*Pictured Above: Crystal Beach
Summer is here! Here is a list of 5 popular Niagara Region beaches to be sure to visit this Summer.
1. Crystal Beach/Bay Beach
Within the town of Fort Erie is this tiny beachfront community. It is named “Crystal Beach” due to being known for its “crystal-clear” water conditions. Summertime is full of cottagers and beach lovers! The beach stretches long and wide and parking can be found free of charge, or with a small fee.
$60 million has been pumped into residential development, on the location of the former waterfront amusement park (1888-1989) and over $4 million into public spaces.
Crystal Beach has antique markets, plenty of dining, nightlife, and convenience markets.
Directions:
Getting to Crystal Beach from Buffalo: Cross at the Peace Bridge. Exit QEW at Thompson Road exit. At second lights (Garrison Road/HWY 3) veer right. Follow Garrison Road/Hwy 3 to Gorham Road. Turn left onto Gorham Road. Follow Gorham Road (which becomes Ridgeway Road) to Erie Road. Turn Right on Erie Road. Public Beach is located on the left.
Getting to Crystal Beach from Toronto: Take the QEW toward Niagara Falls. At Niagara Falls continue on the QEW toward Fort Erie/Buffalo. Exit the QEW at Sodom Road. Follow Sodom Road (which becomes Gorham Road, which then becomes Ridgeway Road until you reach Erie Road. Turn Right on Erie Road. Public Beach is located on the left.
2. Lakeside Beach/Port Dalhousie Beach
Lakeside Beach is located within Port Dalhousie, a small town within the city of St.Catharines. This is one of the more popular Niagara Region beaches. Parking is free and just moments from the beach. Bring a picnic basket, check out the boats docked by the pier, take a stroll, and you can participate in some beach volleyball. Great for kids as well, Lakeside Park still has the original “Looff Carousel”, still for only 5 cents!
There are restaurants just a stone’s throw away, as well as ice cream parlours and specialty stores.
Address: 1 Lakeport Rd., Port Dalhousie
Directions:
From Niagara or Buffalo: Take the QEW to exit 47, Ontario Street, St. Catharines, left on Ontario Street towards Lake Ontario, away from downtown, left on Lakeport Road at lights, follow Lakeport Road over bridge, veer right at traffic lights towards beach.
From Toronto: Take the QEW to exit 51, Seventh Street, St. Catharines, turn left onto Seventh Street to Lakeshore Road, turn right onto Lakeshore Road which will become Main Street, follow the signage to Port Dalhousie.
3. Nickel Beach
Located in Port Colborne, for $10 you can drive your car right onto the beach here. The Lake Erie water meets more than a mile of white sand, which offers great windsurfing, swimming and sunbathing. There are plenty of areas to picnic, along with rest room facilities and volleyball courts.
Address: 69 Lake Rd., Port Colborne
Directions:
From Toronto: Get on Gardiner Expy West, take Queen Elizabeth Way/QEW and ON-406 S to East Main St in Welland, take ON-140 S and Welland St to Lake Rd in Port Colborne.
From Buffalo: Take Delaware Ave to Church St., take Garrison Rd and ON-3 to Killaly St East in Port Colborne, Canada, continue on Killaly St East, drive to Lake Rd.
4. Long Beach Conservation Area
Located in Wainfleet, Long Beach has a small admission fee is required for entry. It features a beautiful sandy beach, with plenty of room to stretch out and enjoy summer. Great for families, you can fish, and enjoy a picnic while the children swim or play on the playground. The abundant beach shoreline is Long Beach’s main attraction.
Address: 12965 Lakeshore Road, Wainfleet
5. Grimsby Beach
Grimsby Beach is a perfect place for boating, fishing, walking, and beach volleyball. You’ll find some cute and crazy colourful cottage homes in this area as well to view. It’s a private little oasis to enjoy.
Directions to Grimsby Beach
Take the QEW Niagara to Grimsby. Exit at Bartlett Avenue North. Left on Lake Street. Right on Third Street. Public parking at Bell Park and Temple Lane or turn left at Grand Avenue from Lake Street and park at the Grimsby Beach Community Hall.
