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.
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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
- 1.5m
- 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?
Sandbanks handles all stages of the tide, so time your session around the wind instead. The live chart above shows the next few days.
What wind direction is offshore at Sandbanks?
Offshore wind at Sandbanks blows from the NNE (15°). Anything in the 330° to 60° range grooms the faces; outside it, expect chop or bumpy conditions.
What swell size and direction work best at Sandbanks?
Sandbanks wants SW swell (180° to 270°) between 0.4m and 2m, with a period of 6s or more for quality waves.
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?
Fly into YYZ, then allow about 180 minutes by road. 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.