Escape to Paradise: Discovering Chatham-Kent's 6 Best Beaches

One of the best things about living in Chatham-Kent is one is never too far away from the area's incredible beaches. Residents and visitors of the Chatham-Kent area can choose to spend their day hanging out on the sandy shores, playing sports, getting out on the water, or enjoying the unique amenities many of the beach parks offer. Here's what to know about the best beaches near Chatham-Kent, Ontario.

Rondeau Provincial Park Beach

Rondeau Provincial Park was established in 1894 near the Morpeth community on the north shore of Lake Erie. There are nine beach access points along the park's eastern side and more than 11 kilometres of white, sandy beaches where people can swim, sunbathe, and enjoy the outdoors. The park also has a large campground and is dog-friendly.

Other activities visitors can enjoy in Rondeau Provincial Park include hiking, biking, fishing, boating, canoeing, and camping. During winter, trails are groomed for snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Showers and electrical hookups at the campsites are open between early April and November each year, depending on the weather.

Additional amenities at Rondeau Provincial Park Beach include:

• Public washrooms
• Laundromat
• Concessions
• Camp store
• Two playgrounds for children
• Multiple picnic shelters

Grand Bend Beach

Waterfront condos next to Lake Huron are just one of the reasons to live in Grand Bend, within the municipality of Lambton Shores. This coastal community offers stunning views of the Great Lake, and Grand Bend Beach is a nice sandy getaway next to the water.

Public washrooms are available during summer, and visitors can access ample parking year-round. Tents and canopies are not allowed on the beach, but visitors are welcome to bring an umbrella no more than 2.4 metres in diameter. There are Beach Cams that can be checked beforehand, so visitors will know if the weather is suitable for a day at the beach before making the drive.

This popular beach has lifeguards on duty during summer. Smoking, vaping, glass containers, and barbecuing are prohibited on the beach. Sports like Frisbee, volleyball, and soccer are not permitted on Main Beach in July and August.

Mitchell's Bay Beach

The Mitchell's Bay community is on the eastern shores of Lake St. Clair and features a shallow, warm-water lake averaging only three meters deep. Visitors should wait for the sunset when visiting this beach because it faces west across Lake St. Clair, and the view is a real treat!

The beach has excellent amenities nearby, including a large parking lot with plenty of free parking spaces and a children's playground with a splash pad. Leashed dogs are welcome on the beach. An ice cream stand operates near the park during summer, and several restaurants are within walking distance of the beach — some even have dog-friendly outdoor patios.

Mitchell's Bay has cabins, cottages, and campsites available for rent, and a motel is nearby. For those who want to get out on the water, there is a public boat ramp directly next to the beach. Fishing for smallmouth and largemouth bass is also popular here.

Erieau Beach

The quaint coastal town of Erieau is on a peninsula on the north shore of Lake Erie at the mouth of Rondeau Bay, directly across the water from Rondeau Park. Erieau's population increases by about 1,000 during summer as visitors flock here to view the Rondeau West Front Range Lighthouse and enjoy the beach and local restaurants. Otherwise, about 400 people live in this community year-round, and each home is just a short walk or bike ride away from Erieau Park Beach.

This sandy beach is open for swimming, although no lifeguards are on duty. A parking lot and public washrooms are available, and picnic tables are set up in two covered pavilions for those who want to pack a lunch and spend the day here.

The beach park has a sand volleyball court and a large and impressive children's playground next to it. There is a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk next to the beach and a pier leading to the nearest lighthouse.

Point Pelee National Park Beach

While Point Pelee National Park is a bit of a drive southwest of the municipality of Chatham, it is well worth the trip to explore the beaches here. Close to the municipality of Leamington, Northwest Beach and West Beach are the main attractions in the park, although it has the longest contiguous stretch of beach in all of Essex County. The east and west sides of the peninsula have approximately 20 kilometres of sandy beach shores, and it's the southernmost beach in mainland Canada.

Visitors are asked to stay close to shore when enjoying the beaches here, as there can be strong wave surges, undertows, and rip currents in this part of Lake Erie. Washrooms, changing rooms, and picnic facilities are available inside the park at Northwest Beach and West Beach.

Canatara Park Beach

Canatara Beach and Park are in Sarnia, north of Lake St. Clair on the shores of Lake Huron. Those living in the western part of this coastal town can easily see Port Huron in the United States across the St. Clair River. Visitors will love this sandy beach on the shores of Lake Huron and the large, roughly 80 hectare park from which it can be accessed.

The beach is approximately three kilometres long and is inside a huge park with many kid-friendly activities. Kids love the free Children's Animal Farm, which features goats, sheep, rabbits, and other farm animals in a country setting. Older kids like to use the BMX bike track inside the park, and there is a playground with equipment to keep younger children busy. Don't forget to take the kids for a mini train ride at this beach park during the day.

Enjoy the Best Beaches Near Chatham-Kent

Whether you desire a relaxing afternoon with a picnic under the sun or are seeking exciting waterfront activities, you'll find it at one of these best beaches near Chatham-Kent. From the small coastal town of Mitchell's Bay to farther destinations southwest, you'll discover camping, fishing, sports, playgrounds, and much more. The best times to visit these top Chatham-Kent beaches are in the summer, but most are open daily for year-round fun.