What can I say, it's my favourite beach in Canada! Beautiful sand, clean water, and the sunsets are the best! Parking on the beach some years costs $, sometimes it's free. The local Indian band owns the south end.
You need to arrive early to get prime parking right on the beach. We found the free parking area, which was directly between the 20.00 parking area and the 5 dollar parking area. That was a bit confusing. Signage could have been better. We happened to be there the day after a big sand sculpure competition, so it was fun walking around and "judging" them for ourselves. There was a blue building with public washrooms right across the street, but again signage would have helped. The people beside us were obviously regulars at this beach and had brought along a hoe and a rake to even out the large holes in the sand from the previous day's beach goers and hole diggers to china. Happily they lent us their tools, so we were able to even out our plot of sand and enjoy the beach on a level playing field :)
Everyone seems to go to the part of the beach that's downtown, but you can access it via walkways from the road far from the busy area. And parking is free these days, except in part of the beach. You can drive on much of it. The only drive-on beach in Ontario, as far as I know. (Turn right at the main gate on main street and it's free of charge; turn left by the little booth and you pay a fee but it will be less crowded there.)We visit every year. There is no shade anywhere so bring beach umbrellas or something to create some shade. VERY quiet by mid September, with many businesses open only on weekends but booming during warmer months.
It was a chilly and mostly cloudy day when we visited, but we spent some time walking through the shops and getting something to eat. I could tell that this is quite the hot spot on a hot summer day. Very beautiful area!
Park for free along the road that is up against the beach's edge. Sand is powdery and light in colour. Water is clear and cool. Be brave, wade it and get under. You will feel great. Some waves are warm and others are cool. The beach can be very busy but we had no trouble finding a spot. It's really lovely. Go to "Two Chicks" eatery for good vegetarian chilli and lots of other good eats.
We were in sauble for a few days this week 19-22 of august, most of the days were rainy and cold and parking on the beach was not an issue, however today we went for a bit before coming home and noticed someone sitting on a lawn chair by their vehicle with a sign that said $10.00 to park. So on the rain/cold days it's free - but on the nice sunny about to be weekend days some shady person just sets up shop and essentially steals from people who aren't aware that beach access is now free. I am not sure what was up with that, but we just parked on the street and walked over to the beach to enjoy our last day. This issue and also the sauble beach amusements not being open for the second year in a row makes me want to take my money elsewhere.
We went to Sauble Beach 2 years in a row. Last summer we wanted to try another beach so we went to Grand Bend. Not worth it. We are returning to Sauble this summer and we are looking forward to it. The beach is shallow. Very good for small kids. The beach is clean (no cigarettes or litter). There are swings on the beach. Restaurants close by. Music and car show in the evening. Nice sunsets. The best beach in Ontario.
It rained the entire time we were there but still enjoyable. We stayed at Sauble Falls provincial park, not the best but it's descent enough. Staff are a bit unfriendly. The water fall area is nice and the park is well kept... reasonable rates for paddle boat or canoe rentals to travel up the river on. The beach in town is pretty nice but the water was very cold. The local shops are pretty cute. There is a Mexican food bus in town - amazing food! Sand is nice and the water is clear... what more could you want?
....but not actually being there. Our family loved this laid-back beachtown----the vastness of the beach (2nd longest freshwater beach in the world), the town's laid-back atmosphere, and the fact that you can ride bikes ON the beach for miles (can't do that on any of the Lake Michigan beaches that i know of)..... Lake Huron was pretty clear the day we were there..... It's worth mentioning, if you prefer dry, soft sand, Sauble (and Wasaga) beach isn't for you---the sand is very fine, but hardpacked, especially if it's been raining....thus, our ability to ride on the sand. But of you're OK with it, this beach is definitely worth visiting! Bring your bikes!!
i go once or twice a year, always in the summer. always with the family sometimes if i go more then once ill take a second trip with friends. For young groups of friends 19-27 their are affordable campsites with a great fun party atmospher everyone on the sites talk to each other and become friends its great. The main strip has lots of cool lil shops with things for everyone. When i go with family we rent cottages closer to the beach then the campsites. The main areas are very family friendly while still having a cool fun beach town vibe. The beach itself is beatiful , super clean.