big sandy bay conservation area

Yes, it is wonderful that it is not commercialized at all! You can not buy a thing once you enter, so yes bring drinks and snacks! It is a bit of a walk to get to the beach, but not difficult terrain and shady.We just love relaxing on the beach, long walks and beautiful swimming! Also note that there isn't a lot of shady areas so bring shade with you!

I don't know what some of these people are thinking. This is a NATURAL beach! ! It's not Coney Island or some park where they have bathrooms and snack bars and all the hoopla. It is a remote natural beach unchanged since millennia. If you can't hack it and like being shoulder to shoulder with other people then go to Sandbanks. Frankly I prefer solitude.

I cannot believe that we paid $9 each to walk 1.5km to get to a beach with 2 inches of green sludge/algae floating on top of the water. Not to mention, the rocky beach was only 4 feet wide and crawling with flies. Very disappointing.

Contrary to reviews,loved an island with nothing to do. The car ferry made up for it and undisturbed areas and slowly updated shops made it something different to explore. The sandy beach area was nice but since we came in the summer, was a little steep. Nearly $10 per person. And we just wanted to stroll around and not swim.

We always visit this place in the fall - when there is no charge to visit the beach. We love walking along the beach - taking in the scenery. The views are amazing plus in the fall there are no crowds. You can walk and walk for hours so it is a great place to get exercise. When you are waling along the beach, you would never guess you were so close to Kingston - You can't see the city from the beach.

It's true, you do have to walk 1.5 km to this secluded beach, but it is worth every step. We rode our bikes from Marysville along Highway 95, turned right on Reed's Bay Rd, and followed the signs until we reached the conservation area. As instructed, we left our bikes at the entrance to the path and walked to Big Sandy Bay. If you travel light, the walk is pleasant with enough shade to keep you cool. At the trailhead, we turned left and walked for 10 or 15 minutes until we saw a lookout up in the dunes. We ate at this lookout and watched ducks and herons in the bay, and shooed away dragonflies. The water was cool in early September, but we waded in the water for 20 minutes or more and others went in for a dip. We left the beach reluctantly, and promised ourselves we'd come back again next year.Tip: Bring food and water, but leave the heavy cooler at home.

I come here every summer at least 2x... such a nice switch up compared to sandbanks and a lot closer! saves on gas and a much quieter nicer area to hang out at !

First of all, where do they get off charging $9 per person? No discount for seniors or handicapped persons. The price is outrageous compared to provincial and state parks, and you get nothing for your money. Only 1 outhouse. No running water, no change rooms, snack shop, or life guard.You have to walk at least 1.3 km each way from the parking lot to the beach itself. If you are unable to walk it, you can rent a wheelchair or wagon. That is a long way to push a wheel chair and just for ordinary persons to walk carrying a lawn chair, towel, backpack, etc. At most beaches I make multiple trips carrying stuff for my sickly family members. With this distance, it was impossible.I don't get why they can't make a 1 way road to loop through the area and have a drop off point, or use their golf carts or something similar to drop people off, for that price!

By far one of my favourite beaches in the world. If only the walk through the swamp was shorter! The beach was long for a nice walk, the sand was clean, garbage was non-existent to minimal and the staff at the gatehouse were friendly.

We are soon to be full time residents of Wolfe Island and took our second trip to Big Sandy Bay this month. The beach itself is not overly long or wide, but clean, quiet and perfect for a family trip to the beach.There is a fee to enter the beach as there is a conservation area which requires protection. On our first visit we walked the beach and followed the trail to the platform that overlooked the marshy areas and ponds. It is worth preserving and the price of admission is money well spent. We purchased a family membership at a great price!Our second trip was simply to cool off from the heat and enjoy the water! While initially chilly, we found the water very refreshing, clean sandy bottom, no rocks and ample room for everyone. There is a bit of a hike in through the greenery - so mosquito repellent is a good thing! Would be a very long and tiring walk for very small children, I suggest bringing a wagon. There is a larger outhouse for changing and as a facility, nothing fancy or fancy smelling, but it serves its purpose.Dogs are allowed on the beach if leashed, which was a nice surprise.We plan to use this beach very frequently since we will soon be Islanders.

There is no development around Big Sandy Bay. A long walk on a clean sandy beach with a fresh breeze off the lake is a relaxing, even healing experience. I always go there when I visit Wolfe Island.

WOW! a beautiful day trip! Wonderful walk, beautiful scenery and the water is to die for! Bring drinks and towels etc....as the walk is 1.3 km each way and there are no stores nearby