Beaches
Swimming in the Haliburton Highlands
With over 600 of unspoiled lakes and rivers, it is hardly surprising that the Haliburton Highlands is home to numerous delightful sandy beaches. Whether you’re looking for a public beach & parks or want to stay at one of the many Cottage Resorts for swimming or simply kicking-back and unwinding, cottage country boasts some of most beautiful lakeside locations.
Find Swimming locations
to view beaches and other places.Rivers, Floating & Relaxing
It’s quite tranquil to be lounging on an inflatable watermelon, floating where the current takes you. Most of us know from experience what the water sounds like, as you drift from entrance to exit on one of the best places to river float in the Highlands.
For those of you who don’t know, here are our favourites – but remember as they say, water on the water and… read more
Public Beaches
Please note that there are no lifeguards on duty at these locations.
The Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge District Health Unit provides beach water testing results for all beaches in Haliburton County.
Bissett Beach
Tucked along the shoreline of 12 Mile Lake with plenty of natural shade, Bissett Beach is a quiet sandy beach ideal for a relaxing swim.
Portable washrooms are available onsite, making it a comfortable stop on a warm summer day.
Dorset Parkette - Lake of Bays Beach
Located just north of the bridge in Dorset, this scenic waterfront park features a public beach, picnic area, dock, and boat launch.
A great place to cool off while exploring the village and Lake of Bays area.
Eagle Lake Beach
A family-friendly beach featuring a sandy swimming area, floating raft, playground, picnic shelter, and washrooms.
Conveniently located within walking distance of local food and shopping options in Eagle Lake.
Elvin Johnson Park
Situated on beautiful Hall’s Lake, this well-equipped beach area includes a playground with zipline, picnic shelter, change rooms, and shaded picnic areas.
A popular destination for families and lakeside gatherings.
Forsters Beach
Located near Forster’s Boat Launch, this narrow sandy beach offers a peaceful swimming spot with a mix of sun and shade.
Portable washrooms are available onsite for added convenience.
Glamor Lake Park
A scenic lakeside park surrounded by mature trees featuring a sandy beach, dock, picnic tables, and boat launch.
A great stop for swimming, relaxing, or enjoying a quiet afternoon by the water.
Gooderham Lake Beach
This welcoming community beach offers sandy shoreline, shaded picnic areas, docks, and easy lake access.
Located within walking distance of local shops and services in Gooderham.
Haliburton Lake Beach
One of the region’s larger public beaches, featuring a sandy waterfront, floating raft, dock, playground, volleyball court, picnic shelter, and washrooms.
A great destination for a full day at the lake.
Horseshoe Beach
A small and peaceful beach offering excellent swimming on Horseshoe Lake.
Located near the Minden White Water Preserve, it pairs well with nearby hiking and sightseeing stops.
Minden Rotary Park - Gull River
Located along the Gull River, this popular park features a sandy beach, playground, washrooms, picnic areas, and boat launch.
It’s also the perfect starting point for the famous Minden lazy river float.
North Bay Beach - Paudash Lake
A spacious sandy beach with large grassy picnic areas, tables, and nearby boat launch access.
This sunny lakeside destination is a favourite for swimming and family outings.
Pine Lake Beach
A small sandy beach with dock access and beautiful lake views.
Across the road, visitors can enjoy additional amenities including washrooms, playgrounds, picnic shelters, and nearby shopping in West Guilford.
Rotary Beach - Head Lake
Located in the heart of Haliburton Village, this accessible sandy beach offers shallow swimming, sports courts, outdoor fitness equipment, walking trails, and easy access to downtown shops and restaurants.
Sandy Cove - Drag Lake
A quiet lakeside beach featuring a sandy swimming area, shaded picnic spots, and portable washrooms.
A peaceful location for a relaxing summer swim.
Sandy Point - Drag Lake
This small sandy beach features gradual water entry, picnic tables, and portable washrooms, making it a great option for families and casual swimming.
Slipper Beach - Lake Kashagawigamog
A compact public beach with easy lake access and a peaceful atmosphere.
Ideal for a quick swim or relaxing lakeside stop during a summer drive.
Twelve Mile Beach
A large sandy beach with beautiful lake views, shaded areas, and excellent swimming.
Known for its stunning sunsets over Twelve Mile Lake, it’s a favourite evening destination.
Wilbermere Lake Beach
A sandy public beach featuring docks and open swimming areas on Wilbermere Lake.
A simple and relaxing place to cool off and enjoy the water.
Ontario Provincial Parks
Nothing beats a cool dip on a hot summer day so we asked park staff where they think the best swimming can be found.
Algonquin Provincial Park
The lakes of Algonquin Provincial Park offer endless opportunities for swimming, paddling, and relaxing by the water.
Beaches can be found throughout campgrounds and day-use areas, with countless backcountry lakes waiting to be explored.
Silent Lake Provincial Park
Silent Lake Provincial Park features two excellent sandy beaches with calm, clear water ideal for swimming and family fun.
The large day-use beach also offers picnic areas and open green space perfect for a full summer day outdoors.