
Singing Sands Beach Dorcas Bay
A unique beach with miles of knee-deep water, perfect for families and a serene escape on Lake Huron.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Quiet with plenty of space

Singing Sands Beach Dorcas Bay
Best Time
Quiet with plenty of space

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique beach with miles of knee-deep water, perfect for families and a serene escape on Lake Huron.
"A different kind of beach where we can walk at least 300 meters into the lake."

🚗 Parking Tip
Parking is first-come, first-served & can be pricey. Check if Grotto tickets grant free parking!
👣 Foot Washing Station
A handy pipe is available to wash sand off your feet before heading back to your car. :wave:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Shallow Water Walk
Lake Huron shoreline
Walk hundreds of meters into the lake with water only reaching your knees. Perfect for safe play and exploration.

Soft Sandy Beach
Main beach area
Experience one of the largest, softest sand beaches, ideal for relaxing and building sandcastles.

Boardwalk Trail
Adjacent to the beach
Enjoy a beautiful, well-maintained walking path through the woods, offering a scenic nature experience.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Parking & Access
Best for Little Ones
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Parking Tip
Parking is first-come, first-served & can be pricey. Check if Grotto tickets grant free parking!
👣 Foot Washing Station
A handy pipe is available to wash sand off your feet before heading back to your car. :wave:
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
Super shallow water makes it a safe paradise for little ones to splash and play all day. :child:
🚶♀️ Scenic Boardwalk
Don't miss the beautiful, well-maintained boardwalk trail for a peaceful nature walk. :forestwithtrees:
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Parking Tip
Parking is first-come, first-served & can be pricey. Check if Grotto tickets grant free parking!
👣 Foot Washing Station
A handy pipe is available to wash sand off your feet before heading back to your car. :wave:
👨👩👧 Kid-Friendly Fun
Super shallow water makes it a safe paradise for little ones to splash and play all day. :child:
🚶♀️ Scenic Boardwalk
Don't miss the beautiful, well-maintained boardwalk trail for a peaceful nature walk. :forestwithtrees:
📸 Crystal Clear Views
The water is clean and clear, offering beautiful views, though sand can make it appear muddy. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Singing Sands Beach is celebrated for its incredibly shallow, warm waters, making it a safe haven for children and a unique spot for wading. Visitors love the soft sand and the pleasant boardwalk trail. However, some find the beach itself a bit underwhelming if not for the shallow water, and parking can be costly and limited.
"During the month of September, this beach is really quite with lots of space. You will have to pay for parking then walk across the street to get to the beach and walking path (less then 5 minutes walk from parking lot). This beach is really shallow. You can walk for 10 minutes in the water before it becomes deep. The water is warm and really clean and clear, it's so beautiful. There are washroom and locker and a pipe for washing the sand off your feet. The walking path is beautiful and well maintained. Great place to visit and spend the day"
Raykay Jordan
"A beautiful, family-friendly beach perfect for relaxation and play. You can enjoy a long walk stretching nearly 750 meters or more inside the beach, making it ideal for strolling and exploring. While not the best spot for swimming, the non waving and sandy stretch make it safe and fun for kids."
Karthikheyan Somasundaram
"A different kind of beach where we can walk at least 300 meters into the lake . Still the water height will be below our knees .
My young one enjoyed a lot . I would say it's a kids friendly beach as they would be able to play safely.
Water is good but since it's a sandy ( kind of powder sand ) beach , it's is to get the water looks muddy .
The parking is little costly. But I could see that if you visit grotto 1st and display grotto parking tickets , the singing sand parking is free ( we did pay and this info is from someone around there , need to reconfirm)"
Johnychayan J
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Singing Sands Beach is located off Dorcas Bay Road near Tobermory. It's a scenic drive from the main town. Many visitors combine a trip here with The Grotto, which is across the road.
Yes, Singing Sands Beach is a part of Bruce Peninsula National Park, offering beautiful natural surroundings.
Driving is the most common way to reach Singing Sands Beach. Parking is available on-site, but it's first-come, first-served and can be costly.
While it's accessible by road, walking from Tobermory town center would be a significant distance. Driving is recommended.
Public transport options directly to Singing Sands Beach are very limited. It's best to have your own vehicle or arrange a taxi/shuttle service if available.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, parking is typically charged on a first-come, first-served basis. Some visitors have noted that displaying a parking ticket from The Grotto might grant free entry to Singing Sands parking, but this should be reconfirmed.
The primary cost is for parking. Access to the beach and boardwalk trail is generally included with parking or park entry if you're visiting other parts of Bruce Peninsula National Park.
As a natural beach area within a national park, it's generally accessible during daylight hours. Specific facility hours (like washrooms) may vary seasonally.
Advance ticket purchases are typically for attractions like The Grotto. For Singing Sands Beach, parking is usually paid on arrival. It's advisable to check the Parks Canada website for the most current information.
If the parking lot is full, you may have to wait for a spot to open up or consider visiting at a different time. Arriving early, especially during peak season, is recommended.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Singing Sands Beach is famous for its incredibly shallow waters, allowing you to walk far out into Lake Huron with water only reaching your knees. It's also known for its soft, sandy shore and a pleasant boardwalk trail.
While the water is warm and clear, it's extremely shallow, making it less ideal for traditional swimming but perfect for wading and playing, especially for children.
Yes, the beach offers picnic amenities, washrooms, and a pipe for washing sand off your feet.
The boardwalk trail is beautiful and well-maintained, offering a lovely walk through the natural surroundings adjacent to the beach.
Typically, pets are not allowed on designated swimming beaches within national parks to protect the environment and other visitors. It's best to check Parks Canada regulations for specific rules.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the unique shallow water stretching out into Lake Huron, the soft sandy shores, and the scenic boardwalk trail. The clear water and expansive views offer great photographic potential.
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, with softer shadows and warmer tones. The calm waters can also be very photogenic during these times.
The end of the boardwalk trail offers a slightly elevated perspective. Walking out into the shallow water itself provides unique angles looking back towards the shore.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive beach and water. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare on the water's surface.
Drone usage is strictly regulated in national parks. You must adhere to Parks Canada's drone policy, which often requires permits and restricts flights in sensitive areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the water, the soft sand is perfect for building sandcastles, and the nearby boardwalk trail offers a gentle walk through nature. With washrooms and picnic facilities available, it's an ideal spot for a full day of family fun and relaxation. Just be prepared for the parking situation, as it's first-come, first-served.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Beyond parking, the beach itself offers free access to its unique shallow waters and the scenic boardwalk trail. Packing your own snacks and drinks will also help keep costs down, making it an affordable natural attraction in the Tobermory area.
📸 Photographers
For the best light, aim for early mornings or late afternoons. The clear, calm water can be particularly mesmerizing during these golden hours. Don't forget to explore the boardwalk for different perspectives and capture the natural beauty of the surrounding environment.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Unique Shallow Waters
While not ideal for traditional swimming, the warm, clear water is perfect for wading, splashing, and enjoying the serene lake. The sandy bottom, though sometimes appearing a bit muddy due to the fine sand, is soft underfoot. This feature is a major draw for visitors seeking a relaxed beach experience focused on gentle water activities.
This distinct feature is often highlighted in social media content, with creators showcasing the vast expanse of shallow water. It's a visual spectacle that sets Singing Sands apart from other Great Lakes beaches.
Exploring the Boardwalk Trail
The trail is relatively easy to navigate, making it accessible for most visitors. It offers a different perspective of the area, with opportunities for quiet contemplation and enjoying the fresh air. Many visitors appreciate this addition as it enhances the overall experience of visiting the beach.
This trail is often mentioned as a pleasant surprise by visitors who come primarily for the beach. It adds value to the visit, offering a bit of light hiking and nature immersion without requiring extensive effort.



Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit