Calm of Crystal Beach

Instead of big hotels and resorts, you will mostly find small cottages and B&Bs in this quiet, secluded beach town that attracts visitors longing to soak up the blissful solitude and beautiful natural surroundings. 

Yellow Door Bed and Breakfast (yellowdoorbandb.com) is a favorite relaxing retreat, located minutes from the town’s main Bay Beach. Just across the street from the sandy shore, Crystal Beach Mercantile (crystalbeachmercantile.ca) showcases gifts for every occasion crafted by local artisans and diverse Canadian brands. Lake Erie perch tacos, the South Coast power bowl and an extensive list of chicken wing sauces and seasonings permit South Coast Cookhouse (southcoastcookhouse.com) to cater to everyone’s tastes. 

Sweet, savory and create-your-own crepes from Waffles & Crepes (wafflesandcrepes.ca) is a go-to stop any time of the day. If you’re looking for exclusively sweet fare or a treat for your pup, visit Cravings by Jayne (cravingsbyjayne.com). 

“The sandy beaches and the variety of shops and restaurants meet the needs of all different audiences, from seniors to young children. It’s just a very laid back, relaxing and wonderful place to be,” notes Deanna Allen Jr., executive assistant and economic development officer for the Town of Fort Erie.