We are lucky to have so many incredible provincial parks here in Ontario. Filled with epic hiking trails, scenic campgrounds and beaches — beautiful, jaw-dropping beaches. The kind that make your heart pitter-patter from sunrise to sunset. Le sigh. And while I fully support the idea of plopping down on the shore for some R&R, I’m always on the lookout for different ways to experience beaches. I recently had a chance to team up with one of my besties and Ontario Travel to do exactly that. We headed to a park we’ve never visited and spent time checking out their four sandy beaches. We loved every minute so I thought I’d share our journey to inspire you guys to get out there and create your own memories this summer. Here are five ways to enjoy the beaches at Awenda Provincial Park:
1. Yoga On The Beach
The sound of waves crashing on shore will immediately transport you into a state of zen. Add the rhythmic movements of yoga and this may just be the best way to relax on the beach. Taking your practice outside allows you to really connect with nature and your surroundings. Note: the sand does get hot in the summer so practice first thing in the morning or during the gorgeous Georgian Bay sunsets…
2. Explore Via SUP
Although the park doesn’t rent boards onsite, you can definitely bring your own stand up paddle board and glide along the Georgian Bay on a calm day. It’s a great way to unplug and clear your mind…
3. Hike The Beach Trail
Awenda Provincial Park has a lovely beach trail which runs 4 km along the Georgian Bay. Connecting all four beaches, it’s an easy 60-90 min hike if you want to experience it all in one go. The trail is lush and a great place to unplug, see a bit of wildlife (we spotted snakes, chipmunks and birds) and reconnect with nature. Fun fact: memory performance and attention span improve 20% after spending an hour interacting with nature (one of the findings fueling the global Healthy Parks Health People movement).
Colton, one of the naturalist at the park, showed us this little hognose (don’t worry, none of their snakes are venomous).
4. Go For A Swim
The crisp, clean and refreshing Georgian Bay is perfect for a dip on a warm day. The only challenge you’ll have is deciding which beach to swim at (but why choose?! I recommend trying them all). Our favourite was beach #3: the soft sand, gradual entry and crystal clear water won us over. Oh, and it has a great view of Giant’s Tomb Island in the distance…
All of the beaches at Awenda Provincial Park are lovely, but beach #3 was our fave!
5. Have A Picnic
There are no restaurants or concession stands inside the park, so head to Penetanguishene (approx. 15 min drive) and grab some picnic-friendly food for lunch on the beach! I suggest doing this on a calm day to avoid sand in your grub. And although it may be tempting, do NOT feed the seagulls (not good for them or you once they discover a food source).
How’s that for 5 ways to enjoy the beaches at Awenda Provincial Park? To be honest, I didn’t know anything about the beaut park before our trip, but it quickly won my heart over. And don’t worry: if you’re not into beaches, there’s lots more to do onsite (I share other suggestions here). Oh, and I have great news: Ontario Parks will be opening their doors to everyone on July 15th so there will be no charge for day-use at any of the provincial parks!! I hope you all take advantage of this incredible opportunity by exploring a new park with your friends/fam. Memories await…
This post was sponsored by Ontario Travel and Ontario Parks. Our accomodations, meals and activities were complimentary as part of the press trip to Awenda Provincial Park. As always, all reviews and opinions are entirely my own. Check out #HPHP on social to see more photos from our journey.
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