Sandbanks Provincial Park
Sandbanks Provincial Park
4.5
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Sandbanks Provincial Park is one of the busiest parks in the province, welcoming over 800,000 visitors in 2020!
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- Adam KKitchener, Canada66 contributionsDay TripGreat beach! The dunes are quiet and calm. The lake side is also nice. Great spot for a late day sunset on the beach. We have been going to sandbanks for day trips from the cottage every year.Visited August 2023Travelled with familyWritten 17 December 2023
- Travelcelt_10Norwich, United Kingdom216 contributionsLate Spring visitThis is a well-known destination, so it is difficult to add new insight. Pay on the day access is CDN$21. There are three beaches; Outlet, Dunes and Lakeshore. Outlet Beach is the very long, sandy one and Dunes has a steep drop, so less good for families. We like the picnic area at Lakeshore Lodge (there is no lodge, it is the site where it once was) as it has tables and benches.Visited May 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 26 May 2024
- Isabelle DoyleSainte-Adele, Canada134 contributionsSimply superb area!We had issues booking a site for many years and now my husband and I understand why. This park offers everything a nature lover seeks: hiking, kayaking, swimming and very spacious sites! All facilities are clean but be careful of the poison ivy since it is found on many trails and around camping sites. The beaches are spectacular and we found that most areas are pet friendly. We had no issues with noise and slept soundly. Upon our arrival, we were very happy to see a park restaurant where they served the best hotdogs. I kid you not! My husband had the chicken tenders and he liked them as well. I think everything from their menu would be winners.Visited July 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 3 July 2024
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4.5
1,465 reviews
Excellent
879
Very good
393
Average
101
Poor
42
Terrible
50
Minisin Bystandar
1 contribution
Aug 2019
As the title suggests, Sandbanks park is a beautiful place. Unfortunately however, there is enough of a problem with the people who work there that I will not be returning unless some changes unfold (which is highly unlikely).
I have been to the park perhaps a dozen times over a dozen years, and grew to love the place in that time. By some incredible stroke of luck, my first eleven visits were miraculously free of bullies with guns and badges, last time that luck ran out.
A friend and I traveled a long distance to spend a day in the area, Sandbanks was meant to be an hour-long stop. About 80% of the roads we came upon were closed, so we navigated around them for the better part of the hour in search of some beach. Finally, we turned a corner and spotted a beach-front filled with many people doing beach things. Relieved to have found a place to swim, we set ahead towards the sand which was less than 100ft from the road. We swam for a few minutes, the water was cold but nice on the hot day that it was, then started back towards the road to leave. A few steps before the road, two park wardens seemingly appeared from nowhere then proceeded to rush us down and detain us. They accused us of breaking the law by stepping on a closed portage (I later discovered there was a sign marking the closure that was knocked over into the woods, in other words impossible to see), not of using taking the trial but merely setting a foot on the wrong blade of grass, as it were. Anyways, they demanded identification, we complied, they then glared us down, engaged in intimidation tactics, threatened us, made us wait for an hour while they sat in their cruiser taking a break, and finally fined us heftily and released us when they had gotten bored of torturing their prey for the hour.
They were classic bullies with an obvious sadistic streak, not the kind of person you want to face when they have a gun and the full force of the state behind them and you have a beach towel and a 3pm reservation. The day was nearly ruined by these degenerates, but recovered upon reaching a winery :p
I later discovered my friend and I got of very easy compared to numerous other innocent people minding their own business unlucky enough to be targeted by wardens at sandbanks. Please take this post as a warning and don't assume that you will receive a fate any freer than mine was, if you decide to visit the park in spite of it. And if you do, the sadistic wardens we encountered were two women, both with blonde hair and black aviator sunglasses, it's probably best not to name names, but my final advice, if you visit sandbanks and see either or both of them in the area, run like hell.
I have been to the park perhaps a dozen times over a dozen years, and grew to love the place in that time. By some incredible stroke of luck, my first eleven visits were miraculously free of bullies with guns and badges, last time that luck ran out.
A friend and I traveled a long distance to spend a day in the area, Sandbanks was meant to be an hour-long stop. About 80% of the roads we came upon were closed, so we navigated around them for the better part of the hour in search of some beach. Finally, we turned a corner and spotted a beach-front filled with many people doing beach things. Relieved to have found a place to swim, we set ahead towards the sand which was less than 100ft from the road. We swam for a few minutes, the water was cold but nice on the hot day that it was, then started back towards the road to leave. A few steps before the road, two park wardens seemingly appeared from nowhere then proceeded to rush us down and detain us. They accused us of breaking the law by stepping on a closed portage (I later discovered there was a sign marking the closure that was knocked over into the woods, in other words impossible to see), not of using taking the trial but merely setting a foot on the wrong blade of grass, as it were. Anyways, they demanded identification, we complied, they then glared us down, engaged in intimidation tactics, threatened us, made us wait for an hour while they sat in their cruiser taking a break, and finally fined us heftily and released us when they had gotten bored of torturing their prey for the hour.
They were classic bullies with an obvious sadistic streak, not the kind of person you want to face when they have a gun and the full force of the state behind them and you have a beach towel and a 3pm reservation. The day was nearly ruined by these degenerates, but recovered upon reaching a winery :p
I later discovered my friend and I got of very easy compared to numerous other innocent people minding their own business unlucky enough to be targeted by wardens at sandbanks. Please take this post as a warning and don't assume that you will receive a fate any freer than mine was, if you decide to visit the park in spite of it. And if you do, the sadistic wardens we encountered were two women, both with blonde hair and black aviator sunglasses, it's probably best not to name names, but my final advice, if you visit sandbanks and see either or both of them in the area, run like hell.
Written 14 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Companion600499
Foxboro, Canada34 contributions
Jul 2020
Have visited for 50 years, wrote a land use report in early 80's in University; have watched the ebb and flow of trees, sands and life at Sandbanks and West Lake beaches. We are not freaked out nor panicked by Covid-19, but do ensure we take care for others as well as ourselves by social distancing and wearing a mask when necessary as directed.
Yesterday visited for my birthday as almost always have and both my husband and I were sickened and disgusted by both our provincial government not having any visible staff monitoring the numbers attending nor the goings on on the beach as well as those visiting. Attendees treated the place like a dump with no respect for other humans (only saw 2 other masks being worn besides mine out of thousands in attendance) nor the natural environment. Garbages were overflowing, people walking far too close on the trails...considering the governments recommended social distancing due to the pandemic. Dozens in the warm, shallow water; what a great place for Covid transfer.
This is not the experience nor gorgeous place it has been for decades. Do NOT recommend for anyone at present as overrun with visitors. At 11:30 am vehicles were backed up for miles, traffic from Hwy 62 was crazy wild and hundreds being turned away from Outlet section, no walking in permitted. By 6:10 pm only 64 vehicles lined up and could drive into West Lake section. What a waste of time.
Staff at entry kiosk at West Lake across the road from beach parking seemed unaware of what was happening when we reported just prior to leaving. Don't think they really have any idea of how many visitors/vehicles are actually there.
Apparently it's fine for the province to collect money, ignore what's happening and let hundreds abuse and transfer Covid! Simply NOT SAFE!!!
Yesterday visited for my birthday as almost always have and both my husband and I were sickened and disgusted by both our provincial government not having any visible staff monitoring the numbers attending nor the goings on on the beach as well as those visiting. Attendees treated the place like a dump with no respect for other humans (only saw 2 other masks being worn besides mine out of thousands in attendance) nor the natural environment. Garbages were overflowing, people walking far too close on the trails...considering the governments recommended social distancing due to the pandemic. Dozens in the warm, shallow water; what a great place for Covid transfer.
This is not the experience nor gorgeous place it has been for decades. Do NOT recommend for anyone at present as overrun with visitors. At 11:30 am vehicles were backed up for miles, traffic from Hwy 62 was crazy wild and hundreds being turned away from Outlet section, no walking in permitted. By 6:10 pm only 64 vehicles lined up and could drive into West Lake section. What a waste of time.
Staff at entry kiosk at West Lake across the road from beach parking seemed unaware of what was happening when we reported just prior to leaving. Don't think they really have any idea of how many visitors/vehicles are actually there.
Apparently it's fine for the province to collect money, ignore what's happening and let hundreds abuse and transfer Covid! Simply NOT SAFE!!!
Written 26 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Charms C
Toronto, Canada1 contribution
Aug 2020
We got to Sandbanks at 11 am but the beach had already reached capacity for the day, the website confirmed it was still open. We decided to tour the area and drove down the street to a local attraction, we parked for 5 mins to get a ticket and a parking pass by the time we got back to the car I'd received a $400.00 fine. Do your research and plan before attempting to visit this area.
Written 22 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
rosiebmontreal
Montreal, Canada78 contributions
Sept 2020
Was there in September. Prices went up quite a bit. A few years ago, i remember paying $17, this year the entrance fee was $21. Did not see any major improvements in conjunction with the rising entrance park fee. Water was nice & clear, with nice clear blue colors. Sometimes you can't really believe that it's just a lake. One thing that kind of ruins it for me though is the temperature of the water. Soo, so cold! Tends to take away from the beauty of it.
Good to go when there is a heat wave, that way the temperature of the water is not so bad. Would go again, but maybe to a quieter beach next time. It's become really, really popular. Maybe when i was younger i didn't mind so much, but now i think I prefer a quieter, less crowded beach.
Good to go when there is a heat wave, that way the temperature of the water is not so bad. Would go again, but maybe to a quieter beach next time. It's become really, really popular. Maybe when i was younger i didn't mind so much, but now i think I prefer a quieter, less crowded beach.
Written 2 November 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Catherine Sirdel
1 contribution
Aug 2020
Worst campground I have ever seen!! I stayed at Richardson. It is PACKED full of people, the toilets give off a terrible smell and there is no privacy whatsoever. If you must go to this campground, make sure it is as far away from possible to the outhouses, and choose a site next to a border where there are bushes for pee breaks, as the toilets will make you gag..... I can't even imagine having to use those toilets all weekend, or I can't imagine being in one of the spots right next to the toilets!! The smells were absolutely horrific. I don't think they washed those toilets in a few years. The neighbours were so close that you could even hear snoring in the night coming from other tents! Our spot was tiny, but thankfully we were one of the lucky ones who had a couple trees. Do your research and go anywhere but here. Otherwise the beach was fantastic, and so are the wineries nearby. But given the terrible campground, I will unfortunately not be returning for camping.
Written 23 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rebecca N
Toronto, Canada12 contributions
Jul 2020
We went early on a Monday to avoid the crowds and it was still quite busy. The beach is breathtaking and the sand is very nice and comfortable to walk on. We were carrying our garbage around all day because there were NO garbage cans to be found which is terrible to see at a provincial park. There was garbage everywhere and they collect a $21 fee to enter so you would think they would put more planning into waste collection.
Written 21 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Theresa J
Fredericton, Canada6 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Three beaches in this provincial park! Utility Beach is the best one by far. Lakefront beach has so many razor clam shells by the water entry, make sure and wear swimming shoes if you choose this one. Just gorgeous, water gorgeous! You should give a military discount for serving members or veterans and make it available online since you can't just show up to the Provincial Park and have to book online ahead of time. Provincial parks in New Brunswick are free admission to service members or veterans.
Written 9 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ksenia Z
1 contribution
Aug 2022 • Couples
Went to visit Sandbanks for a week beginning of august. Me and my husband, both in our mid thirties, travelled without kids in a small RV from Montreal.
My husband is a French Canadian. We are a calm couple, never looking for trouble.
Nice nature and landscapes but it cannot make up for the terrible attitude we got from the locals.
They are annoyed with tourists and if they hear that you have a French accent they will look at you as if you’re a second class citizen.
At the sandbanks beach restaurant, employees have a smirk on their face when they see that you’re struggling a bit with English or have a French accent.
Picton is the worst. Full of racists!
We stopped at the Tim Hortons in Picton, with our RV which is not even 10 feet long, naturally taking up a few parking spots. A local “gentleman” approached my husband and started screaming at him and calling him “dumb and stupid” for taking up parking space! It was unbelievable. An elderly “lady” then approaches me and says that they “don’t need quebecer tourists here and to get out of their town”!
I have lived in Quebec for 25 years and never seen this kind of racist attitude!
We spent over $1000 in their local businesses over the week we were there and for what?! To be then discriminated against?
Going forward I will never set foot in the Sandbanks / Picton area and suggest to my fellow quebecers to avoid this place as well. Spend your money locally, or internationally where people are welcoming, unlike Sandbanks.
Nice nature and landscapes but it cannot make up for the terrible attitude we got from the locals.
They are annoyed with tourists and if they hear that you have a French accent they will look at you as if you’re a second class citizen.
At the sandbanks beach restaurant, employees have a smirk on their face when they see that you’re struggling a bit with English or have a French accent.
Picton is the worst. Full of racists!
We stopped at the Tim Hortons in Picton, with our RV which is not even 10 feet long, naturally taking up a few parking spots. A local “gentleman” approached my husband and started screaming at him and calling him “dumb and stupid” for taking up parking space! It was unbelievable. An elderly “lady” then approaches me and says that they “don’t need quebecer tourists here and to get out of their town”!
I have lived in Quebec for 25 years and never seen this kind of racist attitude!
We spent over $1000 in their local businesses over the week we were there and for what?! To be then discriminated against?
Going forward I will never set foot in the Sandbanks / Picton area and suggest to my fellow quebecers to avoid this place as well. Spend your money locally, or internationally where people are welcoming, unlike Sandbanks.
Written 7 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Carolyn
Orleans, Canada65 contributions
Jul 2020
Arrive early to avoid long lines. Park on the right, next to the beach entrance. The cafe is located by Parking lot 6 and there are carpets on the ground to make it easier to roll carts and carriages to the beachfront. Parking lot 1 has working toilets and change rooms.
Written 31 July 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
John D
1 contribution
Aug 2021 • Family
Sandbanks is beautiful. We’ve been visiting the Sandbanks for over 30 years, first as locals and now as travellers. No other beach in Ontario can compare. Unfortunately the number of dogs on the beach, off leash, barking, urinating and lunging toward others while leisurely walking along, is beginning to ruin others’ experience.
Written 21 August 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
How do I book a day pass in advance if I am going to have a rental car (I will not know the make/license plate until that day)
Written 30 June 2023
Tina P
Mississauga, Canada
Good Morning -
Would please tell me where I can view a current listing of camping prices at Sandbanks Provincial Park with or without vehicle permit and how far in advance we should book? Thank you.
Also amenities on the campground
Written 16 May 2023
Hi everyone - if we only have one day what’s the best beach to go to with a 3 and 5 year old? Thank you.
Written 20 August 2022
That would be Dunes Beach definitely!
Written 22 August 2022
Hi, here are my questions :
1. What are the beaches opening hours (Dunes Beach? Outlet Beach? Wellington Beach?)
2. Are propane camping BBQs allowed to these 3 beaches?
3. Is there a permit/pass to visit the 3 beaches in 3 days? How does this work with the parking?
4. Can alcohol be consumed on sites? No glass of course, only cans.
Thank you so much, there are so many different websites it is hard to find accurate answers.
Written 13 August 2022
1) I have seen bbq's at the Outlet and Lakeshore, but away from the water, right under the tree line
2) I believe they are opened from 9am until sunset, nobody will chase you away. Never been to Wellington beach because it's 25 min away from Sandbanks
3) Read my review: you need to book your entrance in advance at ontarioparks
4) Keep you cans in your cooler and you will be fine. I saw one guy paying a ticket for holding a beer can in his hand
Written 22 August 2022
If we camp-in cedars, can we walk to the beach? What sites should we aim for, if this is possible? Thanks
Written 4 February 2022
Do all sandbanks campgrounds have toilets that do not flush?
Written 4 February 2022
Hi Kerri,
Start by visiting our reservations site. If you don’t already have an account, you’ll need to create one.
From the main website, select the “Day Use” tab to get started. Make sure you have “Daily Vehicle Permit (DVP)” selected.
On this page, you can select your park (pick Sandbanks :) ) and your arrival date.
Bookings can be made up to five days in advance of your arrival date, up to and including 7:00 pm for same day arrivals (where availability exists).
Then just follow through the process. There's a spot to input the serial number on your seasonal permit, if you've got one.
If you're still having trouble, head over to our blog and search for a post called "How to book your advance daily vehicle permit online" -- we've got a full walkthrough, including a video.
Written 8 July 2021
Hi Steve,
Barbecues are permitted, but they must be self-contained.
-- propane BBQs are permitted
-- charcoal BBQs are NOT permitted on the beach or day use area (they are permitted on registered campsites)
Written 8 July 2021
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