As summer comes to an end, kids dread the return to school, while parents rejoice. The back to the season is usually associated with pumpkin spice lattes, cozy sweaters and fun new stationery. However, August isn’t giving up on summer and neither should we! So we want to enjoy the best swimming holes near Toronto before summer is over.
Canadians are blessed with beach days and toasty rays. So naturally, it’s the perfect time to discover the top 5 swimming holes near Toronto! Visit some of nature’s natural pools for some family fun time and to escape the city with friends.
These are the top 5 swimming holes near Toronto!
Elora Quarry – Elora
Distance: 110 km (1h 31 min.)
Loved by locals and tourists alike in Wellington County is this limestone quarry. The water is cool and the 40-foot sheer cliffs wrap around the swimming hole. The tree-covered park is great for an afternoon picnic. It is large enough for sunbathers and there is plenty of access to the water.
Parents should always keep an eye on their children here. There are no lifeguards at Elora Quarry. There are some rules to follow as well. Cliff diving and watersports like boats, kayaks, canoes and paddleboards are not permitted here.
Arrive bright and early if you want to get a spot at this swimming hole. Only 1,300 people are allowed inside the park at once. Call ahead to see how busy it is to avoid being disappointed.
Kelso Conservation Area – Milton
Distance: 60 km (50 min)
Not far from Toronto is one of the best swimming holes there! Kelso Lake is located just a short drive down the 401 in Milton. It is part of the Niagara Escarpment.
Kelso is a man-made reservoir that is used to control the flooding of nearby Sixteen Mile Creek. Its small size keeps the water warm throughout the spring and summer. Its close proximity to Toronto makes it the ideal weekend getaway.
There is also a sandy beach attached. Bring a towel and umbrella along. Here you can enjoy swimming, canoeing or stand-up paddleboarding during the warmer months.
Innerkip Quarry – Innerkip (Also known as Trout Lake)
Distance: 134 km (1h 31 min.)
Choose to stay at this quarry for a few nights! This is because it can be found in the middle of a campground. If you choose to come down for the day, there is only a $10.00 admission fee.
This swimming hole’s water is spring-fed, which means it is always clean. Try jumping off the cliff or high diving boards that are up to 30 feet high. Then go underwater with your snorkelling gear to see a variety of sunken boats, planes and buses. There is even an old mine cave to explore.
Sadly this isn’t a pet-friendly area. So your pup will have to stay at home. To make up for this, there are also camping, shower facilities, picnic areas, a dive shop and a camp store.
Bronte Creek Provincial Park – Oakville
Distance: 50 km (51 min.)
Stay in the GTA and beat the heat! Bronte Creek is a stretch of water that flows into Lake Ontario. You can jump right in if you are feeling super hot! If you bring the kids along, there is also a supervised wading pool.
The pool is one of the largest in Ontario and spans an entire 1.8 acres. While it’s called a pool, most people see it as more of a lake. The water is also surrounded by grass, which is nice and soft making it ideal for sun tanning.
Swimming here is always safe as there are many lifeguards around. A swim test is provided for children under the age of 10 to ensure safety. Admission is $3.00 for kids and $4.00 for adults (on top of admission to the actual park)!
Mary’s Swimming Quarry – St. Mary’s
Distance: 170 km (2h 11 min.)
Speaking of huge freshwater pools, this one is the largest in Canada! It’s a go-to destination for people across the province. This limestone quarry offers beautiful views and plenty of space.
The main fish species found around here are the common carp, pumpkinseed and rock bass. You can also try out cliff jumping, the water trampoline or water slide. There are also kayak and paddleboard rentals.
Getting in is $4.50 for kids and $7.00 for adults. The swimming hole also offers drop-in swim lessons for a fee for levels 5-10. Children younger than 11 must be accompanied by an adult who is responsible for supervising them. Check out this oasis before it closes on September 5th!
Ready to enjoy the top swimming holes near Toronto?
Any of these swimming holes are worth visiting. Be safe in the water and consider investing in private swimming lessons for your kids. This will keep them safe and make you feel better about them entering the water. Not all of these swimming holes near Toronto have lifeguards. So always monitor your kids while swimming.
