1. Lakeside Park Beach (Port Dalhousie)
- Short History: Nestled in historic Port Dalhousie, this beach anchors what was once an amusement park; today it’s famous for its Looff Carousel (since 1921).
- Parking: Paid ($3/hr, max 3 hrs) with ~80 spots + free overflow lots.
- Kid friendly: Absolutely — swings, splash pads, playground, carousel & volleyball .
- Pet friendly: Pets aren’t allowed on beach.
- Entrance fee: None.
- Can cook food: No BBQs, but picnic tables & snack bar on-site.
- Distance from Niagara Falls: ~20 km; 20–25 min drive.
- Bus accessible: GO Transit → local Niagara Region Transit.
- Opening hours: May 1–Sept 30, roughly dawn to dusk.
- Why go: Shallow warm water, historic vibe, watersports, great for families
2. Sunset Beach (Port Weller Beach)
- Short History: Formerly known as Municipal Beach; renamed in 2015—renovated with washrooms, showers & boat ramp.
- Parking: Paid ($3/hr), ~150 spots + free lots nearby stcatharines.ca.
- Kid friendly: Yes — includes playground.
- Pet friendly: Dogs allowed on trail but not on beach.
- Entrance fee: None.
- Can cook food: No grills; picnic tables available.
- Distance from Niagara Falls: ~22 km; ~25 min drive.
- Bus accessible: Reachable by local transit.
- Opening hours: Seasonal daylight hours.
- Why go: Largest beach (~365 m), boat launch, kayaking access, and gorgeous sunsets.
3. Cherie Road Park Beach
- Short History: A hidden gem just east of Sunset Beach—quiet, all-natural.
- Parking: Free on-street along Cherie Rd.
- Kid friendly: Moderate; no official facilities.
- Pet friendly: Dogs ok off-leash in park/trail only.
- Entrance fee: None.
- Can cook food: No; pack in your picnic.
- Distance from Niagara Falls: ~24 km; 25–30 min drive.
- Bus accessible: Not easily, best by car.
- Opening hours: Dawn to dusk.
- Why go: Secluded & scenic with rope swing, walker’s creek trail — ideal for peaceful, off-grid beach time.
4. Jones Beach
- Short History: Quiet, pebble-stone spot across Welland Canal; minimal amenities.
- Parking: Free lot on-site.
- Kid friendly: Moderate — calm waters but rocky beach.
- Pet friendly: Allowed off-leash in park/trail only.
- Entrance fee: None.
- Can cook food: No.
- Distance from Niagara Falls: ~25 km; ~30 min drive.
- Bus accessible: Limited; car or rideshare recommended.
- Opening hours: Dawn to dusk.
- Why go: Serene sunrise spot with canal trail access, ideal for reflection and ship-watching .
At-a-Glance Comparison
| Beach | Parking | Kids | Pets | Cooking | Distance | Transit | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeside Park | Paid + free | ✅ | No | ❌ | 20 km | Yes | Carousel, splash pads, volleyball |
| Sunset Beach | Paid + free | ✅ | Seasonal | ❌ | 22 km | Yes | Long sandy stretch, boat/kayak launch |
| Cherie Rd Park | Free street | ⚠️ | Seasonal | ❌ | 24 km | No | Solitude, rope swing, creek trail |
| Jones Beach | Free lot | ⚠️ | Seasonal | ❌ | 25 km | No | Quiet bay, sunrise views, rugged shore |
✅ Tips & Notes
- Water quality is tested May–Sept at Lakeside & Sunset — check Niagara Region reports before swimming tripadvisor.com+4stcatharines.ca+4en.wikipedia.org+4.
- No BBQs or alcohol allowed on municipal beaches reddit.com+11stcatharines.ca+11guidetags.com+11.
- Sunrise & sunset lovers: Choose Jones or Sunset Beach respectively for stunning views.
- For amenities & family fun: Lakeside Park is a winner; Cherie and Jones suit those craving calm and nature.
Final Word
St. Catharines offers a variety of beach experiences—from historic family spots with classic charm to quiet, nature-filled coves. Whether you’re chasing nostalgic rides, sunset serenity, or secluded shoreline, there’s a beach here with your name on it.