Are you feeling stressed out by the city life and need a break? Why not treat yourself to a relaxing getaway at Port Stanley beach?
This beautiful beach is one of the finest stretches of sandy beach on Lake Erie’s north shore. It has earned the official Blue Flag status for its commitment to strict water quality and safety criteria. Whether you want to soak up the sun, swim in the warm water, or play some beach volleyball, Port Stanley beach has something for everyone.
But that’s not all. Port Stanley beach is also located in the charming village of Port Stanley, which lies at the mouth of Kettle Creek. Here, you can explore the quaint boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and a historic lighthouse that add to the charm of this place. You can also enjoy some water sports, such as windsurfing and sailing, thanks to the good on-shore winds. There’s never a dull moment at Port Stanley village.
And the best part is, Port Stanley beach is only 10 minutes from St.Thomas and about 2 hours from Toronto, making it an ideal day trip or weekend getaway.
You don’t have to travel far to experience a sandy paradise on Lake Erie. Just pack your bags and head to Port Stanley beach. You won’t regret it.
Port Stanley Beach Facilities
Here are some of the amenities and facilities that Port Stanley beach offers:
- Parking: Parking at Port Stanley beach is not free. You need to pay for parking at Port Stanley beach in designated lots, which have different fees depending on where and when you park. The fee is $4 per hour or $20 a day, but parking is free after 5 pm. Vehicles and trailers at the boat launch pay a flat rate of $30.
- Toilets: There are washrooms and change facilities that are accessible for people with disabilities.
- Lifeguards: The beach is staffed with lifeguards from late June until early September.
- Dogs: Dogs are not allowed on the beach during the summer season (May 1 to October 31).
- Barbecue places: You are not allowed to bring your own BBQs to the beach, but you can use the ones provided by the municipality at the Pavilion near the beach washrooms. Alternatively, you can find some nearby restaurants that offer grilled food.
- Picnic tables: There are picnic tables available on the beach.
- Accessibility: The beach features mats to make it more accessible to people using wheelchairs or strollers. A beach wheelchair is also available while the lifeguards are on duty.
- Store: There is a store on the beach that sells snacks, drinks, ice cream, and souvenirs.
- Boat launch: There is a boat launch near the beach that allows access to Lake Erie.
Port Stanley Boat Launch
Do you love boating and fishing on the lake? If so, you should check out Port Stanley boat launch, a place where you can launch your boat into Lake Erie and enjoy some fishing or cruising on the lake. It is conveniently located near the beach and has a parking lot for your vehicle and trailer.
You can park your car there for a reasonable fee of $30 per day, or you can save money by buying a seasonal pass for $120. The best part is, the boat launch is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so you can come anytime you want. Whether you want to catch the sunrise or the sunset on the lake, you can do it at Port Stanley boat launch.
But what if you don’t have your own boat? Don’t worry, you can still have fun on the lake by renting a canoe, kayak, or jet ski from Bridgeview Marina, which is one of the three marinas in Port Stanley. They have a variety of watercrafts to suit your needs and preferences. You can rent them by the hour or by the day, depending on how long you want to stay on the lake.
Port Stanley Pier
Do you love walking by the water and admiring the views? If so, you should visit Port Stanley pier, a place where you can walk along the concrete path that follows the curves of Lake Erie and leads to the Port Stanley Lighthouse. The pier is a great spot to enjoy the views of the lake and the village, especially at sunrise or sunset. You can see the boats, the birds, and the waves from the pier.
The pier is also very close to Port Stanley beach, so you can easily walk from one to the other.
The pier was renovated in 2015 and has benches along the way where you can relax and take in the scenery. You can also learn about the history of the pier and the lighthouse from the informative signs that are installed on the pier. The lighthouse was built in 1911 and is still operational today.
If you are into fishing, you will also love Port Stanley pier, as it is a popular place for fishing. You can catch perch, bass, walleye, and trout from the pier. You can also join a fishing charter or a fishing tournament if you want to have more fun.
The pier is accessible all year round, but it can get very icy in the winter, so be careful. You should wear proper footwear and clothing when you visit the pier in cold weather. You should also avoid walking on the ice or near the edge of the pier, as it can be dangerous.
Have Time to Visit Other Beaches in Ontario?
Port Stanley beach is a sandy paradise on Lake Erie that offers a relaxing getaway from the city life.
But if you have more time and want to discover more beaches in Ontario, you should also check out these beaches in Bruce Peninsula: Sauble Beach, Singing Sands, Oliphant Beach, Lion’s Head Beach, and Little Cove Beach. These beaches are some of the finest stretches of sandy beach on Lake Huron’s north shore. They have stunning views, clear water, and diverse wildlife. They are also close to other attractions in Bruce Peninsula, such as the Bruce Trail, the Bruce Peninsula National Park, and the Fathom Five National Marine Park.
We hope you enjoyed reading this article and learned something new about Port Stanley beach and other beaches in Ontario. We hope you will visit these beaches soon and have a wonderful time. Thank you for reading! 😊
Frequently Asked Questions
- How to get to Port Stanley Beach?
Port Stanley Beach is located in the village of Port Stanley, Ontario, on the north shore of Lake Erie. It is about 40 km south of London, Ontario, and 200 km southwest of Toronto, Ontario. You can get there by car, bus, or train. If you drive, you can take Highway 401 to Highway 4 and then follow County Road 52 to Port Stanley. If you take the bus, you can use Greyhound or Aboutown Transportation services from London or Toronto. If you take the train, you can use VIA Rail or Port Stanley Terminal Rail services from London or St. Thomas. - What are some of the activities and attractions at Port Stanley Beach?
Port Stanley Beach offers a variety of activities and attractions for all ages and interests. Some of them are:- Swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing on the sandy beach
- Boating, fishing, kayaking, and paddle boarding on the lake
- Windsurfing, sailing, and kite surfing on the wind
- Hiking, biking, and golfing on the trails and courses
- Shopping, dining, and exploring in the downtown core
- Visiting the Port Stanley Lighthouse, Terminal Rail, and Festival Theatre
- Enjoying the festivals, events, and nightlife in the village
- Does Port Stanley Beach allow dogs?
Port Stanley Beach does not officially allow dogs on the main beach, but there are some areas where dogs are tolerated or welcomed. For example, there is a small beach to the west of the river where dogs can play and swim. There are also some abandoned-looking beaches around the village where people swim with their dogs. However, you should use common sense and respect the rules and other visitors when bringing your dog to Port Stanley Beach. You should also keep your dog on a leash and clean up after them. I hope this answers your question. 😊
