🌊 Bay Beach (Crystal Beach)
- Short History: Originally known as Bay Beach Park since 1926, and earlier home to the famed Crystal Beach Amusement Park (1888–1989) .
- Parking: $4/hour or $15/day in municipal lots; metered street parking at $2/hour or $10/day.
- Kid friendly: Yes — playground, splash mats, change rooms, and a volleyball-friendly sandy area .
- Pet friendly: No dogs allowed on the beach.
- Entrance fee: Day passes are required (adult fees apply, kids under 12 free) .
- Can cook food: No open cooking; picnic tables available—pack your own picnic or grab takeaway from nearby eateries.
- Distance from Niagara Falls: ~15 km west (~10 minutes by car).
- Bus accessible: Take GO Transit/VIA to Niagara Falls, then Niagara Region Transit + Fort Erie on‑demand transit.
- Opening hours: Daily, 9 a.m.–6 p.m., including holidays .
Why visit: One of Niagara’s most popular beaches, fully renovated with accessible ramps, beach mats, playgrounds, facilities and a festival square. Great for families and a stroll to nearby cafes and gelato.
🌿 Waverly Beach
- Short History: Began in the late 1880s with a leisure park known as Erie Beach Park, ferry landings, pavilion, and early amusement park structures; amenities have been refreshed in recent years.
- Beach Name: Waverly Beach.
- Parking: Municipal lots & street parking (rates similar to Bay Beach).
- Kid friendly: Yes — quieter than Bay Beach, plus public restrooms and a scenic woodland trail .
- Pet friendly: Dogs allowed in non-beach park areas but not on the sand .
- Entrance fee: Free.
- Can cook food: Pack-in picnic; no grills.
- Distance from Niagara Falls: ~12 km (~12 minutes by car).
- Bus accessible: Limited; best reached by car or rideshare.
- Opening hours: Likely similar to other town beaches (dawn to dusk).
Why visit: A more relaxed, local-favorite spot with newer facilities and natural trails—ideal for families seeking peace and less crowding .
🛶 Bernard Avenue Beach
- Short History: A small, scenic spot along Lake Erie, known more for boating and kayaking rather than swimming.
- Beach Name: Bernard Avenue Beach.
- Parking: Street parking available—municipal rates apply.
- Kid friendly: Moderate—no playground, but great for nature exploration.
- Pet friendly: Dogs allowed in park areas; not on sandy beach.
- Entrance fee: Free.
- Can cook food: Picnic possible off the sand.
- Distance from Niagara Falls: ~14 km (~15 minutes by car).
- Bus accessible: Not well served—car recommended.
- Opening hours: Dawn to dusk.
Why visit: Peaceful, less crowded, ideal for kayaking, paddle boarding, or a quiet beach day away from busy spots.
🚐 Travel Times from Niagara Falls
- Bay Beach & Waverly Beach: ~10–12 minutes by car (approx. 12–15 km).
- Bernard Avenue: ~14 minutes by car (~14 km).
Recommendation
| Beach | Perfect for… |
|---|---|
| Bay Beach | Families, amenities, vibrant vibes |
| Waverly Beach | Peaceful, kid-friendly, local ambiance |
| Bernard Avenue | Nature lovers, small groups, kayakers |
Each beach offers a unique flavor of Fort Erie’s shoreline. Whether you’re after amenities, serenity, or scenic kayaking, Fort Erie beaches make a perfect half-day or full-day outing from Niagara Falls.