Waterfront and Boat Launches

Enjoy trails, parks and sandy beaches along Clarington's waterfront. We have approximately 30 kilometres of waterfront you can enjoy along Lake Ontario, with public access available from eight locations.

  • Courtice Road at Lake Ontario (east side), Courtice
  • Around 1.3 kilometres of paved trail with magnificent views of Lake Ontario. This trail is on top of a bluff, so there is no access to the water's edge.

  • 43 West Beach Road, Bowmanville
  • Waterfront Park has a sand beach and a parking area. A beach access mat is provided during the summer months to provide barrier-free access to the waterfront.

  • 285 West Beach Road, Bowmanville
    Located on Bowmanville Creek next to Dave Boyd Memorial Dog Park. View map

  • 54 East Beach Road, Bowmanville
  • Waterfront Park with a water play area, nautical-themed playground, washroom building, walkways, shade structure, small beach and parking area.

  • 421 Lakebreeze Drive, Newcastle
  • Around one kilometre of paved trail with seating areas. This trail is on top of a bluff, so there is no access to the water's edge.

  • Toronto Street at Lake Ontario, Newcastle
  • This 77-hectare nature area contains trails, viewing platforms, interpretive signs and two parking areas. The west parking lot is at the south end of Cobbledick Road. The east parking lot is closer to the lake at the south end of Toronto Street.

  • 5 Mill Street South, Newcastle (Intersection of Mill Street South and Boulton Street)
  • This park features a boat launch on the corner of Mill Street South and Boulton Street, Newcastle
    Located on the Graham Creek just north of the lake View map
  • Small parking area with five trailer spots.

  • 3605 Lakeshore Road, Newcastle
  • Small gravel parking area next to the lake.

The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail connects and celebrates the world's largest group of freshwater lakes. 

Life-jacket lending program

Stay safe around the water with Clarington’s Life-jacket Lending Program! You can now borrow life-jackets from the Courtice Library for up to seven days with a Clarington Library, Museums & Archives card, making it easier for individuals and families to safely enjoy swimming, boating, and other water activities. 
 
The program runs from the May long weekend to Thanksgiving weekend, with life-jackets available in a full range of sizes, including: 

  • Infant vest (20 to 30 lb.) 
  • Child vest (30 to 60 lb.)  
  • Junior/youth vest (60 to 90 lb.) 
  • XXS/XS adult vest  
  • S/M adult vest  
  • L/XL adult vest 
  • XXL/XXXL adult vest 

Life-jackets are free to borrow and are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Courtice Library only, during regular hours. Quantities are limited. Don’t have a library card? It’s free and easy to get

Life-jackets help prevent drowning  

Drowning remains one of the leading causes of accidental death in Canada, particularly among children and recreational boaters. Operated in partnership with Clarington Library, Museums & Archives, this program aims to remove barriers to water safety, so everyone can stay safe and enjoy water activities.