Grand Bend Beach
Grand Bend Beach
4.4
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.4
508 reviews
Excellent
296
Very good
155
Average
37
Poor
9
Terrible
11
Arthur M
Hamilton, Canada1,808 contributions
Jul 2024 • Family
We arrived during a weekend morning and it was a quiet place. As the morning turned to noon, more and more people set up camp. Everyone seemed to be enjoying the waters. The lifeguards were busy waving their flags and occasionally enforce beach rules.
The rules said no sports, but we saw people doing frisbees on the water and football on the beach, so the rules are not strictly enforced. Almost everyone that had an umbrella followed the upright-only rule (i.e. no umbrellas resting on the ground).
No tents were also allowed due to anecdotes of defecating under the tents in recent years. As we had a nearby cottage, we didn't need to use the washroom, so I did not check if there were washroom facilities along the beach. Also, we stayed at the more secluded part of the beach, so there were no shower or changing facilities, but as I walked to the busier part, there were such facilities present.
Almost all were swimming or floating, and a few brought their inflatable kayaks and paddleboards too.
The rules said no sports, but we saw people doing frisbees on the water and football on the beach, so the rules are not strictly enforced. Almost everyone that had an umbrella followed the upright-only rule (i.e. no umbrellas resting on the ground).
No tents were also allowed due to anecdotes of defecating under the tents in recent years. As we had a nearby cottage, we didn't need to use the washroom, so I did not check if there were washroom facilities along the beach. Also, we stayed at the more secluded part of the beach, so there were no shower or changing facilities, but as I walked to the busier part, there were such facilities present.
Almost all were swimming or floating, and a few brought their inflatable kayaks and paddleboards too.
Written August 5, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
betty l
Brampton, Canada10,507 contributions
May 2023
We went there on a Monday so we had the beach all to ourselves. Even parking was free because the machines were down when we visited.And since it was a Monday which was right after the busy weekend only one restaurant was open for lunch. We had lunch at Growling Gator which was directly infront of the viewing deck in the beach.
The sand here is not as fine as the Pinery Provincial Park beach.But there are many restaurants before you enter the beach area. You only pay for Parking but entry is free.
The sand here is not as fine as the Pinery Provincial Park beach.But there are many restaurants before you enter the beach area. You only pay for Parking but entry is free.
Written July 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SimonOnVacation
Toronto, Canada363 contributions
Aug 2021
Get there early to secure a nice spot in the beach. People will start arriving past 10am onwards and it gets crowded.
Bring a beach umbrella no more than 6ft. Those that are 8ft, as well as tents, gazebos and mini-tent-shades are not allowed. You will be told by beach security to take it down. Social distancing still in effect there, as you get to set up your stuff with a 6ft distance from others.
Winds come in the afternoons, so expect waves as high as 5 to 8 ft by the end of the day. Pay close attention to the lifeguard flags. If it's green, it's fine. When they change it to yellow, they are on alert as the waves start to come in by the late afternoons.
Overall, its a pretty nice beach, clean washrooms, wide area but parking is a nightmare if you arrive late.
Bring a beach umbrella no more than 6ft. Those that are 8ft, as well as tents, gazebos and mini-tent-shades are not allowed. You will be told by beach security to take it down. Social distancing still in effect there, as you get to set up your stuff with a 6ft distance from others.
Winds come in the afternoons, so expect waves as high as 5 to 8 ft by the end of the day. Pay close attention to the lifeguard flags. If it's green, it's fine. When they change it to yellow, they are on alert as the waves start to come in by the late afternoons.
Overall, its a pretty nice beach, clean washrooms, wide area but parking is a nightmare if you arrive late.
Written August 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Moses M
1 contribution
Jul 2024 • Friends
Me and my friends had taken a 2 hour drive to the Grand bend as research showed us it was a beautiful beach. The water was actually really dirty compared to photos online. So don't always believe what you see online.
But me and my friends had come to make the best of the day. The real disappointment was the consistent stalking of by law officers on the beach consistently looking to give out tickets to patrons. Its only in Canada where you have rules on a beach of what you cannot do and get ticketed for it. I felt sorry for the patrons coming to the beach with tents with young kids trying to keep them safe from the rays of the sun. The officers would even ticket these families keeping there kids safe from the sun.
Dont bother driving 2 hours out to a beach where you are hassled by by-law officers and enjoy dirty water. You are better off going to the beaches elsewhere in Ontario or have guests over if own a pool. At least there you wont get ticket for having a nice cold beer on a hot summer day on your own property.
All In all it was my first and last time ever coming to this town.
But me and my friends had come to make the best of the day. The real disappointment was the consistent stalking of by law officers on the beach consistently looking to give out tickets to patrons. Its only in Canada where you have rules on a beach of what you cannot do and get ticketed for it. I felt sorry for the patrons coming to the beach with tents with young kids trying to keep them safe from the rays of the sun. The officers would even ticket these families keeping there kids safe from the sun.
Dont bother driving 2 hours out to a beach where you are hassled by by-law officers and enjoy dirty water. You are better off going to the beaches elsewhere in Ontario or have guests over if own a pool. At least there you wont get ticket for having a nice cold beer on a hot summer day on your own property.
All In all it was my first and last time ever coming to this town.
Written July 22, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SarahM49
Columbus, OH57 contributions
Jun 2022 • Family
Really enjoyed the low key enjoyable feel of this beach. Big sandy beach, plenty of space for everyone, public restrooms, 2 waterfront bars with good food, a DQ nearby on the strip. Businesses on the strip rent boats, jet skis, wakeboarding, parasailing. Water is sometimes quiet, sometimes wavy depending on the weather. There are quieter more private beaches nearby, but it’s worth visiting this beach for a day of activities.
Written June 25, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
InspiredTraveller12
Toronto, Canada94 contributions
Jul 2020
One of the best beaches I've ever been to. The warm water of Lake Huron during this summer time is perfect for a dip. The beach was crowded but people started to leave around 6 pm and there were very few left for the sunset. It was quiet, peaceful and very serene late in the evening and the sunset was just beautiful! Someone playing guitar at a distance added to the charm of the evening :)
Written July 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ariam R
6 contributions
Jul 2022
I did not enjoyed my visit to Grand Bend beach at all, next time I'll stick to Wasaga. First, the town is just overcrowded to a point that getting a meal is almost impossible because of waiting time on the restaurants and all Motels and Hotels are incredible expensive. Second, the beach itself is not suited for small kids, when you walk in to the water you have to be very careful because it gets deep very fast and finally and the most annoying part, for some reason the beach has a "Bylaw" against tents on the sand area, WTF??!! we set up our Costco little tent on the sand to protect our 3 years old son from the sun and 5 minutes later a lifeguard came and told us that we have to take it down because of bylaw etc etc etc, end of the story, we had to take it down, that ruined our "all day at the beach plan".
Written August 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Azemar
Toronto, Canada1,200 contributions
Jul 2022 • Family
My family and I went to Grand Bend for a weekend and enjoyed it a lot.
The beach ⛱️ is very beautiful. The water is turquoise blue, soft sand, very large beach. The beach is clean and well maintained. Dogs 🐕 🐶 aren't allowed, alcoholic beverages also. Large tent too. There's supervision. Public parking costs $25/day. Others parking areas $40-$50.
There are many good shops on Main Street, as well as good restaurants.
It's without a doubt a great place to enjoy a beach.
I made a YouTube video about Grand Bend: "Why is Grand Bend so popular?" Take a look, you will like the video.
The beach ⛱️ is very beautiful. The water is turquoise blue, soft sand, very large beach. The beach is clean and well maintained. Dogs 🐕 🐶 aren't allowed, alcoholic beverages also. Large tent too. There's supervision. Public parking costs $25/day. Others parking areas $40-$50.
There are many good shops on Main Street, as well as good restaurants.
It's without a doubt a great place to enjoy a beach.
I made a YouTube video about Grand Bend: "Why is Grand Bend so popular?" Take a look, you will like the video.
Written August 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tony K
Caledonia, Canada16 contributions
Jul 2021
Much less crowded than the other beaches - lots of sand and great water. Free parking is limited and so may need to walk farther - recommend unloading at the end of the street near the beach access and then go and park. Be careful not to park in the no parking areas (which are well signed) unless you want a ticket (I believe it is around $120.00). It is worth the walk.
Written July 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Allyson M
1 contribution
Jul 2021
I am not from the area, so when I seen that there was a tour bus to the beach I thought this was too good to be true. I had such an amazing day trip, the weather was so beautiful and the price of the ride was very cheap. Great for couples, family or even if your going solo! Matthew the Bend Bus Trip Coordinator was so friendly with directions and places to visit. Looking forward to going again this summer and for summers to come! Thank you.
Written July 20, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can you park 30 f motorhome for a day on grand bend main beach?
Written June 25, 2023
Hi Victor, i am going to stay at campground ipperwash , do you recomend this beach? i see your comments and for my suprise i see your picture that looks like my town Santa Cruz Beach in Torres Vedras. . keep contact maybe i see you there. Joao
Written November 26, 2020
Hi, just wanted to know if public washrooms are open. Thanks
Written July 17, 2020
Yes, they are. And are cleaned systematically throughout the day. They close by 8 pm but the family washroom is open till late.
Written July 20, 2020
Does anyone have any recommendations for having a bachelorette in Grand Bend? We'd be interested in the winery. Is the town walkable? Any niche places to visit?
Written March 25, 2020
Winery is great
Book a spa day at oak wood golf course
Beach is walkable
Main Street has great shopping and restaurants
Written March 25, 2020
Hello how is temperature of the water there ? Near they are place for eat?
Written August 3, 2019
no campfires or bbq allowed on beach. there's plenty of food places around tho. and picnic areas.
Written August 3, 2019
pattimoran83
Toronto, Canada
Are you able to barbecue on the beach if you bring your own grill?
Written August 1, 2018
There is no BBQ's on the beach and they are not allowed
Written July 27, 2018
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