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Summer is almost here, and Central Elgin is ready to welcome visitors to Port Stanley, one of Ontario’s favourite waterfront destinations. The Municipality of Central Elgin maintains several public beaches in Port Stanley, including Main Beach, Little Beach, and Erie Rest Beach.

“On behalf of the Municipality of Central Elgin, I am pleased to welcome residents and visitors to Port Stanley as we prepare for another exceptional summer season,” says Mayor Andrew Sloan. “We are proud to offer a welcoming and vibrant waterfront community, and we look forward to providing a memorable experience for all who choose to spend their summer with us.”

Whether you're a resident or a visitor, planning a weekend getaway or a relaxing day by the lake, here’s everything you need to know to enjoy a safe and memorable visit.

Paid parking returns Thursday, May 1

The Municipality of Central Elgin reminds visitors that paid parking in Municipal parking lots is in effect from May 1 to September 30, daily between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. The Boat Launch Parking Lot is monitored and enforced 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Municipal lot rates:

  • $4 per hour or $20 per day
  • $30 flat rate for 24 hours at the Boat Launch Lot

There is no charge for street parking. Visitors are reminded to follow all posted signage to avoid ticketing.

Payment options available

Visitors have several easy ways to pay for parking:

Honk Mobile App

Central Elgin has partnered with Honk to provide secure, contactless payment options at Port Stanley’s beachside parking areas, including the Main Beach Parking Lot, West Harbour Parking Lot, and the Boat Launch Parking Lot.

  • Download the free Honk Mobile App from the App Store or Google Play.
  • Or, use your smartphone to tap at one of the tap-to-pay smart stations for a quick and easy checkout.

Hourly and seasonal passes are also available online through the Honk Online Platform.

Pay-by-Plate machines

For those who prefer traditional methods, simply park your vehicle, walk to any Pay-by-Plate machine, and enter your license plate number. Pay-by-Plate machines accept both credit cards and coins.

Seasonal parking passes

Seasonal parking passes offer a convenient option for those frequently visiting the beaches. Single vehicle seasonal parking pass is available for $103.50 +HST, vehicle with boat trailer seasonal pass is available for $124.25 +HST.

For a map of parking lot locations and more details or to purchase a seasonal parking pass, please visit: centralelgin.org.

Accessible parking spaces are available close to beach access points. Payment is required for accessible parking spaces.

Washrooms and amenities

Public washrooms will reopen for the season on Thursday, May 1.

  • Public washrooms and changerooms near Main Beach will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Additional portable washrooms are located at Little Beach, Maude Street, Main Beach, Erie Rest Beach, Visitor Centre Lot, Boat Launch and Little Creek Park.

The Port Stanley Visitor Centre public washrooms at 199 Carlow Road will reopen on Friday, May 2 and will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. New for 2025: As approved in the 2025 Municipal Budget, Visitor Centre washrooms will now remain open year-round.

Beach safety reminders

The Main Beach is patrolled daily beginning July through to September. There are no lifeguards on duty at Erie Rest, Little, or Pumphouse beaches. At these beaches, lifesaving equipment is available. Information on beach safety and beach patrol is available on centralelgin.org/beaches.

Residents and visitors are reminded to follow these beach guidelines to help keep everyone safe and ensure a pleasant experience for all:

  • No alcohol, smoking or vaping is permitted on the beaches or in public areas.
  • Beach fires and personal barbecues are prohibited on all Central Elgin beaches.
  • Dogs, leashed or unleashed, are not permitted at any time on Central Elgin beaches.
  • Littering is strictly prohibited. Please use the designated waste and recycling bins.
  • Personal watercraft and motorized boats must remain outside designated swimming areas.
  • Camping tents and large shelters are not permitted. Sun shelters must not obstruct visibility of lifeguards or emergency access routes. 

Plan your visit

In addition to the beautiful beaches, Port Stanley boasts a charming selection of unique shops and restaurants. Visitors can explore quaint boutiques, local art galleries, and enjoy a variety of dining options, from casual spots to waterfront fine dining, something for everyone to enjoy in this picturesque village.

Visit Elgin Tourism for information on events and activities taking place across Elgin County this summer. For more information on Central Elgin’s beaches and Municipal programs, visit centralelgin.org or follow us @CentralElgin on social media.