Ontario Parks | Sandbanks
Biking
Sandbanks does not have dedicated bicycle trails but cyclists can explore the park along campground roads. Prince Edward County, beyond the boundaries of the park, is a favourite destination for bicycle touring.
Birding
Sandbanks offers great birding opportunities, especially during the spring and fall migration. Bird checklists are available at the Visitor Centre.
Boating
Powerboats are allowed on Lake Ontario, East and West Lake but not near the swimming areas or on the beach. A boat launch is located in the Outlet River A Campground. It is suitable for boats less than 18 feet. Other boat launch facilities are available outside the park.
Canoeing
Although there are no formal canoe routes at Sandbanks, the Outlet River is ideal for those just learning to canoe and who wish to explore the marsh habitat.
Discovery Program
During the summer, park staff offer a variety of fun, interactive educational programs. Join a Park Naturalist as you explore the hiking trails, stop by the Visitor Centre to learn about the 1920s Lakeshore Lodge, bring your young campers to the children’s programs and take the whole family to the evening campfires and slide shows!
Fishing
East and West Lake are popular fishing lakes for Yellow Pickerel, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike and various panfish.
Hiking
Cedar Sands Nature Trail – 2 km loop
Walk along the shores of the Outlet River and stop at the two lookouts providing scenic views of the marsh. This is an interpretive trail with 12 stops. Trail guides are available at the trailhead or the Nature Shoppe.
Woodlands Trail – 3.5 km, linear, easy
Starting at the Main Gate parking lot, this trail takes cyclists and hikers through the Woodland Campground, across old farm pastures and hardwood lots until it reaches County Road 12 and the entrance to the Dunes Day-Use area.
Sandbanks Dunes Trail – 2.5 km loop, easy to moderate
This trail loops through a unique and fragile dune habitat and travels along the edge of several pannes. The dune system is the largest of its kind in the world and the pannes are a rare wetland habitat that supports wildlife and unusual flora.
In addition to the main trail, there is also a one-kilometre loop at the beginning of the trail that is barrier-free. Please stay on the trail to minimize your impact and to avoid Poison Ivy, which is common throughout the area.
Swimming
Sandbanks is famous for its beaches and swimming. It has three natural sand beaches: Outlet Beach is located in the East Lake sector of the park, Sandbanks beach is located in the Sandbanks Day-Use area off Lake Ontario and Dunes Beach is located in the Dunes Day-Use area off West Lake. Outlet and Sandbanks beaches have gradual drop-offs, but the Dunes Beach has a steep drop off and swimmers should take extra caution. Please note: there are no lifeguards posted at the beaches and pets are not permitted except on the designated pet area.
Barrier-Free
All comfort stations within the park have barrier-free access. A one-kilometre loop at the beginning of the Sandbanks Dunes Trail is barrier-free.
Boat Launch
A boat launch is located in the Outlet River A Campground. It is suitable for boats less than 18 feet. Boat launch facilities for larger boats are available outside the park.
Comfort Station(s)
Comfort stations complete with showers, flush toilets and laundry facilities are located in all campgrounds at Sandbanks with the exception of Richardson campground.
Day Use
Outlet Beach, Lakeshore and Dunes Beaches are popular day-use areas. All three have sandy beaches with emergency phones (but no lifeguards). Picnic tables are also available. Dunes Beach has three mini picnic shelters close to the beach which can be reserved online or by phone.
Flush Toilets
Flush toilets are located in all campground comfort stations. The Outlet, Sandbanks and Dunes Day-Use areas have outhouses or vault privies.
Laundromat
Laundry facilities are located in each one of the campground comfort stations.
Park Store
The Friends of Sandbanks Nature Shoppe is located at the Visitor Center and is stocked with a variety of Sandbanks souvenirs, clothing items, artwork, nature books, guides and much more. The Shoppe is open in the summer and weekends, in the spring and fall.
Currah’s Park Store and Grill located at the Outlet Beach Day-Use area offers visitors a full line of camping supplies, ice, beach toys, groceries and souvenirs. The restaurant features fresh salads, vegetarian dishes, homemade pizza and traditional grill favourites.
Currah’s Dunes Grill and Patio is located at the Dunes Beach overlooking the sand dunes and offers ice cream and grill favourites.
Picnic Shelters
There are two large picnic shelters in the park, one located at the Dunes Day-Use area and the second located at the Outlet Beach area by the amphitheatre. Reservations can be made online or by phone, or by calling the park directly at 613-393-3319.
Rentals
Canoes and kayaks are available for rent at the woodlot. Personal Floatation Devices (PFDs) are available for loan with a $30 refundable deposit. Visitors can also borrow free of charge fishing rods and tackle through the Tackleshare program.
An all-terrain beach wheelchair is available to borrow, courtesy of The Friends of Sandbanks Park.
Visitor Centre
The Visitor Centre is located in the Outlet Beach area by the Park Office. The Visitor Center offers an opportunity to learn more about Sandbanks’ history and natural features through displays and exhibits. Displays include live reptiles, amphibians and fish, as well as examples of some of the more common plant life found at Sandbanks.
