Ontario's Community On The Shores Of Lake Erie Is A Laid-Back Beach Paradise

When it comes to stunning beaches, Canada's most populous province, Ontario, can compete with virtually any shoreline in the world. It borders four of the five interconnected Great Lakes, which together play host to some of the most breathtaking and natural beaches in the country. From the white sand and clear waters that glow with shades of blue in the sun to hidden gems in remote areas nestled between pine forests or rocky shorelines, Ontario has something for every beach lover.

Whether you are looking for a vibrant beach town, an adventure-filled day, or something laid-back, you won't be disappointed in Ontario. One such beach is Bay Beach Club, also known as Crystal Beach, located on the edges of Lake Erie about 20 miles from Niagara Falls, one of the most beautiful places in Canada to visit, Crystal Beach is named after its glassy and crystal-clear waters. Between 1888 and 1989, it mainly served as an amusement park, attracting tourists from around the world, thanks to its roller coasters and other types of rides. The park eventually closed, and it was not until 2001 that it got a new owner, Fort Erie. The new owner undertook major repairs and upgraded various amenities before reopening it to the public in 2019.

Bay Beach is located in the southernmost part of Ontario, a 15-minute drive west of Fort Erie Erie and around an-hour-and-40-minutes from Toronto via Queen Elizabeth Way, making it a great weekend escape for those seeking a break from the hustle and bustle of modern cities. In addition, Lake Erie, whose shoreline hugs the beach, is the shallowest of the five Great Lakes. This means the lake is ideal for swimming, engaging in water-based activities/ sports, and providing a majestic backdrop for Crystal Beach.

The scenic shoreline along Lake Erie, which is also home to this spacious beach in New York with beautiful rolling sand dunes and trails, has an inviting atmosphere that offers tourists a serene environment, great for relaxation. The clear waters and slow waves make it an excellent setting for couples, solo visitors, and families seeking a one-of-a-kind weekend getaway. During summer, you can build sandcastles, sunbathe, or play beach volleyball.

And that's not all. Crystal Beach also features a park with picnic areas for catching up with friends and family, playgrounds for kids, walking paths, and pavilions for relaxing or entertainment. There are also modern amenities like water filling stations for refilling reusable water bottles, lockers for storing personal effects, and changing rooms. However, with the amazing facilities, the park also introduced an admission fee for anyone above the age of 12 to help maintain the beach. Before accessing the area, beach lovers must present a resident season pass, which costs $10, a day pass, which costs $5 per day, or a commercial season pass, which costs $100.

When the sandy shores or the sun make you hungry, head to the nearby bars or restaurants for innovative dining options. For a hand-prepared sub with organic spices, swing by Sublife. It is located at 412 Derby Rd, in Crystal Beach. For a New York-inspired, freshly baked pizza, drop by Mabel's Gourmet Pizza. It is located along Erie Road in Crystal Beach.

If you prefer to dine on the US side, try Anchor Bar for authentic Buffalo wings. This isn't just one of the main attractions in the Niagara Falls area, but also one of the must-see tourist attractions in Niagara Falls that aren't the waterfall. Other delicacies on the menu include fried chicken, sandwiches, pizza, subs, and wraps. The eatery is situated on Buffalo Avenue, Niagara Falls, NY.

If you crave a margarita, Caso Hugo Taco, a restaurant at the heart of Crystal Beach Town, has you covered. You can pair it with chips or grilled shrimp for the ideal lunchtime. For beer fans, there are several breweries in the area, including Trailside Bar and Grill, which features live events and a craft beer menu including Brimstone, Oast House, and proprietary 'English Cask Ale.' It is located on Ridge Rd, in Ridgeway, which is about a 2-minute drive from the beach.