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
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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 kind of wave is Sandbanks?
Sandbanks is a beach break in Prince Edward County, Canada, with peaks that run both left and right.
What swell works best at Sandbanks?
Sandbanks picks up swell from the S round to the W, and it's best when it's coming straight out of the SW. It starts working at around 0.4m and handles up to about 2m, with the sweet spot around 1.1 to 1.6m. Period matters too: aim for 6s or longer, as anything under 4s tends to be weak. These are the numbers our scoring uses, so treat them as a guide rather than a promise.
What wind is offshore at Sandbanks?
A NNE wind is dead offshore at Sandbanks, and anything from the NNW round to the ENE keeps it clean. The morning is typically the best window, roughly 6am to 11am. Light winds from other directions can still be fine; strong offshores can make it hard to get into waves.
What tide is best at Sandbanks?
Sandbanks isn't especially fussy about tide and generally works through the cycle, so swell and wind matter more here. Big tides can still change how it breaks, so it's worth checking before you paddle out.
When is the best time of year to surf Sandbanks?
The most reliable run of swell at Sandbanks comes Oct to Mar. There's a second window in Apr and Sep too. SW winds create best waves. Longest periods in Great Lakes.
How cold is the water at Sandbanks?
The water at Sandbanks averages around 8°C, so you'll want a 6/5mm with boots, gloves and a hood. It shifts a few degrees through the year, so check the season before you pack.
Is Sandbanks good for beginners?
It's more of an intermediate wave, rated 5/10 for difficulty, so newer surfers are best off sticking to the smaller days. The lineup is usually quiet (crowd 3/10). Very cold water. Full winter wetsuit required.
How do I get to Sandbanks?
The nearest airport on our list is YYZ, then it's roughly a 3-hour drive. Sandbanks Provincial Park. 3 hours from Toronto.
Best Season
Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar
Secondary: Sep, Apr
SW winds create best waves. Longest periods in Great Lakes.