Sandbanks

The County’s sand dunes have been an attraction since the early 1800s. They make up the world’s largest bay-mouth dune barrier formation stretching 12km across Lake Ontario. The dunes, formed by glaciers 12,000 years ago, were once grazing land for the cattle of early settlers, and today make up three beaches, hiking trails, and campsites. The dune barriers formed East Lake, part of the ward of Athol, and West Lake in the ward of  Hallowell – both perfect to paddle, fish or swim in. En route to the park you’ll find both lakes dotted with cozy accommodations and farm-stands to pick up supplies for the campfire or to take home. On a sunny day it’s easy to mistake the white-sand, and turquoise water at Sandbanks Provincial Park for the Caribbean.