Exploring Great Destinations in the Niagara Region, Ontario, Canada

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Niagara Beaches

crystal beachThe Niagara Region is sandwiched between two Great Lakes. To the north is Lake Ontario and to the south is Lake Erie. Both of these Great Lakes have numerous beaches.

Many visitors to Niagara Falls, seeing so much water expect a beach but there are no beaches in Niagara Falls. Anyone visiting Niagara Falls and wanting to spend a day at the beach has a choice of either Lake Ontario or Lake Erie. The Niagara River joins the two lakes but there are no swimming facilities along the Niagara River, either above or below the falls, as the current is too strong.

The Lake Erie beaches tend to be nicer and somewhat cleaner than the Lake Ontario beaches. Over the last fifty years the water quality of Lake Erie and Lake Ontario have suffered and it is very important to check the Niagara Region website for water quality postings and beach closures.

Waverly Beach - Lake Erie

waverly beach
Located along the Friendship Trail this beach is well kept by the Town of Fort Erie. Waverly Beach is also the site of the old abandoned Erie Amusement Park. Parking at the beach is free.

Crystal Beach - Lake Erie

crystal beach
Crystal Beach is the site of the old Crystal Beach Amusement Park and was given it's name because of it's clear crystal water. Admssion to the beach is free.

Windmill Point Beach - Lake Erie

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A very nice beach at the end of Windmill Point Road. A short walk in along a sandy path. This is a road access beach, meaning it is located at the end of the street with limited free parking. There are no washroom facilities.

Ryerson Park Beach - Lake Ontario

ryerson beach
Ryerson Beach is located along Niagara Boulevard just a short distance from the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake. A hundred years ago the beach extended much farther out into Lake Ontario. A small resort community known as Chattauqua was located here.

Charles Daley Beach - Lake Ontario

charles daley park
This is one of the nicer beaches in the Niagara Region along Lake Ontario. There is a beach, lagoon and lots of grassy areas. There is plenty of free parking.

Lakeside Beach - Lake Ontario

lakeside beach
Located in Port Dalhousie this is the beach referred to in the song "Lakeside Park" by the Canadian band Rush. It is also the home of the Looff Carousel where you can still ride the carousel for five cents. Parking for this beach is free and washroom facilities are available in the summer..

Niagara Shores Beach - Lake Ontario

niagara shores beach
Located just a few kms. west of the town of Niagara-on-the-Lake on Firelane #1 Niagara Shores Park and Beach is a large dog-friendly beach. Most of the beach area is in a natural state. Check water quality with the Niagara Region before swimming.