Beaches

What is summer without time at the beach. While the Kearney Cabin is not on water, it is within walking distance to several small beaches/docks that you and your family can swim at. There is water access at the end of Strand Avenue about a 5 minute walk from the cabin, though to be honest this is more a place to launch a boat than to swim. If you continue along Main Street for roughly 5 minutes you will come to the Lion’s Pavilion. Behind this is a park and a swimming area/small beach. Another 5 minutes along Main Street from the Kearney Cabin will be the downtown. Across from the general store and LCBO there are docks you can swim from. The water is deep here so not the best for young or weak swimmers. If you continue walking another 5 minutes turning left at Lakeview Street (Just before the bridge), you will find a sandy beach you can enjoy the water from. While this beach starts shallow, it does become deep rather quickly so best to watch children closely. All three of these swimming holes can be driven to within only a couple of minutes or walking would take 10 to 15 minutes. Here is a link to the locations in google maps (Map)

If you were looking for more of a beach that you can spend the day, there are several beaches within a short drive. Keep in mind that pets are not welcome at most public beaches.

Clear Lake Beach (10 minute drive)

This beach is only 10 minutes away and is where the locals bring their children to swim. Family friendly with a dog park across the street (though dogs are not allowed at the beach itself). It has been known to get busy though, but don’t most beaches in the hot days of summer?

Katrine Beach (20 minute drive)

Katrine Beach is shallow enough to walk out a fair distance before it gets more than a few feet deep. This area is kid friendly with a park for them to play at as well. Charcoal BBQs are available so you can make a real day trip and stay for lunch or dinner.

Arrowhead Provincial Park (25 minute drive)

PAID ACCESS. While this park offers swimming and equipment rentals such as kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, you will have to pay to get in. It also gets busy and weekends and holidays they have been known to turn people away due to capacity. You can call and reserve your “spot” in advance by as much as 5 days. This will guarantee you entry into the park. For more information on the park please visit the Arrowhead Provincial Park Page.

Hutcheson Beach (30 minute drive)

This beach has several reviews for you to read through. It is a popular beach with lots of visitors but it is rather large so lots of room. The parking fills up quickly so you may want to get the early. There are portapotty washrooms available. Pets are NOT allowed.

Halcyon Shore Beach (30 minute drive)

This is a relatively new beach which the township says was created in the spring of 2017. Not a lot of reviews on this one yet but the town ship describes it as “offering a picnic area, a beautiful beach with swimming and great scenery”.

Checkerboard Beach (35 minute drive)

Another family friendly beach with sandy shores and picnic tables. Please be aware that dogs are NOT permitted on this beach.