Everyone has their happy place. Mine is the beach. There’s just something about the sound of waves crashing on shore, the sun warming my skin and soft sand between my toes that immediately brings a smile to my face. Ahhh, yes. In my opinion, the beach is the perfect place to unwind and recharge. Something I need to do way more often. But since I don’t live on a tropical island (my friends think I should), I usually wait until my vacations abroad to get my fill of sun, sand and waves. Until now…
Port Stanley Beach, Ontario
This – my friends – is one of the many world-class beaches that await in Southwest Ontario. Nope, not the Caribbean. Ontario. Surprised? Me too. I had no idea that we have Blue Flag Beaches dotting our province (a world-renowned eco-label that’s only awarded when beaches meet a set of stringent criteria, including excellent bathing water quality). And the best part? The ones in Ontario’s Southwest are all less than three hours’ drive from Toronto — woot! Cue angel music. I recently had a chance to experience three Blue Flag Beaches in Southwest Ontario with a group of girlfriends and thought I’d share the gems so you can hopefully get out there and enjoy them too…
1. Port Stanley Beach
Located on Lake Erie’s north shore, this beach has been a Blue Flag Beach since 2010. But what really stood out to me was the vibe of the community; Port Stanley oozes charm with its historic inns, quaint stores and family-run businesses (like the ever-popular Mackie’s). At times I felt like I was on the east coast of Canada — with the dense, morning fog blanketing the harbour, friendly locals and colourful cottages proudly perched on the shore…
Where To Stay: Kettle Creek Inn. Constructed in 1849, the building first became an inn in 1918, but has been significantly restored and expanded since. It’s cozy, friendly and comfortable (owner Jean Vedova will welcome you like a family member). If you’re looking to elevate your experience, book a luxury suite. Oh, and make sure to spend some time relaxing on their tranquil patio…
If you’re booking a room this summer use the promo code WS22 for a discount (details here).
What To Eat/Drink: Order fresh, locally-caught perch wherever and whenever you can in this fishing village. The Lake Erie Perch Tacos at the Windjammer Inn are a must (as are their incredible desserts). Head to Mackie’s for the fries and Orangeade — these guys are an institution and have been around since 1911! Broderick’s Ice Cream Parlour serves up mouthwatering ice cream (over 30 flavours) and is decked out in 50s style decor. Enjoy dinner on the beach at GT’s Beach Bar and Grill (order the Texas Fries and the Perch Tacos). Grab your morning java at the Village Square Coffee House and benefit from the caffeine jolt and the feeling of knowing you helped a small village in Nicaragua (where they source their beans). Support local and feast at The New New Age — the farm-to-table eatery and artisan market is incredibly innovative and serves up delish food and cocktails.
The New New Age.
We all loved the orange pineapple flavour at Broderick’s Ice Cream Parlour.
The Perch Tacos at GT’s Beach Bar and Grill are so fresh and light!
Village Square Coffee House
Mackie’s is right on the beach so it’s a perfect snack after a dip.
The crème brûlée at Windjammer Inn is to-die-for!
What To Do: Take a stroll through town and check out the shops, historic railway, Port Stanley Lift Bridge and marina. Walk along the newly reconstructed Port Stanley Pier. Take a quick road trip to Steed & Co. Lavender (15 min from Port Stanley).
Steed & Co. Lavender
Port Stanley Harbour
The Port Stanley Terminal Rail has been operating this lovely tourist train for over 30 years!
2. Canatara Beach
Nearly a kilometer of white, sandy beach stretches along the shore of Lake Huron to form Canatara Beach. I quickly realized why it’s called Canatara (which comes from the Ojibwa word meaning “blue water”): the lake is a gorgeous dark turquoise. Located in Sarnia’s Canatara Park, there’s also 200 acres of green space to explore via trails and bike paths when you visit. They even have an animal farm for the kids! But you’ll want to spend most of your time soaking up the sun at the beach…
Where To Stay: The Holiday Inn Sarnia is a comfortable and conveniently located hotel in the Village of Point Edward. The rooms are spacious and clean, they have an outdoor saltwater pool and a beautiful patio…
What To Eat/Drink: Order the Crispy Shrimp Tacos at Alternate Grounds Dockside. Sip on small batch craft beer at Refined Fool Brewing Co. (I enjoyed Sexy Uncle, an American Wheat brew). Devour the famous peameal bacon breakfast at John’s Restaurant. And don’t leave without trying Tania’s Famous Rack Of Lamb at Lola’s Lounge – it’s juicy, tender and coated with a bourbon, maple syrup and sesame glaze. Yum!
Tania’s Famous Rack Of Lamb at Lola’s Lounge
Crispy Shrimp Tacos at Alternate Grounds Dockside.
Refined Fool Brewing Co.
We loved the Spartacus omelette and peameal bacon sandwich at John’s Restaurant!
What To Do: Spend the day at Canatara Park and enjoy the beach. Cruise the St. Clair River, Lake Huron and beautiful marinas via pontoon boat rental at Bridgeview Marina ($380.00 for 8 hrs). Try your luck at the OLG Casino Point Edward. Take a walk along the Blue Water Bridge boardwalk and make sure to stop at the french fry trucks!
From left to right on the Bridgeview Marina pontoon boat: Angelie, Marissa, Natalie and Ildiko — my beaut friends and bloggers who came with me on this trip!
Loved the view of Blue Water Bridge from our pontoon boat!
3. Grand Bend Beach
I’ve been going to Grand Bend for years so I have plenty of fond memories that resurface during each visit. The 20 acres of sandy beach on the shore of Lake Huron draws all kinds of visitors — from the party crowd to the families. In fact, I think it’s the diversity that keeps people coming back. The downtown is vibrant, the water is spectacular and the restaurants are on point. Oh and the sunsets — there’s a reason they’re listed as one of the world’s best…
Where To Stay: It doesn’t get any friendlier than the Pine Dale Motor Inn. The family owned and operated inn is a 15 min walk to Main St., has an indoor pool and a lovely garden out back.
If you’re booking a room this summer use the promo code SumSun for a discount (details here).
What To Eat/Drink: Head to Aunt Gussie’s to have breakfast in their sunroom — they’ve been around for generations (since the 50s) and serve up classics in a warm, friendly environment. Lunch at the historic Schoolhouse Restaurant is a must. And make sure to book a table at Smackwater Jack’s Taphouse for the best sunset views in town as you devour a delish dinner (order the Thai Bites: you won’t regret it).
Aunt Gussie’s
Schoolhouse Restaurant
Smackwater Jack’s Taphouse
What To Do: Check out Summer Sunset Sounds (a free concert series) at the new Rotary Community Stage. Charter an exclusive jet boat ride with Xtreme Watersports for a different view of Grand Bend Beach and an adrenaline boost ($180/hr for 10 ppl max which includes a driver and water toys). Drive over to Pinery Provincial Park (10 min) to explore and go for a dip at their beach (this one is not a Blue Flag Beach, but equally breathtaking). Sip on award-winning cider at Twin Pines Orchards & Cider House.
The new Rotary Community Stage is right on the beach!
A jet boat ride with Xtreme Watersports is a must in my opinion!
Award-winning cider at Twin Pines Orchards & Cider House!
The beach at Pinery Provincial Park. Bonus: you can visit all Ontario Parks for free on July 15th!
So many gorgeous beaches in Ontario’s Southwest, right?! And the list keeps growing! They just announced Port Glasgow as the newest Blue Flag Beach in the province. Woot — I can’t wait to bask on their beach. I hope you guys take some time to explore these spectacular gems this summer. One more thing: the lovely folks at Ontario’s Southwest are giving away a three-day beach getaway for four people. Wishing you the best of luck and many memorable beach days ahead!
A huge thanks to Ontario’s Southwest, Tourism Sarnia Lambton and Elgin County Tourism for hosting our group on this press trip. As always, all reviews and opinions are entirely my own. I highly recommend a visit to any/all of the beaches in Southwest Ontario and will certainly be heading back myself!
10 Comments
Jane
July 13, 2016 at 12:27 pmYou need to visit the beaches in Southampton – one of the longest fresh water beaches in the world and one of the worlds best sunsets. I might be biased as I grew up going up there! Really just gorgeous white sand beaches – shallow waters great for kids. Inverhuron is another great beach area.
Solmaz
July 13, 2016 at 5:27 pmClose to Sauble, yah? Think I’ve been there! But definitely need to revisit — thanks for the reco Jane!
Will Castillo
July 20, 2016 at 3:33 pmYou need to visit Long Point beach. A spectacular beach in Norfolk County forms part of a UNESCO designated World Biosphere Reserve.
Solmaz
July 21, 2016 at 3:32 pmyes! it’s been on my list or a while — same region 🙂 hopefully soon!!
Shaida
July 21, 2016 at 11:22 amThis is my favourite post to-date – always loved Grand Bend, but there are so o many great places to see in Ontario that I didn’t know about. Time to find time to see them all before summer is over!
Solmaz
July 21, 2016 at 3:33 pmThanks so much!! Def head to Port Stanley — think you’ll love.
Matthew Bailey
August 3, 2016 at 10:13 pmAwesome! I’m always fascinated by a beach in Canada 😛 It’s funny. We spent five months in Winnipeg last year and really loved the beach life that exists there. Looks like Ontario will have to be next.
Solmaz
August 4, 2016 at 8:21 amI’ve yet to visit Winnipeg (and am now curious about their beach life!). Think you’ll love the ones in Ontario — lots to choose from!
Angela
September 2, 2016 at 4:55 pmI love all your suggestions. Need to definitely visit in the Fall or next summer.
Solmaz
September 3, 2016 at 9:49 amThanks so much! Hopefully our September is filled with summer temps so you can take advantage of the gorg beaches!