Home to quaint little shops and restaurants, Crystal Beach, Ontario was once a thriving Victorian resort with an amusement park and boardwalk.

Today, the amusement park is gone, but the beach remains the same and attracts thousands of people who still spend their summers at the lake in cottages from FlipKey!

About Crystal Beach

Found on the northeast shore of Lake Erie and less than half an hour’s drive from Buffalo, New York, Crystal Beach has long been the summer playground for thousands of Canadians and Americans.

Aptly named for its crystal-clear water and Caribbean-like sandy beaches, Crystal Beach comes alive in the summer as tourists from across the Niagara region and as far away as Toronto head to the beach.

Historically, like many other waterfront towns, Crystal Beach and the town of Fort Erie have been popular for centuries. With large majestic hotels, bathhouses, roller-coasters and dance halls swinging to the sounds of a big band, Crystal Beach was western New York's equivalent to Atlantic City.

Today, people still flock to the beach for their summer vacations, where it is more about the watersports than the entertainment. For any visitor, there is so much to see and do.

What to do

Top of the list has to be Niagara Falls. They're a short 25-minute drive from Crystal Beach where you can relive the 1953 film noir thriller “Niagara” while being mesmerized by the thundering water.

For a taste of local history, visit the “Old Fort”, where a pivotal battle was played out during the war of 1812 between the British and Americans. The siege was the last and most protracted engagements of the war and remains Canada’s bloodiest battlefield.

The area’s newest attraction is “Safari Niagara”, where you can view some of the planet's rarest and most exotic species in over 100 acres of parkland.

Crystal Beach is all about having fun in the sun while taking advantage of activities in and around the water. The area is already famous as a top windsurfing location and with sailing, water skiing and fishing all on offer you’ll have plenty of things to keep you occupied.

Top Crystal beach travel tips

Summer rentals around Crystal Beach are limited and book up fast. To ensure you get the perfect beach house or condo for your summer vacation, be sure to reserve your FlipKey rental well in advance.

If you’re driving to Crystal Beach from the United States, you will most likely cross over the Peace Bridge between Buffalo and Fort Erie. Remember to bring your passport and arrive at the bridge early to avoid being stuck in traffic.

Use plastic to pay for goods and services. Debit cards and credit cards always give you the best exchange rates on goods and services. And don't forget to leave a 10-15% tip at any restaurant!

Crystal Beach is a great family-friendly place to spend a week or even the entire summer and has plenty to do both on and out of the water. To avoid disappointment, remember to book early using FlipKey to find a great vacation rental at the most affordable price.