Categories: Things To Do

This sandy Ontario beach with ‘crystal’ waters is one of the best in the world

Photo via 94Mark / Shutterstock

Beach season is here in Ontario and if you’re looking for a new sandy shoreline to explore, Crystal Beach is where you need to be.

Located in the town of Fort Erie, Crystal Beach (also known as Bay Beach), got its name from the crystal-clear quality of its waters when it was first discovered, according to Exploring Niagara.

The pristine sand and crystalline water of Crystal Beach has also been recognized on a global scale. In 2018, it was named one of North America’s Top 50 Beaches, ranked by 1,200 travel experts around the world.

Crystal Beach landed in 39th place alongside the world-class shorelines of California, Hawaii, and British Columbia, so one could safely assume that this is the closest thing we have to Malibu and Maui here in Ontario.

The beach itself has received extensive upgrades with new amenities and accessibility features. It now features a viewing deck overlooking the beach, a playground, state-of-the-art washroom facilities, picnic areas, and a community square for events and performances.

Crystal Beach is also situated in a quaint waterside town with tons of shopping, dining, and nightlife options, making it ideal for an overnight getaway.

Season passes to the beach are available to local residents for $10 each, and out-of-town visitors can purchase a day pass for $5 per person at the entrance or in advance online.

There is also a parking fee of $4 per hour, or a $15 flat rate, in the municipal lot at Erie Road and Eastwood Avenue from May 1 to September 30. You can pay by credit or coin on-site or via the mobile app.

Now that you have all the info that you need, it’s time to round up the besties and hit the road. Don’t forget the sunscreen!