The other day I had a lull in my schedule. I could have napped, watched tv, doom scrolled, or worked on other projects.

But, then I remembered where I live and how I’m literally situated within minutes of several lakes and beaches.

So we got ready, even scooped up my nephew on the way, and headed to Hutcheson Beach in Huntsville (on Lake Vernon) for a couple of hours of sun tanning and swimming. It has a playground, pavilion with picnic benches, and a decent mount of space.

Pro tip for Hutcheson Beach: Go early and secure a spot at the farthest end away from the entrance. I find that tends to attract a younger crowd in their late teens to mid-20s, and they may be drinking or toking, but they’re a lot more easy going and chill to be around.

This day was a lot slower than normal, the lake was refreshing and rejuvenating, and it helped give me the peaceful break needed to deal with the rest of a busy day.

I greatly recommend doing something similar if you get the chance. I know pools are great for cooling down, but being beside a natural body of water has healing effects. I only wish I lived near an ocean – salt water cures everything (hehehehe).

Since we’re on the topic of beaches and lakes to swim in, I have to admit, I have some favourite hidden gems that I don’t like to share too publicly (sorry readers).

However, I will let you on the fact that some of our provincial parks on Ontario have wonderful beaches to enjoy.

Arrowhead Lake beaches (there are two areas) at Arrowhead Provincial Park and the beach area at Mara Provincial Park in Orillia (Lake Simcoe) are lovely places to visit.

Now, they can get a little busy since many people are camping or have annual passes like our family, but on those mid-week visits, it’s quite enjoyable.

Mew Lake in Algonquin Park was fun too, but I got eaten alive by blackflies and mosquitoes a couple summers ago when we met up with friends who were camping there.

Other beaches (not on the secret list) I do enjoy visiting on occasion include Dwight Beach (in Dwight Bay on Lake of Bays) and the Penn Lake Beach and Boat Launch near Hillside (on Peninsula Lake), the Port Sydney beach (on Mary Lake), and in a pinch the beach at Hanna Park in Port Carling (on Mirror Lake).

Hanna Park is also home to the Port Carling Farmers Market and has a decent playground for the kids.

That last one is part of a stretch of waterways that connect Lake Muskoka and Lake Rosseau.

Those are some beaches that are relatively well known, but still quite enjoyable to visit with your favourite people. Each offers a nice lake to swim in, clean sand, and easy accessibility.

Sorry that I can’t share all the secret gems, but there are some places you have to find for yourselves.

That’s it for me! Ciao for Now!