Our snazzy new Swim Guide lets you locate beaches near you, figure out which ones are safe for swimming (the green ones!), and plan your next trip to the beach. It’s free, and it’s fun, and it’s available now online, iPhone/iPad/iPod Touch and Android devices.

Beavermead: Beavermead Park provides access to Little Lake. Canada’s first Prime Minister, Sir John A. MacDonald, once owned the parklands. Its name comes from the Beaver and Meades Creeks, which flow through the park and campground in the heart of Peterborough. There are washroom and change room facilities along with ample parking here.

Chandos: Chandos Beach is a sandy beach equipped with washrooms, a boat launch, and a roped off swim area. Swimming lessons are available at this beach during the months of July and August.

Curve Lake: Curve Lake Pow Wow Beach is located on the Curve Lake First Nations reserve. The Curve Lake First Nations hosts an annual powwow in the fall, bringing together Natives and Non-Natives for drumming, dancing, feasting, and giving thanks. There is a walking trail here along with a free parking lot.

Douro: Located in scenic Douro Park, Douro Beach offers outdoor recreation for the whole family. There is an unsupervised swimming area, picnic tables and shelters, a boat launch, and a parking area at this beach. Nearby are ball diamonds, soccer pitches, basketball courts, and playgrounds for the active ones.

Ennismore: Ennismore Beach, located on the shores of Chemong Lake, is equipped with a large picnic area and a pavilion. Take a walk on the beautiful Ennismore Heritage Trail, or enjoy the sun on this sandy beach. There is ample parking at this location.

Hiawatha: Hiawatha is a beautiful groomed beach, excellent for swimming. There are several kilometers of walking and biking trails along the shoreline of Rice Lake.

Jones Beach: Jones Beach is a small, sandy beach. There is a gentle slope into deeper water, perfect for swimming, and a platform from which swimmers can jump into the warm lake. The beach is located on Chemung Lake (also spelled “Chemong”). It is part of the Kawartha Lakes and the Trent-Severn Waterway systems.

Lakefield: Located within Lakefield Park & Campground, Lakefield Beach is a sandy beach offering boat rentals, fishing, bird observation and more. Bring your pets along for a day in the sun.

Norwood: Norwood Beach is a quaint spot where visitors can sit, relax, and enjoy the view of Mill Pond. A group of residents, students, and government agencies have been planting native trees and shrubs to restore the area.

Quarry Bay: Quarry Bay Beach is sandy swim-only beach. Swimming lessons are offered at this beach in the month of July. It is equipped with public washrooms.

Rogers Cove: Rogers Cove Beach is great for swimming. Parking is available, and the beach is accessible by bus. There is a playground on-site for your kids and a buoy system to denote deeper waters.

Sandy Beach: Sandy Beach boasts clear blue, shallow waters for swimming in Lake Simcoe. This beach is a far trek from town, making it the perfect relaxing getaway destination.

Selwyn: Part of the Selwyn Conservation Area, the gently sloping sandy Selwyn Beach provides excellent swimming opportunities. BBQs, picnic tables, and picnic shelters are available close to the beach area. A long nature trail gives visitors the chance to explore a variety of wildlife.

Serpent Mounds: Serpent Mound Beach is close to 2000 year-old prehistoric Native burial mounds on the shoreline of Rice Lake. If you are interested in visiting the Mounds, check with the park first: they may be closed for renovations and upgrades in 2011. Camping, picnic shelters, fishing, and boating are all available nearby.

Squirrel Creek: Squirrel Creek Beach is an excellent place for swimming on a hot summer day. A grassy picnic area is located right next to the beach with shelters and large trees, which provide good shade. A boat launch is available at this beach.

Warsaw Caves: Warsaw Caves Beach offers a shallow waterfront area suitable for kids, and some deeper areas perfect for swimming in the sun-warmed water. There are BBQs available and a picnic shelter that can be used for minimal cost. There is a separate parking lot for the beach area, containing washrooms and change rooms. Don’t forget to explore the many caves located within the conservation area.