Grand Bend is a quaint beach town located on the east side of the south shore of Lake Huron in Ontario. Part of the Lambton Shores Municipality, it’s roughly a two-hour drive from Detroit and three hours from Toronto. It almost feels like a world-class beach resort somewhere along the Atlantic, except it’s a freshwater paradise. The Lambton Shores offer a little something for everyone, so you’ll have a lot to do and see here. Whether you like to venture in the great outdoors, eat at a lot of great restaurants, do some thrilling activities, or simply want to kick back and relax (maybe sit on the beach and/or go for a swim), this area has you covered.
Grand Bend is also a wonderful place to go if you’re looking for somewhere not too hot. “One of the biggest marinas here is the Grand Bend Marina, which, along with the Grand Bend Yacht Club, integrates you well into all the fun this area has to offer,” said Lambton Shores Municipality Communications Coordinator Kaley Lewis who helped provide us with additional perspective on this area. “It’s not a far walk to nearby restaurants and lodging from there.”
The Marina
The Grand Bend Marina is at the beginning of the canal that juts inland near the Grand Bend Lighthouse, and it offers a public boat launch, 35 transient boat slips, 30 seasonal slips, fueling and pump-out stations, electrical access (30 and 50-amp), restrooms, showers, ice, and a laundry facility. The marina is staffed from mid-April until mid-October, and it’s a very nice marina.
“The Grand Bend Marina is one of the 12 internationally recognized Blue Flag marinas in Canada,” adds Kaley. “Blue 
Flags are highly respected and internationally recognized eco-certifications and it means Grand Bend meets strict criteria for water quality, environmental management, safety and services.”
Town Life
While the sunshine and views might make you want to visit, the unique hometown hospitality will make anyone of any age keep coming back. The downtown area of Grand Bend has so much to offer, and there’s especially much fun to be had on the main strip. Just look at all the shopping you could do there and all the cool stuff you could buy. The art galleries and furniture shops are something to get a kick out of. “We have a great selection of unique shops that are not found anywhere else,” Kaley says. Another highlight of the downtown area is the restaurants, and this town has all-you-can-eat, literally, to satisfy any appetite. Whether you want fine dining, roadhouse, pub, or counter service, you’ll get all those options here. Plus, the town has quite a nightlife scene; that’ll appeal to the younger, college-aged crowd especially.
Lodging
You also have diversity in Grand Bend with the lodging options, as you can choose from campgrounds, cottages, hotels, motels, resorts, and bed and breakfasts.
“This Great Lakes beach town is sure to serve you well whether you’re staying for a night, week, or even a full month!” Kaley adds. Boaters wishing to stay the night in the area may get a big kick out of the Bonnie Doone Manor on the Beach motel, as it provides some amazing views of the waterfront with spectacular sunsets in the evening. So many choices for a relaxing stay await your arrival.
Last Words
If you’re an avid freshwater boater, Grand Bend is the place to be if you’re looking for loads of summer fun, top-notch hospitality, and a feeling of authentic paradise on Lake Huron. Kaley also stresses that the shore has uniquely amazing sunsets that will also make your visit to the area one you won’t forget. “Beautiful sandy beaches along the clear, freshwater shores of Lake Huron and breathtaking sunsets make for special summers at the Grand Bend Beach,” Kaley adds. “Whatever your idea of summer fun is, you will find it here.”
For More Information
Grand Bend Marina
www.lambtonshores.ca
