This Ontario small town is 'Canada’s Coney Island' and it's surrounded by warm sandy beaches

If quaint streets, small town charm and sandy beaches sound like your idea of the perfect summer destination, then you'll want to take a road trip to this dreamy harbour village in Ontario.

Situated on the shores of Lake Erie, the small town is about 2 and a half hours from Toronto, making it a convenient spot for a summer day trip or weekend getaway.

Boasting warm waters, delicious eateries and cute local shops, the town is a magical spot to explore.

Here's what to know about this enchanting destination.

Port Stanley is a charming harbour village in Elgin County.

The town was dubbed "Canada's Coney Island" or "the Coney Island of the Great Lakes" due to the many attractions it offered during the early 1900s. While many of the original attractions have closed, the village still features tons of fun activities.

The main draw is Port Stanley's Main Beach, which is "one of the finest stretches of sandy beach on Lake Erie's north shore," according to the regional tourism organization.

The beach offers warm waters and crystal waves, making it an idyllic spot for a swim. You can also visit Port Stanley’s Little Beach – a smaller, secluded stretch of shoreline that's a good spot for families.

Aside from swimming, you can enjoy a meal at one of the local restaurants, grab an ice cream cone from Broderick's Ice Cream Parlour and shop at some of the local boutiques.

You can also head to Bridgeview Marina where you can rent canoes, kayaks, paddle boats and more.

Don't forget to pack some sunscreen!

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.