Beaches

Port Stanley’s beautiful sandy beaches along the freshwater shores of Lake Erie are among Ontario’s most popular beach destinations. The Municipality of Central Elgin operates four public beaches in Port Stanley—Main Beach, Little Beach, Erie Rest Beach, and Pumphouse Beach—each offering a unique waterfront experience. Visitors can enjoy convenient beach access, parking, seasonal washroom facilities, and confidence in the area's commitment to water quality and beach safety.

Whether you're swimming, relaxing on the sand, exploring the shoreline, or enjoying a day with family and friends, Port Stanley's beaches offer something for everyone. Visitors can enjoy the waterfront with confidence, knowing the area is committed to maintaining high standards for water quality, safety, and accessibility.

Beach Rules and Guidelines

To help keep our beaches safe, clean, and enjoyable for everyone, residents and visitors are asked to follow these rules:

Alcohol, smoking, and vaping are not permitted on beaches or in public areas.
Bonfires, barbecues, and outdoor cooking devices are prohibited on beaches and in municipal parks.
Dogs are not permitted on Central Elgin beaches at any time.
Please dispose of waste properly using designated garbage and recycling bins.
Personal watercraft and motorized boats must remain outside designated swimming areas.
Camping tents and large shelters are not permitted on Central Elgin beaches.
Please avoid bringing glass bottles.

Thank you for helping to protect our beaches and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all visitors.

Map

Main Beach

Main Beach is Port Stanley's largest and most popular beach, featuring a wide sandy shoreline that is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, beach games, and family outings. Main Beach has maintained Blue Flag certification for more than 16 years, recognizing its high standards for water quality, environmental management, safety, and amenities. Seasonal lifeguards are on patrol from July through September. Washroom and changerooms are open daily 8 a.m. - 9 p.m.
Little Beach

Little Beach offers a quieter and more smaller setting. This 185-metre-long sandy beach is surrounded by mature trees, making it a popular destination for families with young children. Please note that lifeguards do not patrol at Little Beach. A new washroom trailer facility located at Little Beach is now open, daily 8 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Erie Rest Beach

Erie Rest Beach is a smaller public beach that provide additional opportunities to enjoy Port Stanley’s beautiful Lake Erie shoreline in a more relaxed setting. No lifeguards are on duty at Erie Rest Beach. Portable washrooms are on site. There is limited parking nearby.
Pumphouse Beach

Pumphouse Beach is a smaller public beach that provide additional opportunities to enjoy Port Stanley’s beautiful Lake Erie shoreline in a more relaxed setting. There are no lifeguards on duty at Pumphouse Beach and parking is limited.