Summer Town: Crystal Beach, Ontario

My Buffalo blog would just not be complete if didn’t include one very important thing: Crystal Beach. Crystal Beach is technically not located in Buffalo, but it is only a short ten minute drive from downtown over the border to Canada. Being so close, it is a popular destination for many residents of Buffalo to enjoy a beach vacation on the shores of Lake Erie that is as close to perfection as it gets here in the Northeast. Located on the southernmost tip of Canada, Crystal Beach is a tiny beach town that was built around the Crystal Beach amusement park in the early 1900’s. Now that the amusement park is gone, local Canadians and visitors from all over America and Canada come to the best beach on the shores of Lake Erie for a vacation that you will never forget. Named Crystal Beach after the high content on Quartz in the sand, there is much to see and do while there. There is a wide selection of cottages and condos available for rent or purchase. There are countless restaurants, convenience stores, and boardwalk shops that are just a five minute walk from almost any cottage. There is also a food stand right on the beach, as well as several places to buy souvenirs. The crown jewel of Crystal Beach really is the legendary pier. Originally used to bring ships of Americans to the beach during its prime, the pier still stands as a landmark. Many people like to challenge themselves and swim out to the end of the pier, only to climb up the side and jump off of the ledge for a short but worthwhile thrill (believe me, it’s definitely worthwhile). Crystal Beach really is the epitome of summer. It is definitely a local favorite. There is nothing holding you back from finding out for yourself the joy that Crystal Beach will bring you!