get to the water. And when you’re done swimming, there are snack bars and ice cream stands just a short walk away.
As a bonus, there’s a 200-acre park nearby that offers shaded picnic spots, a playground, a BMX track, and even a mini train ride for the kids.
Pro Tip:
Want to have a mini party at the Cove? Bring a portable speaker and snacks, and stay for the sunset. It’s absolutely gorgeous over Lake Huron.
Bronte Creek Provincial Park
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Website: https://www.ontarioparks.ca/park/brontecreek
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/opbrontecreek/
Address: 1219 Burloak Dr, Oakville
Hours: Mon – Sun: Open 24 hours
Contact: (905) 827-6911
Did you know that Bronte Creek Provincial Park has one of the largest outdoor pools in Canada? It’s a sprawling 1.8-acre pool that only goes as deep as 6 feet, making it very family-friendly (not too intimidating for younger swimmers).
Bronte Creek winds through the park and flows into Lake Ontario, and there are plenty of easy-access spots along the way.
I love its hiking trails that showcase the stunning 50-meter-deep ravine, wildlife, and even disc golf. There’s also camping—from tents to massive RV setups—plus fun seasonal programs like a maple syrup fest, ghost walk, and a Victorian Christmas.
If you’re bringing the kids, make time to visit Children’s Farm, a charming little section with live farm animals and a farmhouse from 1899.
Pro Tip:
Bronte Creek Provincial Park has two separate entrances. Make sure you’re heading to the one that matches your plan (whether you’re going to the pool or farm).
McCarston’s Lake
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Website: https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/monocliffs
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mono-cliffs-provincial-park/
Address: 795086 3rd Line EHS, Shelburne
Hours: Mon – Sun: 8 AM – 8 PM
Contact: (705) 435-2498
McCarston’s Lake, located north of Caldeon, is a peaceful kettle lake—the reward at the end of a scenic trail (and 100% worth the effort).
The hike itself is a stunner. There are winding paths through forests, towering cliffs from the Niagara Escarpment, and a lookout platform, perfect for a breather (and some prime Instagram content).
Plant-lovers would get a kick out of the park’s 44 different fern species, including the rare Hart’s tongue fern. Dogs are welcome too, as long as they’re leashed.
Permits for Mono Cliffs are under $20 per vehicle, making it an affordable day trip. While it’s a popular area, it never feels too crowded, especially on a weekday.
Pro Tip:
For the most scenic route to McCarston’s Lake, take the Cliff Top Side Trail for a view through the cliffs before reconnecting with the main loop.
Lake Ontario at Darlington Provincial Park
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Website: https://www.ontarioparks.com/park/darlington
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darlingtonprovpark/
Address: 1600 Darlington Park Rd, Bowmanville
Hours: Mon – Sun: 8 AM – 10 PM
Contact: (905) 436-2036
Less than an hour east of the city, Lake Ontario at Darlington Provincial Park delivers a breezy beach day without the super long trip.
I just love its sandy shores that you can lounge in for hours, and there’s even a campground if you want to make a weekend of it.
Speaking of which, campsites and comfort stations are barrier-free, and there’s a Mobi-Mat on the beach, making it easier for wheelchairs and strollers to access the water. Dogs are welcome, too, just not on the beach, and as long as they’re leashed.
Planning to take a hike? There are many trails winding through the forested areas, and you might even catch a glimpse of squirrels, deer, or the occasional coyote.
Pro Tip:
For a lovely, scenic swim, head to the beach access point closest to the Log Cabin/Visitor center—that’s where the Mobi-Mat is set up.
