SWIM. LOUNGE. PLAY. REPEAT.

SEEKING ALL BEACH BUMS! Boasting some of the BEST BEACHES in Ontario and one of the BEST SUNSETS in the world, the Lake Huron shoreline from Ipperwash to Grand Bend to Bayfield offer beachgoers clean water, safe swimming, water sports and endless stretches of sand. Two dog-friendly beaches are located in Pinery Provincial Park.

Port Blake beach Located at the north end of Grand Bend (intersection of Highway 21 and Dashwood Road/CR83), Port Blake offers a sandy beach with a bluff-top grassed picnic area with BBQs. Dogs are allowed on the beach and must be leashed with messes cleaned up. The park offers a picnic pavilion, washrooms, change rooms, playground equipment, BBQs and picnic tables. Open daily 9am to 9pm. Capacity limits are in effect. Admission Victoria Day Weekend to Labour Day Weekend is $5 per person or $12 per car load. No cash accepted; debit only. For more information visit www.southhuron.ca/port-blake-beach-day-park[/

Photo of Bayfield Beach courtesy Municipality of BluewaterBayfield’s Beach (via Long Hill Road) is a short seven-minute walk to its picturesque Main Street and holds Blue Flag status (BlueFlag.org). The beach has drive-up access, limited parking, public washrooms, public phone and fully-equipped life-saving station. Located beside the marina, you can enjoy a stroll on the pier, a swim and relax on the sandy beach. Stunning lake views available from the scenic lookout in Pioneer Park (top of the bluff at Colina Street). Viewable south of the main beach is the shipwreck of the “Linda Hindman” steamboat.

Photo of Ipperwash Beach by JBaillieIpperwash beach is one of the longest freshwater beaches in Ontario. There are no lifeguards on duty, so take extra caution to watch children. Dogs must be leashed. There’s no facility for overnight camping. Portable public washrooms are available at specific locations. Free parking is available in Ministry of Natural Resources owned lots off the beach on West Parkway Drive.

It is important to know that the Ipperwash Beach Area includes private and public beach access. Public beach access points are:

  • 6396 West Parkway Drive,
  • 6476 West Parkway Drive (seasonal washrooms),
  • 6490 West Parkway Drive and
  • 6602 East Parkway Drive.

Please leave the beach the way you found it; take your garbage home. Dune areas are environmentally sensitive, so please keep to established pathways, no climbing or digging in the dunes.

Photo of Pinery Beach courtesy of Southwestern Tourism CorporationPinery has nine day-use beaches, two of which are dog friendly. Pinery Provincial Park is located eight kilometres south of Grand Bend and boasts one of the most beautiful beaches in Ontario, offering day visits, camping and 10 kilometres of sandy beach and dunes. Two all-terrain wheelchairs are available for loan to provide accessibility to the beach and there are accessible ramps to the beach (call Park Visitor Centre at 519-243-1521).

BEACH WATER QUALITY INFOLINES:

  • Lambton County (Grand Bend & South) 519-383-3816
  • Huron County (Port Blake & North): 1-888-221-2135, hpph.ca

FLAG SYSTEM

Swim hazard flags are posted on the lifeguard chairs. No flags are posted when lifeguards are not present.

  • Green Flag – Good conditions, no unusual hazards. Lifeguard on duty.
  • Yellow Flag – Caution. Moderate hazard. Rough water and strong current and/or strong offshore wind. Lifeguard on duty.
  • Red Flag – Danger, high hazard. Extreme wave action and/or currents and/or E.coli count over 100/100 mL of beach water. Swimming not recommended. Lifeguard on duty.
  • Red & Yellow Flag – Limit of supervised swimming area. Swim between flags.
  • No Flag – No lifeguard on duty.

Learn More

BEACH CHART

Beach & AmenityBayfield Main Beach
(Blue Flag)
Grand Bend Beach
(Blue Flag)
Ipperwash BeachPinery Provincial
Park
Port Blake CA
Park
Houston Heights BeachHoward Street Beach
Accessible???
Boardwalk??
Change Rooms??
Concession Stand
Dog Friendly?????
Elevator?
Lifeguards?
Free Parking????
Paid Parking or Entry Fee???
Picnic Tables???
Playground Equip.???
Public Phone??
Scenic Lookout????
Showers?
Splash Pad?
Sports Facilities??
Volleyball Nets
Washrooms??????

Notes

Pinery Provincial Park: Beach 8 – Barrier-free boardwalk; Beach 1 & 2 – Dog-friendly; Beach 3 – Public Phone; two all-terrain wheelchairs available. Rentals – bike, canoe, kayak, paddle-boat, ski and snowshoe. Flush toilets – Beach 3, 8 & 9.

Houston Heights Beach: access via staircase.