Why Sandbanks, and why from here
Sandbanks Provincial Park, in Prince Edward County, has what Ontario Parks calls the "world's largest baymouth barrier dune formation". It has three sandy beaches; Outlet Beach has shallow water and a gentle drop-off, which suits families. The park sits on a point in Lake Ontario, which makes it a bird migration hotspot in spring and autumn, and its trails run through dune and wetland habitats. It covers 1,550.87 hectares, has been a park since 1970, and its address is 3004 County Road 12, Picton.
From TownePlace Suites, Google Maps gives 41 minutes and 45 km by car (route). The hotel's own list says 30 km, which is probably a straight-line figure; we use the road distance.
Permits: book before you leave home
Ontario Parks sells daily vehicle permits online for some parks up to five days in advance, and Sandbanks is on that list. The Ontario Parks page explains that parks get busy and spots are limited each day, and "to guarantee your spot for the day, booking in advance is required". Most permits run from 8 AM to 10 PM, though times vary by park. On a hot summer weekend, a permit booked days before is the difference between a beach day and a U-turn at the gate.
A day plan from the hotel
| Time | What |
|---|---|
| 7:00 to 8:30 | breakfast at the hotel (from 6:30 on weekdays, 7:00 at weekends), pack lunch from the suite kitchen |
| 8:30 | drive to Sandbanks, 41 minutes |
| 9:15 | arrive with the permit you booked; Outlet Beach if you have small children |
| 12:30 | lunch on the beach |
| 15:00 | dune trail walk |
| 16:30 | drive back via Picton (33 minutes from the hotel) if you want to stop in town |
| 18:00 | pool at the hotel until 10 PM; dinner in the suite or on Bell Boulevard |
| 20:30 | adults who want to can walk over to the casino; tables run until midnight on weeknights and 2 AM at weekends |
Out of season
Ontario Parks says Sandbanks has cottages for rent all year and is a migration hotspot in spring and autumn. Ontario Parks also says daily vehicle permits are available all year, though each park has its own operating dates, so check before you go. A grey October afternoon on an empty beach is a very different trip from a July Saturday, and much easier to plan.
What else is on the way
The hotel lists the Prince Edward County wine route and several wineries with tours. If you plan tastings, choose a designated driver. Wellington Beach is also on the hotel's list. And if you are heading west instead, Presqu'ile Provincial Park near Brighton is 32 minutes away (route).