a South Shore beach.

The couple, from Calgary, Alberta, were confronted by the man as they got off their bikes at Horseshoe Beach car park in Southampton.

The man, who was wearing a stocking over his head and carrying an axe, demanded money from the pair, who are in their 20s. They told him they only had traveller's cheques and credit cards.

During this time, another female visitor appeared and the would-be robber fled into nearby trees.

He was described as brown-skinned, about five feet, 11 inches to six feet tall, of thin build, and wearing loose-fitting, light beige and brown T-shirt, and solid beige or gray pants.