Ontario is most popular for its beautiful beaches, which is best summer destination. Bay Beach in Fort Erie is one of them, which is known as “Crystal Beach ontario” because of its clean crystal water. It was founded on the northeast shore of Lake Erie, Ontario.
Fort Erie is located in the heart of North America. This popular summer destination is only 2.5 hours far from Toronto. Crystal Beach has a white sandy area with crystal clear water where visitors and locals enjoy a full day at the beach. The main location is 4155 Erie Road, Fort Erie, Ontario.
HISTORY OF CRYSTAL BEACH
The crystal beach park (crystal beach ontario) was started as an amusement park from 1888 to 1989 with a population of 298 residents. It was a popular tourist attraction for Canadians and also for Americans. John E. Rebstock was founder of this side show attraction, Rebstock rebuilt this place into amusement park in 1890 with more facilities.
After 1890, the Canadian Government started connections between the amusement park and the mainline of Ontario Southern Railway in Ridgeway.
In year 1924, John E. Rebstock sold the park to George C. Hall. Hall reconstructed the park into Bay Beach Park , the Cyclone was added to the park in year 1926 which was designed by Harry G. Traver.
From the year 1940 to 1950, the park visitors at its peak approximately 20,000 visit the park daily in summers.
In 1972, George C. Hall Died and park’s ownership reverted to his Grandson Van Hall. After 2000s , the area (crystal beach ontario) becomes more modernistic including more facilities changing rooms with lockers facilities playground for kids which is donated by the Ridgeway Lions Club, water filling stations, Community events, beach mats and washroom facility.
TIMINGS
- Crystal Beach is open Monday to Sunday from 9:00am to 6:00pm.There are little fee to visit beach:-
- Resident pass $10 per person( youth under 12 year do not require pass)
- Commercial Season pass $100 per person
Now, Crystal Beach provides package activities for entire family.
There are special activities in summer for all aged people:- water sports like swimming , kayaking ,Sea-Doo, picnic tables and mats to spend time, savour a drink at one place, food trucks and shopping spots.
ACTIVITIES FOR ALL AGED PEOPLE
In summers, the beaches and the islands are the main attraction for tourists. In Bay beach weekends are very crowded, all aged people’s are love to visit beach for various activities.
- Spend Quality time with family
- Sunbathing ,picnicking,Beach Volleyball and Biking
- Enjoy a cup of coffee with crystal water
- playground for kids
- Water sports for youngsters
- Relaxation environment with good quality mats and tables for elders.
- Fishing , Swimming,Boating and water skiing’s
- Waterfront park with a playground
- Nature Walks
FOR KIDS
- Go Car racing
- Safari Niagara
- Friendship Trail
Things to do in Crystal Beach Ontario
1. Explore near crystal beach restaurants like South Coast Cookhouse, Rizzo’s House of Parm , Crystal Ball Cafe , The Breakfast Beacon)
2. Book an accommodation like Hotel Phil co which is most popular for its uniquely themed rooms structure like cabin , Christmas , Garden , Retro and also Buffalo themed.
3. Doing Water sports like swimming in this adorable crystal clear water. Grab a paddle board to having some fun. Also, on beach Sea Doo’s provides for rent at $150 per hour.
4. Grab a Coffee and enjoy an adorable view of sunset with perfect combination of rising moon and setting sun.
5. For Golf Lovers, there are almost 40 golf course in region.
6. Visit Old Fort Erie And Ridgeway Battlefield
7. Varieties of cafes, restaurants , patios and gelato shops
8. Boutique Clothing Stores ( The Lonely Guy- Men’s Boutique) (Jamazing Boutique) ( Erie Beach Clothing)
- Crystal Beach Ontario is only far 20 minutes to Niagara Falls. it is one of the most famous waterfall of the Canada. Moreover, Casino Niagara, Bird Kingdom, Fallsview Casino and many more attractions to visit.
PARKING
- Crystal Beach parking is paid at the Town of Fort Erie’s Municipal parking.
- Parking fees is $4 per hour or a flat free of $15 per car for the day.
- Parking is not allowed from 2 am to 6 am.
- Credit or coins both are valid.
- Option of paying for parking is also available through mobile app or online.
- On street Parking Season pass is available on beach for $50 per pass.
BEST SHOPPING CENTERS
- CQ ( for unique gifts and home decor)
- The Beach Market ( items for kitchen, homeware, accessories and also fashion)
- Erie Beach Clothing ( boutique clothing, swimwear and lingerie store)
- Planks Canada( best quality handmade gifts, decors and alternative style clothing for all aged people especially for Eco- Friendly)
- Eddie Bauer Outlet ( outwear for men and women)
- Silver Dawn Jewel’s ( Art & Crafts also jewellery)
- Rookleys Canadian Art( especially for Art Galleries)
BEST ACCOMMODATION FOR STAY
- Crystal Beach Motel ( 1.5 km from the Crystal Beach Waterfront park and 14.9 km from the Fort Erie Race Track)
- Lakeside Suites Crystal Beach( 4-5 minutes walk from Crystal Beach waterfront Park and 25km from Niagara Falls)
- Crystal Beach cottage Rental( beachfronts homes)
- Malak Bnd( Fully refundable rates with cancellation and 2 minutes away from Lake Erie)
Now, Bay Beach (crystal beach ontario) Introduces new activities for visitors:-
- Every Thursday from 4pm to 9pm live music and food trucks are available at Crystal Beach waterfront Park.
- Live music at The Grove on Saturdays, 5pm to7:30pm- bring your food and enjoy the tunes!
- Also, some cute restaurant’s for dining , accommodations for stay , local bars and also breweries.
- The City of Fort Erie also provides facilities of ramps for wheelchair access and accessible parking.
ANNUAL EVENTS
- Celebrate 1st July marked as Canada Day with fireworks, different varieties of food and community gatherings.
- Seasonal Events like Pumpkin festivals, Winter and Summer Carnivals
- Beach clean- Up days with different group of people
- Sports leagues ( Beach Volleyball and Softball)
- Local Farmers Market with offering Fresh products.
- Ridgeway Summer Festival with car shows , live music and also different kinds of foods and drinks stalls.
- Crystal Beach Ontario Christmas Parade with marching bands and tree lightening ceremony.
ACCESSIBILITY AND TRANSPORTATION (Crystal beach Ontario)
- Local public transit with Niagara Region Transit Services
- Air Travel ( Buffalo Niagara International Airport located about 30km and Toronto Pearson International Airport 140km)
- Also, Railway Station from toronto
- Friendship Trails and Local Paths.
- there is Lake Erie and Boating is also available on the spot for enjoyment.