Beaches in Midland
Midland is home to beautiful public beaches that offer opportunities to relax, swim, and enjoy the outdoors. Our beaches are located within municipal parks and are maintained to support a safe, clean, and enjoyable experience for all visitors, in accordance with Town by-laws governing park use, public safety, and environmental protection.
Beach Locations
The Town of Midland maintains three public beaches:
- Little Lake Park Beach, 606 Little Lake Park Road
- Gawley Park Beach, 820 Gawley Drive
- Pete Pettersen Park Beach, 159 Marina Park Avenue
Each beach is located within a municipal park with amenities such as washrooms, picnic areas, and green space.
Beach Maintenance
The Town's Operations team maintains beaches and surrounding parkland regularly during the summer season, including:
- Sand grooming and debris removal
- Waste collection and bin servicing
- Washroom maintenance
- Inspection of park amenities
These activities help ensure parks remain safe, accessible, and enjoyable for all users, consistent with the Town’s responsibility to regulate and maintain public recreational spaces.
Water Quality & Swimming Conditions
Beach water testing and swimming advisories are managed by the Simcoe Muskoka District Health Unit (SMDHU). Conditions can change quickly; always review the SMDHU current beach water advisories before heading to the beach.
If you see a possible blue-green algae bloom, do not swim and report it to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. Incidents can be reported online or by phone.
Lifeguards & Water Safety
- No lifeguards are on duty at Midland beaches.
- Swimming is at your own risk.
- Parents and guardians must closely supervise children at all times.
Stay safe:
- Swim with a buddy.
- Use lifejackets or personal flotation devices.
- Be aware of changing weather and water conditions.
Beach Use Guidelines
All beaches are located within municipal parks and are governed by Town by-laws, including the Parks and Trails By-law, Animal Control By-law; Feeding Geese & Seagulls By-law, and other applicable regulations intended to protect public safety and enjoyment. Permitted activities include:
- swimming and water play*
- picnicking in designated areas
- passive recreation such as walking and relaxing.
*Remember to check for SMDHU beach water advisories before heading to the beach.
Prohibited or Restricted Activities | Parks & Beaches
| Alcohol | Alcohol consumption is not permitted on beaches or in parks unless authorized in accordance with the Town’s Municipal Alcohol Policy and applicable permits. |
|---|---|
| Dogs & Animals | Dogs must be kept on a leash and under control. Owners must immediately clean up after their pets. |
| Feeding Wildlife | Feeding wildlife, including geese and seagulls, is not permitted. Feeding wildlife can create aggressive behaviour, impact water quality, and pose risks to public health and safety. |
| Littering | Littering is prohibited. Please use waste and recycling bins provided or take garbage with you if bins are full. “Leave no trace” practices help protect beach environments and ensure they remain clean for all visitors. |
| Public Nuisance & Behaviour | Disorderly conduct, excessive noise, or activities that interfere with others’ use of the beach or park are not permitted under the Public Nuisance By-law. |
| Fires & Cooking | Barbeques are permitted at beaches and parks. Campfires are not permitted. |
| Camping & Overnight Use | Camping, overnight stays, or temporary shelters are not permitted in parks or beaches unless authorized by the Town, in accordance with the Parks and Trails By-law. |
| Smoking | Smoking is not permitted at beaches or parks. |
If you have concerns with how someone is using a public beach or outdoor space, please report a by-law violation online at the time of occurrence. A By-law Enforcement Officer will attend as soon as possible to investigate the complaint to ensure compliance and may lay charges when appropriate.
Special Events & Permits
A Special Event Application must be submitted for organized activities taking place on municipal property, including beaches, parks, trails, roads, and waterfront areas. Special Events may include festivals, concerts, performances, fundraisers and community events, sporting events, organized gatherings, or activities involving the public. Please refer to Host an Event for more information.