Located on the shores of Lake Huron in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, Grand Bend has carved a niche for itself as one of the best beach towns in Canada. Boasting one of the best sunsets in the world, Grand Bend’s Main Beach is among a few beaches in Canada to have earned official Blue Flag status for its commitment to strict safety and water quality criteria. The 40-kilometer (25-mile) wide sandy beach lures people for swimming and enjoying the nightlife at the beach. Grand Bend offers excellent shopping, art galleries, golfing, skydiving, parasailing, watercraft rentals, fantastic food, live music and more. Apart from cottages for rent, there are also cabin rentals that provide tourists with amazing accommodations.
One of Canada’s largest racing venues, Grand Bend Motorplex is also one of only two offering oval track-racing, road-racing, drag-racing, and motocross. Farms decorate the beautiful countryside with rural, historic towns and villages perched along Lake Huron’s shoreline. Read on for the best things to do in Grand Bend, Canada.
1. Grand Bend Lighthouse
Grand Bend Lighthouse is a great place to visit, especially if you want to unwind away from the bustling tourist attractions in Grand Bend. This historical landmark features expansive areas where you can relax and enjoy peaceful views of the water. Although the tower itself is closed, the surrounding areas are open for visitors to explore.
If you need a quick recharge, there are plenty of restaurants and food venues near the beach. Just be sure to bring essentials so you can stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
Grand Bend Lighthouse
Address: Grand Bend, ON N0M 1T0, Canada
Opening hours: 24 hours (daily)
Price: Free
2. Dark Horse Estate Winery Inc.
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Nestled in the heart of Huron County, Dark Horse Estate Winery boasts an expansive facility dedicated to state-of-the-art winemaking technology. The place features tasting rooms as well as a wine cellar, not to mention an elite VIP space for those who want to have the best winery experience. With patios overlooking the vineyards, Dark Horse Estate Winery provides guests with the perfect opportunity to fully relax and enjoy stunning views with a glass of wine in hand.
Danu Cellars, the on-site restaurant, serves sumptuous cuisine sourced from the surrounding farms and fields. Some of the dishes available include seared scallops, duck breast, and striploin.
Dark Horse Estate Winery Inc.
Address: 70665 B Line, Grand Bend, ON N0M 1T0, Canada
Website: Dark Horse Estate Winery Inc.
Opening hours: Thu - Sun: 12pm - 5pm (closed on Mon - Tue)
3. Pinery Provincial Park
The scenic attraction in Grand Bend is huge with 10 kilometers (6 miles) of sandy beach on the shores of Lake Huron near Grand Bend beach. The drive to the park is very scenic. The beach is quite rocky but the water is beautiful and very clean.
The park has great facilities and offers a lot to do, including amazing trails, canoeing, ice creams, campfires, and more. Pinery is an amazing place to camp. The campsites are conveniently located near to the beach. The sunset is simply stunning and beautiful. Pinery sunset is ranked among the ‘Top 10 Best in the World’ by National Geographic.
Pinery Provincial Park
Address: 9526 Lakeshore Rd, ON N0M 1T0 Grand Bend, Canada
Website: Pinery Provincial Park
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4. Grand Bend Beach
Grand Bend Beach is one of the best places in Ontario in the summer. The sand on the beach is soft; water is warm and crystal clear and if you go around 4 p.m., the parking is not bad. The main street is packed with clothes shops, cafes, and bars. There are even a splash pad and a playground nearby for children.
The area is great to go for a dip, the beach offers jet ski rentals, amazing trails, parasailing, shopping, eateries and more. The Saturday fireworks are quite beautiful. The view of Lake Huron from the roof top is just amazing.
Grand Bend Beach
Address: Ontario, Canada
Website: Grand Bend Beach
5. Grand Bend Motorplex
One of the best activities in Grand Bend is to watch the drag racing and the vehicles in the pits. They have big weekends with top fuel drags that are a must-see. The annual event showcases drag racing with bikes, sleds, and modified and heavily modified drag race vehicles including rocket cars. With lots of food trucks and concession stands, the show is a good time pass. With 30 USD per carload, everyone in your car can participate in the event.
Grand Bend Motorplex
Address: 70292 Grand Bend Line, ON N0M 1T0 Grand Bend, Canada
Website: Grand Bend Motorplex
6. The Pinery Antique Flea Market
It is an amazing place to spend an afternoon. Lots of things to browse through, there are baked goods, fresh vegetables, antiques, and crafts. Smoked meats, nuts, candy vendors, various t-shirts, hats, and clothing are also available. The beer garden is a nice relaxing spot with live music; check it out if you’re in the area. Well worth a few hours.
The Pinery Antique Flea Market
Address: 10163 Lakeshore Rd, ON N0M 1T0 Grand Bend, Canada
Website: The Pinery Antique Flea Market
7. Sunset Arts Gallery
It is a beautiful art gallery with different styles and types of art works at reasonable prices. The gallery is managed by artists so it is well managed and the artists are very knowledgeable. People visit the gallery to take home a piece or two for their house.
Sunset Arts Gallery
Address: ON N0M 1T0 Lambton Shores, Canada
Website: Sunset Arts Gallery
8. Dale's Antique Market & Mennonite Furniture
The place has a good collection of fascinating antiques and handmade furniture. The main building has a mix of old and new, being mainly Mennonite furniture and one-of-a-kind pieces (reclaimed wood furniture). Back outdoor stalls are open on Sunday, which offers many more options to explore.
They will work with you to create custom furniture pieces. It is a place to spend some time. You might get some fun stuff or even furniture that you will like.
Dale's Antique Market & Mennonite Furniture
Address: 10410 Lakeshore Rd, ON N0M 1T0 Grand Bend, Canada
9. Lambton Heritage Museum
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The museum has many out buildings which depict the early industrial, agricultural, and social history of Lambton County. The museum has an amazing amount of locally donated items.
There is a thematic activity center for the kids in one of the main galleries; an outside climbing center; and a treasure hunt. The outdoor exhibits are shaded by beautiful old oaks. Beautifully landscaped gardens and picnic benches are outside for a picnic lunch.
Lambton Heritage Museum
Address: 10035 Museum Road, ON N0M 1T0 Grand Bend, Canada
Website: Lambton Heritage Museum
10. Grand Bend Sport Parachuting Center
It is a great skydiving center with amazing staff. Bob and Mary are great instructors and they know what they are doing. In the case of the first jump, some pre-planning and a few hours of training are required but it is worth every minute. The focus is entirely on safety and a happy landing.
Grand Bend Sport Parachuting Center
Address: 70114 Grand Bend Line, ON N0M 1T0 Grand Bend, Canada
Website: Grand Bend Sport Parachuting Center
11. Grand Bend Farmers Market
It is a lovely clean market with plenty of fresh local produce as well as baked goods and crafts. Everything from food to clothing to crafts, antiques, and books are available. The pinball machines, Styrofoam box breakfast, fresh cut flower booths, and blueberry scones make for an amazing small town market. You can pick up local fresh vegetables, fruits, meats, flowers, pot pies, jewelry and more.
Grand Bend Farmers Market
Address: 1 Main St W, ON N0M 1T0 Grand Bend, Canada
Website: Grand Bend Farmer’s Market
12. Paddington's Pub Eatery, Ale house and Wine Bar
All the outdoor activities build an appetite, so why not try Paddington’s Pub Eatery, Ale house, and Wine Bar? The quaint pub brings micro-beers, themed fun like Mexican Mondays, Tuscan Tuesdays, and home-cooking. Enjoy the sangria with some wings, or try the fish and chips. Other delicious menu items include steak sandwiches, seafood or curry.
There’s a range of beer on tap, a great atmosphere, and friendly staff. Locals support the venue, so you know that’s a great recommendation. Relax on the patio, or get in with the crowd in the small pub.
Paddington's Pub Eatery, Ale house, and Wine Bar
Address: 18 Ontario Street North, Grand Bend, Lambton Shores, Ontario N0M 1T0
13. Take in the arts at Huron Country Playhouse
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
The Huron Country Playhouse is just minutes away from Lake Huron. Recently revamped, the modern facility has a gift shop and a refreshment bar. Seating is comfortable and quite new. The facility is wheelchair-friendly. There are two theaters in the building and the performances are very good.
The theater is set in a lovely country setting, so you may want to take a day and enjoy the ambiance. Enjoy productions like “The Little Mermaid,” “The Birds and Bees,” and “Cinderella.” They often have matinee shows, so take along the kids and look out for matinee specials.
Huron Country Playhouse
Address: 70689 B Line, Grand Bend, Lambton Shores, Ontario
One of the best sunsets in the world
As one of the best beach towns of Canada with one of the best sunsets in the world, Grand Bend offers excellent shopping, art galleries, golfing, skydiving, parasailing, water craft rentals, fantastic food, live music and more. It is a must-visit place on your Canada itinerary.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Grand Bend, Canada
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