Sandbanks Provincial Park is one of southern Ontario's most delightful recreational spots, a summer magnet for campers and day visitors.

Sandbanks boasts three sandy beaches, Outlet Beach, Sandbanks Beach and Dunes Beach, among the largest and most beautiful beaches in Ontario, with golden sand and sparkling water. Windsurfing, sailing, canoeing and boating compete with sunbathing and swimming as favourite park activities.

Two of the finest bay mouth sandbar and coastal sand dune systems in the province can be found here. Sandbanks is also home to an interesting mix of vegetation and wildlife.

Camping

* four different campgrounds, total of 549 campsites, special area for group camping
* reservations are recommended during peak months of July and August
* one campground with hydro hook-up; each camp site has a picnic table and firegrill
* drinking water taps are close to most sites
* comfort stations with shower, laundry and washroom facilities throughout campgrounds
* park store sells camping supplies and souvenirs
* restaurant serves breakfast and light meals

Sandbanks beach & dunesSwimming

* two wide, clean sandy beaches and shallow safe waters
* perfect environment for swimming, sunbathing and picnicking
* beaches are not supervised


Fishing

* both East Lake and West Lakes have good populations of largemouth and smallmouth bass, pickerel (walleye), pike, perch and other panfish
* the nearby Bay of Quinte is known as one of the best locations in North America for catching pickerel
* the eastern end of Lake Ontario also hosts a variety of other species, depending on the season
* Chinook salmon draw the most attention and truly offer the angler an opportunity to catch the "big one"

Boating and Sailboarding Windsurfers

* ideal for motorboating, small-craft sailing and canoeing
* two boat launches in the park
* sailboarding is popular and conditions for the sport are considered just about perfect
* Watercraft rentals including canoes, kayaks. paddle boats and surfbikes are available within the park

Hiking

* large variety of flora and fauna
* (see a Hiker's Wildflower Guide)
* the Cedar Sands Nature trail is a self-guided trail over the East Lake bar
* staircases up and down the steepest dunes
* a boardwalk and viewing spot overlooking the Outlet River

Off-Season Attractions

* hiking and bird watching in the spring and fall
* in winter, when there is enough snow, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing
* arrangements to camp overnight may be made by contacting the park superintendent in advance

Visitor Services

* at the Visitor Centre, view exhibits about the park's history and natural attractions
* during the summer months, guided hikes, slide talks, children's programmes, campfires, and other events

Directions

From Highway 401, from the West

* take Exit 522 (Wooler Road, just west of Trenton) which connect to Highway 33 south
* go through Wellington and into Bloomfield
* take County Road 12 south to the Sandbanks

From Highway 401, from the East

* take Exit 566 (just west of Deseronto) to Highway 49 south
* to through Picton and into Bloomfield
* take County Road 12 south to the Sandbanks

From Belleville

* take Highway 62 south, through Wellington and into Bloomfield
* take County Road 12 south to the Sandbanks

Driving Distances From...

Kingston, ON 50mi 80km
Ottawa, ON 163mi 262km
Montreal, QC 240mi 386km
Toronto, ON 135mi 217km
Syracuse, NY 180mi 290km
Buffalo, NY 240mi 386km

Provincial Park Website: http://www.pec.on.ca/other/sandbnks.html