Grand Bend Beach

Grand Bend, a premier blue flag beach is one of the liveliest beaches in Ontario. Situated on the shore of Lake Huron in Lambton County, the expansive sandy beach provides the perfect summer backdrop for relaxation and adventure in the sun. 

Located within the city of Grand Bend, drive to Grand Bend Beach from Highway 21. Parking, both paid and free, is available at the beach and in town.

For up-to-date information and details on Grand Bend Beach, we recommend you visit their website. For information about other places of interest to explore nearby, keep scrolling to see what Destination Ontario recommends.

A young girl smiling and playing in the clear blue water

More about Grand Bend Beach

Grand Bend Beach is the ideal place to soak in the sun rays, play in the water, lie on the sand and stroll on the boardwalk. The lively atmosphere extends from the shoreline into the heart of town. 

Designated play areas for kids that will keep them active and entertained all day long. To make sure that people with strollers or wheelchairs do not miss out on all that the beach offers, there are accessible walkways and mats to help get everyone to the beach.

Grand Bend Beach delights visitors with its warm fresh waters, sandy shores and epic sunsets. And this beach has that rare distinction of being a blue flag beach. With only 26 of these beaches in all of Canada, you can count on the highest quality of water and a safe environment for swimming.

The area is divided into two separate beaches: the North and South Grand Bend Beaches. The most popular is North Grand Bend Beach. With 20 acres of wide sandy beach expect it to be busy during the summer weekends. Note: lifeguards are on duty during the summer months only. If you stick around for the evening, you will be in for a treat as the sky bursts into colour at sunset. For a truly dramatic photo, head over to the Grand Bend Beach Lighthouse. Though you cannot enter the lighthouse, its silhouette makes for the perfect sunset shot.

Beach amenities include an updated beach house with washrooms. There’s also a deck upstairs (fully accessible) that provides awesome views over the beach and Lake Huron. On the beach, there are volleyball nets, so bring your sense of fun and competition. To easily clean off after a day in the sand and water, there are outdoor showers and foot washing stations. Also, the area includes a boardwalk that runs the entire length of the beach.

Not only is there ample sand for digging and building sand castles, but just off the beach are two areas dedicated to children: a playground and splash pad. The playground has different activities for children, including climbing nets, bars and even an octopus slide. At the splash pad, kids can run around through the water sprays.

North Grand Bend Beach is separated from South Grand Bend Beach at the mouth of Parkhill Creek. You can expect a quieter visit on South Grand Beach. As it’s removed from the center of town, it attracts fewer beachgoers, though the beach is just as nice as its northern counterpart. The beach can be accessed from a path at the end of River Road.

For epic adventure on Lake Huron, rent jet skis and head out into the open waters with Grand Bend Parasail. Or see the beach and lake from above while parasailing.

The community of Grand Bend takes its name from the noticeable turn in the Ausable River where sawmills once operated in the 1800s. Along the vibrant Main Street in town is a wide choice of restaurants, bistros, breweries, art galleries and shops to enjoy. 

Last updated: August 18, 2023

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