Sunsets, bars, theatre, parties, beach, and boats. You can expect all of this and more when you visit Grand Bend, Ontario. I always thought no one would be interested in hearing about my tiny little pieces of paradise. I thought this even though when we travel anywhere, USA or Europe, we almost always meet someone who knows Grand Bend. It always blows my mind, that I can be sitting in a pub in England, tell them I live in Ontario Canada and they ask if I know Grand Bend. I mean are you kidding me?! So I guess it is worth writing about after all.
Grand Bend is frequented by Toronto, GTA and Michigan tourists through the summer months, tundra swans in the spring and cold cold winds in the winter. I suggest visiting in spring/ summer. Although Grand Bend does have some fancy ice sculptures to view in the winter...if your lucky.
To start with you need to know that Grand Bend is, at the time of this writing, under a change over. This happens every couple of decades it seems. Family of ours remembers times when people drove down the strip with a tiger in the car. Jeff (who grew up in GB) remembers a water slide and killer retro arcade. While you won't find tigers in cars, or sadly, the arcade anymore you will find tons of excitement. Some of the main bars along the strip are currently under renovation for an uplift. Personally, I like the retro version of Grand Bend, just a little dirty (in more ways than 1), a little wild, and very beachy.
(Above photo is of the Colonial Hotel and Gables; both are Grand Bend classics, that are currently under renovation and not open to the public. Before being sold these were the top Grand Bend bar/nightlife locations. Time will tell what the new look will do for the venue).
Grand Bend, like all of Lake Huron, is cottage country. Take some time and Google local cottages. No matter where you stay you are never far from the action. There is also no public transport along Lake Huron so you will need a car. In Grand Bend you can stay along the strip (this is the main street through town, going to the beach) or you can opt for a quieter, but still close to the action cottage on the other side of the river. Staying on the strip would be best for those looking to party, listen to loud music, and hang out at the bars and beach. On the other side of the river you have more choice of attending the party or enjoying the sunset in peace. To each their own. Both sides of the river have a lot to offer.
Regardless of where you stay you will have lots to do and see.
Along the Strip
1. Day at the beach is a given. Play volleyball, lounge, surf, jet ski, wind surf, paddleboard, whatever your beach bum desires. Grand Bend has lots of companies down by the beach to help with any and all of your water sport needs.
2. Mini Putt. There are currently 2 mini putt locations along the strip. The classic course (where Jeff used to work) and a super cool Jurassic Par course, I like what they did there ;)
3. You can also go Ax Throwing. They even have a kid version which was actually cute, not dangerous.
4. A newer addition to the strip are the Escape Rooms. This would be a fun rainy day activity.
5. If you are brave enough you can get a tattoo at Perfect Image. Fun fact I got my first tattoo, when I was in high school (with parental consent) in Grand Bend.
6. Shop until you drop. There is no shortage of shopping along the strip. walk 5 ft. in any direction and you will find; bathing suits, sun glasses, dresses, sweaters, shorts, bags, beach supplies and unlimited GB Souvenirs.
7. Eat and drink. I actually think it would be fun to patio hop down the strip. You can stop into a variety of bars and restaurants down the strip for a drink or some nibblies.
8. Listen to live music. There is also no shortage of live music in Grand Bend. On any given day, or night, you will hear some tunes.
We have already covered enough activities to last a weekend and we haven't even left the Main Street!
Off the Strip
1. Golfing at Oakwood. You can practice your drives or play the whole course.
2. Visit the Pinery Provincial Park. They offer camping, hiking, canoeing/kayaking, biking, etc.
3. Go to the Grand Bend Farmers Market. This market is the largest I know of in Huron County, and surrounding area. It runs every Sunday in the summer and has held this tradition for over 50 years (with the exception of Covid). It costs about $1 to get in, so make sure you save your pennies. Wonder the rows, upon rows, of vendors selling their wares. Look for Aunt B's Bonnets, Jeff's Aunt Brenda's booth, she makes baby clothes, bonnets and blankets (she also sells them on Etsy #shamelessplug). When you finish your shopping grab some fish & chips and a beer, take a seat and enjoy the classic sound of Brian Dale a local musician.
4. Visit the Harbour. Take a walk down to the harbour. Look at the boats parked at the Yacht Club. Browse the art gallery. Enjoy some fish & chips while watching people launch their boats (this is a favourite past time of ours). Stroll by the letters, the name Grand Bend is written in shrubs down by the harbour. Take a walk down the pier to watch the boats and sunset. This part of town is beautiful. You can often hear the music from downtown, but the mood is different here. More calm, peaceful, quiet and just beautiful.
5. Catch a show at The Huron Country Playhouse. The playhouse hosts world known actors and plays. A must do when in Grand Bend.
6. Before your show join a wine tasting at the neighbouring Dark Horse Winery.
7. Spend a day at the Grand Bend Motorplex to take in some racing. There are nights when you can hear the drag racers engines from the sandy shores of the beach.
8. To top off you day head to a classic drive in movie theatre, Starlite Drive- In. Located just inland from Grand Bend in Shipka.
Places to Eat
There are so many places to eat and drink in Grand Bend. I will not name them all. Most of the food is typical burger and fries. But I will make a couple of suggestions, our go to if you will.
1. Denny's Drive- In. Located on HWY 21. They have excellent french fries and serve up local burgers from Metzger's butcher shop (located in Hensall).
2. Dairy Dip. Located on the strip. Great ice cream treats.
3. The Cheryl Ann. Located on the strip. Serving up burgers, fries and shakes.
4. Oakwood Resort. Located on HWY 21. This would be a more fine dining experience. I say this with caution because you will not need to dress up and I don't want you to expect escargot. Grand Bend is not that type of place.
5. Midori Sushi. Located on Crescent St. Serving up delicious, fresh sushi.
6. The Gator. Located on the strip at the beach. The Gator has a great patio for enjoying a drink or some lunch with excellent beach views.
Grand Bend has a lot to offer. I feel like I have only scratched the surface of this fun and beautiful town. Let us know in the comments or over on Instagram, @thedbadventures, have you been to GB? What was your favourite activity there?
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