Categories: Travel

A waterfront town in Ontario has colourful and historic ‘gingerbread cottages’

Have you ever seen a life-sized gingerbread house? While these historical landmarks aren’t actually made of gingerbread, they sure resemble one! These colourful homes are just one of the many things that make Grimsby, Ont., a great place to visit — here’s what to do while you’re there.

Grimsby is the perfect spot to road trip to if you’re coming from Toronto or the GTA, as it’s just over one hour away.

The area is part of the Niagara Region and sits at the eastern end of the Hamilton Census Metropolitan Area.

The colourful “gingerbread” houses/cottages are lined along Grimsby Beach. 

You can wander through the area and explore the adorable cottages, some of which are suspected to date back as far as the 1800s when Grimsby was known as The Village of Grimsby.

It was around the 1870s when canvas and post tents were being replaced with wood-frame cottages, known as permanent tents.

Today, several of the cottages have been protected as significant cultural heritage resources under the Ontario Heritage Act.

According to Grimsby’s website, “The residents of Grimsby Beach take a lot of pride in the maintenance of their unique homes, and we are grateful for the work that they do to preserve these special homes.”

If you’re planning on visiting the area, the town does note that Grimsby Beach is “first and foremost a residential neighbourhood,” so be mindful.

Grimsby has no shortage of gorgeous views. Beamer Memorial Conservation Area is a must-visit, especially in the peak of summer or fall, as the spot “offers one of Niagara’s most breathtaking and panoramic views of the Niagara Escarpment and Lake Ontario.”

Visitors can take a walk along the scenic Lookout and Bruce Trails and take in the views of the 40 Mile Creek Valley, the Lake Ontario shoreline, and the escarpment ridge.

End your day with a stop at JJ’s On The Docks, and be sure to order the fish and chips (thank me later).

Looks like your next day trip is all figured out.

Recent Posts:
One of Ontario’s best summer spots is a hidden gem beach
This scenic Ontario park is pure summer energy without the crowds

Recent Posts

10 of the best things to do in and around Vancouver this week (July 13-17)

Get ready for another beautiful week, Vancouver! Gastown is coming alive with free live music…

21 hours ago

Free 90-minute parking is now available at this popular beachside park in Metro Vancouver

A popular summer destination in Metro Vancouver has reinstated free parking for visitors. However, you’ll…

22 hours ago

Spend a summer day picking fresh berries at these farms near Calgary

Nothing says summer quite like spending an afternoon outside, wandering through fields of fresh berries,…

2 days ago

An adults-only outdoor party with live music is coming to Vancouver’s Science World

Science World's second-ever outdoor summer party is making its way back to False Creek for one day…

2 days ago

Why one 11-year-old travelled across the world to visit the Calgary Stampede

After years of dreaming about cowboys, horses, and the Calgary Stampede, 11-year-old Oscar O'Grady finally…

2 days ago

A brand-new salsa festival is taking over Niagara Falls this September

Salsa at Niagara Falls is making its inaugural debut this September, bringing all the rhythm,…

2 days ago