Two decades. That’s how long I’ve been returning to Grand Bend Beach. Nestled on the coast of Lake Huron in Ontario’s Southwest, it’s one of 27 Blue Flag beaches across Canada (which basically means it has exceptional water quality, is accessible and meets strict environmental standards amongst other international criteria). Only 1.5 hrs drive from my hometown of Kitchener-Waterloo and 2.5 hrs from Toronto, Grand Bend has always been one of my favourite weekend escapes…
Think: epic sunsets, family-owned shops, breezy lake-side concerts, a wide range of water sports (from parasailing to paddleboarding) and a blossoming food scene. I frequently get asked for Grand Bend recos so I’ve pulled together a little guide below to highlight some of my fave spots. Hope it inspires you to visit and explore the beaut beach town!
Photo c/o Ontario’s Southwest.
What To Do In And Around Grand Bend
Wine Tasting At Dark Horse Estate Winery – Soooo I must’ve been living under a rock because I had no idea that Grand Bend has a winery! And a spectacular one with over 20 acres of land and 22 000 vines. Not only is the estate gorgeous, but they produce some amazing wine and have a brand new restaurant onsite called Barrel Bistro. We were the first people to try their brunch menu and had such a fantastic meal (the Smoked Shortrib Hash is a must). Make sure to give yourself plenty of time to lounge on their patio and frolic through the vineyard…
Photo c/o Krystle.
Photo c/o Krystle.
Free Outdoor Concerts – Summer Sunset Sounds at the main beach is one of my fave things to do on a summer’s eve in Grand Bend. It’s where you’ll find many locals gathered on Sundays/holiday Mondays as the sun dips below the horizon…
Photo c/o Ontario’s Southwest.
Boat Ride With Xtreme Watersports – I’ve been on jet boat charters with these guys several times now and it’s always a blast! The vessel seats up to 10 adults and costs $240/hr. Money well spent since you’ll get incredible views of the coastline and have a chance to do some water skiing, wake boarding, fishing or tubing if you want!
Photo c/o Nick at Xtreme Watersports using Lauren‘s camera.
Grand Bend Parasail – A change of perspective. Soar 1000 feet in the air over Lake Huron with the cutest smiley face parachute. Don’t worry, you don’t have to get wet — just let the crew know if you want a dip or not! Oh, and go with friends/family — you can fly with up to three people and those who aren’t feeling up to the challenge can tag along as “observers.”
Pinery Provincial Park – Only a 10-15 min drive from Grand Bend, you definitely don’t want to miss out on this beautiful park. Boasting over 10 kms of sandy beaches and a sunset worth waiting for (really: National Geographic rated it top 10 in the world), the park is home to extremely rare Oak Savanna and Coastal Dune ecosystems.
Photo c/o Ontario’s Southwest.
If you’re a nature-lover like me, you’ll want to spend a full day hiking/biking/driving through the park to take in all the biodiversity — over 800 plants and 300 bird species await! And of course, give yourself time to explore all the different beaches…
Photo c/o Ontario’s Southwest.
Twin Pines Orchards – Sip on award-winning cider in the tasting room at this family-owned estate. The Vansteenkiste family works incredibly hard to produce some of the best cider in the province and you can truly taste it in each bottle. I’m a huge fan of their Hammer Bent Red. Make sure to give yourself time to wander through their lush orchards (they grow over a million pounds and 35 varieties of apples alone), snap a few photos and grab some preserves/pies to take home!
Explore Grand Bend By Foot – Every time I visit Grand Bend, I find a new little nook I never noticed before. While most people just park in the mail lot and grab a spot on the beach, I highly encourage you to walk around and explore the area. You’ll be surprised at how tranquil it is just minutes away from the strip…
Photo c/o Lauren.
Where To Eat In Grand Bend
Midori Sushi – Swings. Sushi. Patio. Cocktails. Not sure it can get any better than this combo. Love that Midori started out as a small takeout joint and has grown so much over the years as a result of the owner’s vision, passion and positive vibes (fun fact: Tina was awarded the Chamber of Commerce Entrepreneur of the Year). I have high standards for sushi and am often disappointed in small towns, but this place is doing it right. Order the Dragon Roll and drink like a Grand Bend local with a gin and pineapple cocktail. And don’t leave without a photo on their cute swings!
Smackwater Jacks Taphouse – If you’re looking for a resto off the main strip where you can take in the beaut sunset while sipping on cocktails and nibbling on delish bites, head to Smackwater Jacks. I recommend ordering the Perch Tacos — they get the fish fresh from their neighbours! Oh, and call ahead to book their FREE round-trip shuttle service so whoever is driving in your group can have the night off and enjoy a few bevvies.
Sunset view from Smackwater Jacks.
I’m a big fan of the Ginger Snap cocktail in the centre.
Juuust before I devoured my perch tacos. Photo c/o Krystle.
Schoolhouse Restaurant – Yup, it was once a schoolhouse (dating back to 1874) and is now the cutest little spot for brunch. Everything is made from scratch here so you really can’t go wrong with anything on the menu. The space is really interesting so make sure to take a close look at all the decor — especially the “1915 rules for teachers” or list of “punishments.” Gulp, I’m glad times have changed…
Highway Girl – If you want to eat well in Grand Bend or if you/your crew have any dietary restrictions, bookmark this café. The owner, Rebecca Towns, is a mom of six children who all have food sensitivities so the goal of opening a place where everyone can eat quality, nourishing food was a personal one. I’m happy to report that you’ll find more than just salad here — she serves up everything from homemade dips and vegan cheese to locally-sourced grains and meats. Oh, and the coffee not only the best in Grand Bend, but is organically-grown and ethically-traded. She also sells all kinds of locally-crafted goodies in her store…
Where To Stay In Grand Bend
Oakwood Resort – A dream turned reality. This historic property has been around since 1922 (purchased by Clayton McPherson Walker who saw its potential) and is now a family owned and operated resort in Grand Bend. Surrounded by towering trees and steps away from Lake Huron, it’s the perfect place for a relaxing getaway. The layout and design of the property, including the cottages and wood-infused interiors, had me feeling like I was at adult summer camp! My favourite feature? Access to a private beach. But there’s lots to love about the sprawling resort: eighteen-hole golf course, indoor pool, tennis courts, spa etc. etc. If you’re thinking of staying here make sure to book your room far in advance as this is a place many return to time and time again.
Photo c/o Krystle.
Private beach + friends + sunshine + fresh fruit = happiness. Photo c/o Krystle.
A huge thanks to Ontario’s Southwest and Ontario’s Blue Coast for hosting us on this press trip. As always, reviews and opinions are my own. I love Grand Bend and hope you guys get a chance to swim in the crystal clear lake, watch the epic sunsets and feast at all the great local restos soon!
2 Comments
Diana Becevello
August 3, 2018 at 2:58 pmLoved our getaway. Can’t get over how gorgeous the beaches are.
Solmaz
August 4, 2018 at 8:58 pmI know right?! I really do hope you can return for a sunset & a few swims!