Beach Guide: Soak in the summer sun

We all know summer equals beach time. Despite London's fairly dry location (we don't count the Thames as a summer hotspot), it is surrounded by plenty of places to get wet. Here are the Interrobang team's top five hottest beaches and swimming spots for summer daytrips or weekend fun.

GRAND BEND
grandbend.com
A little over an hour's drive northeast of London sits a popular summer hotspot - who hasn't been to Grand Bend? It's a great place for shopping on the strip, people-watching and general summer shenanigans. It also provides a great escape from London with camping and cottages.

PINERY PROVINCIAL PARK
pinerypark.on.ca
The Pinery is a long-standing favourite summer spot because of its beach, 10 hiking trails and 14 km bike trail, not to mention canoeing, kayaking, hydrobiking and fishing. It's also a great place to pitch a tent — camping at the Pinery is always a fun experience.

ST. MARYS QUARRY
tinyurl.com/swimstmarys
This former limestone quarry is now basically a large outdoor swimming pool. Check out it out online for the swimming schedule.

PORT STANLEY
portstanley.ca
A port town on Lake Erie, Port Stanley is home to a fabulous sandy beach, quaint little shops and Mackie's, a beachside restaurant famous for their Orangeade and fries.

JOHN E. PEARCE PROVINCIAL PARK
A picturesque beach surrounded by the sandy cliffs of Lake Erie. Fun fact: the Federation of Canadian Naturists labeled it one of their "clothing optional" places in Ontario, despite the beach's protests that it's not.