Sarnia-Lambton
Known as Ontario’s Blue Coast, Sarnia and Lambton County are home to some of Ontario’s finest and most inviting beaches, including two Blue Flag beaches (Canatara and Grand Bend). From family-friendly urban Canatara Park to the natural sand dunes and stunning sunsets of Pinery Provincial Park, beachgoers will love this sandy little pocket of the province. Round out your beachy getaway with hiking nature trails, discover curious culture in small towns and savour the creations of one of Ontario's emerging craft cider and wine regions.
To learn more about all there is to see and do in Sarnia-Lambton, scroll down or visit the region's tourism website.
Where is Sarnia-Lambton?
Similar to its Southwestern Ontario county neighbours, Sarnia-Lambton is a predominantly rural environment surrounding an urban centre. The city of Sarnia sits at the convergence of Lake Huron and the St. Clair River, while Lambton County stretches along the banks of the St. Clair River and up the coast of Lake Huron. Sarnia is just over an hour’s drive west from London along Highway 402. Next door, the village of Port Edward is home to the border crossing point with the United States, just over the Blue Water Bridge.
Things to Do in Sarnia-Lambton
Discover some of Ontario’s most beautiful beaches in Sarnia and Lambton County.
A Blue Flag status at a beach means it meets exceptional, internationally-recognized standards for water quality, safety, accessibility and ecological protection. Of the 26 Blue Flag beaches in Ontario, two are located on Ontario’s Blue Coast on the shores of Lake Huron. When you visit Canatara Beach in Sarnia or Grand Bend Beach, rest assured the utmost care is taken to create a clean, safe and accessible experience.
Under 10 km south of Grand Bend, Pinery Provincial Park is a 25 sq km nature park that features 10 km of wild lakefront beach, as well as protected coastal sand dunes, rare Oak Savanna woodlands, significant wetlands and over 300 different bird species. Hiking, cycling, swimming, paddling, bird watching and cross-country skiing are popular activities.
With so much coastline, there’s ample opportunity for boating, cruising and fishing in Lake Huron. Charter a local fishing guide or board the Duc D’Orleans II Boat Cruise for a sightseeing tour.
You’re bound to get thirsty after all the outdoor adventure. Take a tasty road trip with the Cheers To The Coast Drink Trail. Check out the farm-to-table brews at Stonepicker Brewing Company in Plympton-Wyoming or Refined Fool Brewing Co in Sarnia, meet the trailblazing winemakers at Alton Farms Estate Winery and sample award-winning cider at Twin Pines Orchards & Cider House, just east of Lambton Shores. Kids are invited to enjoy wagon rides and apple picking while adults taste their signature hard cider collection.
Another attraction for the whole family is Stones N Bones Museum in downtown Sarnia. Explore the fascinating collection of fossils, dinosaurs, artifacts, rare gems, minerals and more.
Fun fact: Lambton County was the site of North America’s first oil boom in the mid 1800s, and you’ll notice the legacy of oil production still celebrated in towns with names like Oil Springs and Petrolia.
Things to Know About Visiting Sarnia-Lambton
Whether you’re still in the planning stages or you’re already on your trip to Sarnia-Lambton, you'll appreciate what the locals recommend around the area.
Where to get a great cup of coffee
Global Donuts & Deli in Sarnia serves delicious donuts, sandwiches and the best coffee in town. In Petrolia, visit The Cottage, an artisan cafe with a tasty selection of coffees, chocolate and baked goods.
Where to get a great meal
Lola’s Lounge is a local downtown fav for excellent food and a funky vibe.
Little-known fact
Sarnia is the hometown of the Honourable Alexander MacKenzie, the second Prime Minister of Canada, astronaut Chris Hadfield and golfer, Mike Weir.
Where to take Instagram pics
Get the best view of Sarnia at the foot of the Blue Water Bridge.
Where to watch the sunset
Bright's Grove Beach, just 20 minutes outside of Sarnia, on Lake Huron.
Favourite local gem
Forest Glen Herb Farm is an eight-acre organic flower and herb farm.
Favourite french fries
Several popular chip trucks set up shop in Blue Water Bridge Park. Sit at the picnic tables, watch the boats go by and enjoy fresh cut ‘Bridge Fries’.
Where to go for a hike
The trail at Rock Glen Conservation Area in Arkona leads through Carolinian forest to the beautiful Rock Glen Falls.
Last updated: April 23, 2021