Sandbanks
Sandbanks Provincial Park on Lake Ontario's north shore claims the longest wave periods in the Great Lakes—a bold statement backed by the lake's unique geometry and SW fetch. The park features dramatic sand dunes, crystal-clear water, and a mix of beach, reef, and point break options. When SW winds blow across Ontario's length, Sandbanks lights up with clean, surprisingly powerful waves. The wine country of Prince Edward County surrounds the park, making this one of the more civilized Great Lakes surf trips. Just bring your thickest neoprene.
Sandbanks surf forecast
Model forecast for swell, wind and tide.
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Spot Details
CustomizeCustomize this spotSwell Requirements
- Optimal direction
- SW (225°)
- Direction range
- 180° - 270°
- Size range
- 0.4m - 2m
- Ideal size
- 1.1m - 1.6m
- Height multiplier
- 0.95×
- Ideal period
- 6s+
Wind Requirements
- Optimal direction
- NNE (15°)
- Offshore range
- 330° - 60°
Tide Requirements
- Optimal tide
- all
Water temp
8°C
Wetsuit
6/5mm + boots, gloves, hood
Difficulty
5/10
Crowd level
3/10
Access: Sandbanks Provincial Park. 3 hours from Toronto.
Frequently Asked Questions
What tide is best at Sandbanks?
The Sandbanks profile does not specify a preferred tide stage. That does not mean tide has no effect: check local conditions alongside swell and wind.
What wind direction is offshore at Sandbanks?
The Sandbanks profile uses wind from NNE (15°) as its preferred direction, with an offshore range of 330° to 60°. Wind speed matters too: light winds outside that range can still produce surfable conditions, while strong offshore winds can make takeoffs difficult.
What swell size and direction work best at Sandbanks?
The Sandbanks scoring profile favors swell from SW (180° to 270°), a swell-height range of 0.4m to 2m, and a reference period of 6s. These are model inputs, not guaranteed breaking-wave heights or a promise that the surf will suit every ability.
When is the best time of year to surf Sandbanks?
The main season at Sandbanks is Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar. A secondary window runs Sep, Apr. SW winds create best waves. Longest periods in Great Lakes.
How do I get to Sandbanks?
The spot profile lists YYZ as a nearby airport. The estimated road transfer is 180 minutes. Sandbanks Provincial Park. 3 hours from Toronto.
What kind of wave is Sandbanks?
Sandbanks is a beach break, a peak with lefts and rights. Difficulty is rated 5/10.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Sep, Apr
SW winds create best waves. Longest periods in Great Lakes.