This Ontario beach town is a charming 'hidden gem' with velvety sand shores and warm waters
It's a beautiful spot for a staycation.
A small town in Ontario.
There's nothing like a weekend getaway to a charming beach town, and this Ontario destination is worth a road trip. Offering beautiful sandy shores, crystal waves, warm waters and quaint streets, it's like stepping into a storybook.
You can enjoy sunbathing, cute local shops, vibrant sunsets and lakeside patios without leaving the province.
With its warm-weather charm and beachy vibes, this enchanting village has "summer staycation" written all over it.
Port Stanley is a gorgeous beach town perched on the shores of Lake Erie, about 3 hours from Toronto. According to its website, it's a "hidden gem" with "vibrant local businesses, breathtaking beaches, and captivating events."
The quaint harbour town has streets lined with cozy local shops, offering a diverse range of products, from beachwear to home decor.
The town's main draw during the summer months is the beaches. Port Stanley Main Beach is "one of the finest stretches of sandy beach on Lake Erie's north shore," according to Ontario's Southwest, and offers warm, shallow waters to swim in.
Port Stanley's Main Beach is one of only 16 in Canada to have earned Blue Flag status for its clean shores and safety standards.
If you're looking for a quieter spot to swim, you can head down the road to Port Stanley's Little Beach, where you can enjoy 185 metres of quiet, sandy shoreline with shallow waters sheltered by a natural berm.
Once you've had your beach fill, you can enjoy some of the other experiences the village has to offer.
You can catch a show at the Port Stanley Festival Theatre, wander along the water to the Port Stanley Lighthouse, visit the Art Emporium, and ride the Port Stanley Terminal Railway.
Don't miss a stop at Broderick's for an ice cream cone, or The Harbour Merchant Coffee Company Inc. for a specialty drink and treat.
With its gorgeous beaches and small-town charm, Port Stanley is a beautiful spot for a staycation this summer.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.