Friends of Sandbanks Park

Got a Question?

How do I reserve a campsite?

• The Friends of Sandbanks Park do not make reservations for campsites! Please use the Park Reservation site for all campsite bookings.

What type of camping is available at Sandbanks?

• Individual campsites
• Group campsites
• RV Campsites
• Two historic houses/cottages

Is the Park full? Are the beaches open? Is there a lineup to get in?

• Check the Park Twitteer Feed for the most up-to-date information...

Can I bring my pets?

• Yes... but all pets must be on a leash of no more than 2 metres (6 feet) at all times.
• There are two pet-friendly areas, one at the south end of Sandbanks Beach, the other at the mouth of the Outlet River.

Can I bring my own firewood?

• No. The Canadian Forest Service is monitoring the spread of the Emerald Ash Borer which is killing hardwood trees in the Sandbanks area. Bringing in firewood from infected areas is prohibited.
• You can purchase firewood either at the Sandbanks Woodyard by the Outlet River, at Currah's, or at a number of commercial vendors near the Park. The Woodyard charges $7.50 for firewood and $5.50 for kindling.

Can I use any wood lying aound the Park for my campfires?

• No. Many animals live in and feed on dead and decaying wood. The wood itself breaks down, returning valuable nutrients to Sandbanks' sandy nutrient-poor soils. Even small sticks are important!
  
  Removal of dead wood is a chargeable offence.

Is the water safe for swimming?

• Water is analyzed weekly at several locations along the beaches. If any bacterial issues are found, then the beach will be visibly posted, It's unusual that all three beaches would be posted at the same time. Visitors are encouraged to explore the Park's many other attractions, such as trails and bicycle paths.
• In 2017, the Outlet Beach was awarded the prestigious Blue Flag designation for achieving high standards in 33 criteria including water quality, environmental education, environmental management, safety and services.

Can I bring my bicycle?

• Bicycles are allowed on Park roads, the Woodlands Trail, the Lakeview Trail and the MacDonald Trail.
• The Friends have purchased bicycle racks throughout the Park to encourage less motorized traffic.
• Please be especially careful when driving along County Road 12, as the older sections have no shoulder, and traffic can often be very busy during the summer.

Where can I rent a bicycle in the County?

• Bloomfield Bicycle Company
• Ideal Bike, Wellington
• Pedego Prince Edward County, Wellington
• West Lake E-Bikes

Can I use an electric bike/trike on the Park trails?

• Yes. But please be aware of the safety of other trail users, either walking or on pedal-powered bikes.
• Only one, two or three wheeled electric vehicles are permitted on the trails; no four-wheelers. Let me know when you plan to arrive with your electric unicycle... I really want some photos!

Can I ride my FatBike over the dunes?

• No.

What are the regulations for using watercraft at the beach?

• Boats may be launched at the Outlet River Boat Launch
• All personal watercraft must remain at least 400 metres off the beach at all times.

Can I rent a canoe or kayak?

• Yes. The Woodyard within the park on the Outlet Rivers rents canoes, kayaks and paddleboards.

As of July 2021, the Woodyard is open every day between 10h00 and 20h00. Reservations are not required... all rentals are first-come, first-served.

• Pontoon boats and fishing skiffs can be rented at several commercial locations, both on East and West Lakes.

Where can I launch my boat?

• There ia a launch ramp in the Outlet Sector of the Park, and several other locations around West Lake, depending on where you plan to visit.

Can I barbecue on the beach?

• Yes... but only propane. Please respect the comfort of other beach-goers. Charcoal Barbecues are no longer allowed.

Can I use a metal detector in the Park?

• Yes... but you must have a regular park (camping or day use) permit to be in the Park, as well as a letter from the Park Superintendent, allowing you to metal detect in the park (no cost for this).
  
  Any found personal items must be returned to the lost and found at the Park main office to be claimed. If not claimed the finder can request it. Anything found that might be of historical interest/artefact must be provided to Park Staff.

Is there a Lost and Found?

• Any items found in the Park and turned in will be at the Outlet Beach Office, just south of the main entrance.

What does it mean when there's a fire ban?

• Fire bans sometimes occur in late summer when conditions are dry.
• Bans may be full (all open fires prohibited) or partial (fires restricted to evenings) But even during such fire bans, cooking is permitted on barbecues and stoves.
• You will be notified if there is a fire ban in place when you check-in; additionally, signs will be posted throught the Park.

Does the Park supply wheelchairs?

• Yes, the Park has two specially designed beach wheelchairs with large wheels that are ideal for use on the beach sands.
• They can be reserved at the Woodyard on the Outlet River.

How do I find out about Park and Friends activities?

• Weekly event fliers are posted on bulletin boards throughout the Park.
• Many events take place at the Park Amphitheatre
• Major events are listed on the Friends of Sandbanks website. Bookmark our Upcoming Events Page!
• You can subscribe to the Friends of Sandbanks Monthly Information Email.
• Most internal events are free or by donation for campers. If you are a day visitor, you will require a Park Pass, otherwise your vehicle may be ticketed.
  
  
• County and local events can be found in at Prince Edward County Guide, in the local papers, available throughout the County

Where can I get something to eat in the Park?

• Currah's Park Store
• Dunes Beach Snack Bar

Are alcoholic beverages allowed on the beaches?

• No. Alcohol may only be consumed on a registered campsite. There is a total ban on alcohol from May 10 through May 20, 2019.

Where can I buy beer, wine and spirits?

• The closest full-service LCBO is in Picton at 2 Lake Street, the corner of County Road 10 (which leads to the Park) and Picton Main Street.
  The Beer Store is at the other end of town at 412 Main Street East, on Hwy 49 north.
  
  The Tambo One Stop and Snack Bar is the closest outlet, with some beers and wine; it's at 1368 County Road 12 at West Lake.

Does the Park have picnic areas/shelters?

• Yes... these shelters at both the amphitheatre in the Outlet Sector and at Dunes Beach are ideal for family gatherings, and can be reserved in advance.

Is the tap water safe to drink?

• Absolutely. All water from campsite taps is perfectly safe. We encourage visitors to refill reusable containers rather than using commercially available plastic water bottles whose caps end up polluting our beaches and waterways. Look for the Friends' Water Station at events throughout the Park!

How Do I Become A Park Host?

• You don't. Sandbanks Park does not offer that program.

Complaints about washrooms, trash, garbage

• The Park has over 750,000 day-visits per year. Unfortunately, quite a few inconsiderate people insist on leaving their garbage behind, spoiling this beautiful spot for others.
• Park Staff empty trash barrels and maintain beach surfaces daily.
• Instead of complaining, take an empty trash bag on your next walk, and pick up any garbage! Take the higher path!
• Remember the motto "Take only photographs, leave only footprints" and remember that this beautiful Park is a legacy for all Canadians, their children and grandchildren to enjoy.

Can't find the answer to your question?

• Please send us an email. If we don't know the answer, we know who will!
• Visit the main Park Office, or call 613.393.3319
  
  
• Note: The Friends of Sandbanks do not make reservations for campsites! Please use the Park Reservation site for all campsite bookings.