5 Swimming Spots You Have to Visit Outside of Brampton

Published February 22, 2019 at 6:24 pm

There’s something special about heading out to a quarry, a lake, a swimming hole, or even a waterfall for a day away from Brampton. 

As the weather gets warmer, one question is on everyone’s minds: where can I go to cool off? While Brampton has its own options, if you’re looking for a chance to get away from the city, go somewhere a little more secluded, and swim and tan the day away, one of these swimming spots might be a good option. 

Here are five swimming spots you have to check out outside of Brampton, in no particular order.


5) Innerkip Quarry

Just over an hour away and east of Nipissing, Innerkip Quarry is located at Trout Lake and boasts swimming, family camping, and even scuba diving! That’s right, you can scuba dive in a 30-foot deep underwater playground. The site managers have actually sunk a few wrecks in the manmade swimming area over the years, so you can go exploring. Best for experienced swimmers!

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4) Valens Lake

Located not too far away in the Hamilton area, Valens Lake Conservation area is open seven days a week from sunrise to sunset. Boasting a “northern feel without the drive” according to Conservation Hamilton, this place spans a whopping 300-hectares and while it’s great for people who love the outdoors in general, a highlight here is the swimming! There’s a sandy beach to enjoy alongside the swimming area, and a beach store where you can grab assorted treats, too. Remember that Valens Lake doesn’t have lifeguards on duty, so it’s better for the experienced swimmer.

No words at all, really

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3) St. Mary’s Quarry

A little further about a two-hour drive from the city, St. Mary’s Quarry is located in the quaint town of St. Mary’s, and it’s actually Canada’s largest outdoor freshwater swimming pool. St. Mary’s Quarry has been around since the 1930s. Subject to water levels, there’s a lot you can do on the water here – from cliff jumping, to jumping on a water trampoline, to paddleboarding, and more! 


2) The Grotto

If you’re willing to take a three-and-a-half hour road trip (why not?!) the Grotto is a stunning attraction at Bruce Peninsula Park in Tobermory that you need to see. It’s Bruce County’s most popular attraction, located along the Georgian Bay shoreline. What exactly is the Grotto? It’s a stunning expanse including Indian Head Cove, a cave with a clear blue pool of water inside, and it can get incredibly busy in the summer months. Keep in mind that you do have to hike for about half an hour from Cyprus Lake to get to the Grotto, so it’ll be a real treat when you find it. 

The Grotto at Tobermory. Amazing. #iwillreturn #iwillbringfriends #thegrottotobermory

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1) Elora Quarry

First and foremost, Elora Quarry is opening sometime in mid-June 2018 due to weather conditions, so if you’re planning to make a trip, you’ll want to hold off until then. Surrounded by cliffs up to 40 feet high, the main attraction here is the massive two-acre tall cliff. Complete with an abundance of trees, a sandy beach area, and of course, an expanse of water for an epic swimming trip, this might just be the can’t-miss swimming spot for your summer this year. Elora Quarry is featured in our cover photo.

#canada #ontario #eloraquarry

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Cover photo courtesy of Funtours.ca

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