A Guide to Canatara Beach: 5 Major Attractions
Canatara Beach is an urban beach located in the centre of Sarnia, Ontario, close to the mouth of the St. Clair River, on the beaches of Lake Huron. The shoreline of the sandy beach stretches for about a kilometre long. More than 84 acres of parkland surround the beach, which is situated in Canatara Park. The City of Sarnia is the park’s owner.
The park has passive regions, woodlands, picnic areas, walking/biking pathways, etc. For those who are disabled, there are restrooms and parking spaces that are allocated. At Christina Street’s northern terminus, there is a park and beach area. The 402 Highway leads to Christina Street.
1. Blue Flag Beach
Canatara Beach has a blue flag status. A beach with a Blue Flag status has to adhere to high standards for water safety and purity. The cleanliness, accessibility, eco-friendliness, and excellent water quality of these beaches are annually certified. Canada’s National Operator for Blue Flag is Swim Drink Fish.
It also meets strict water quality tests 60-95% of the time. The most recent sample, obtained on September 2nd, 2022, is the basis for this status. As soon as test results are made available, Swim Drink Fish Canada – Great Lakes Guide updates the status of this beach. Swim Guide published these results on September 2, 2022 at 10:51 AM.
2. What to do Near Canatara Beach?
Some of the things that you can do near Canatara Beach are mentioned here. Read through the article to make your visit more pleasant.
2.1 Where to Stay?
In Point Edward Village, we recommend staying at either the Holiday Inn or the Best Western Plus Guildwood Inn if you’re not entirely committed to the boat life but still want a comfortable bed for the night. The OLG Point Edward Casino, Bridgewater Marina, and the lake are all conveniently close to both hotels.
2.2 Boat Ride
Want to take a boat tour but don’t have a boat or a boating license? Take heart! Bridgeview Marina can handle it. You can obtain your licence and rent a pontoon boat for $8 hours for $350. Perfect for enjoying some sun while cruising the St. Clair River.
2.3 Casino
Don’t be shy around Lady Luck! The OLG Casino Point Edward, which is situated in Point Edward, is a great place to unwind after work.
3. Where to Eat?
If you are in Canatara Beach, do not worry about the food options. There are plenty of options that you can find in this place that will not only fill your stomach but will also fill your heart with its amazing taste.
3.1 Breakfast
John’s Restaurant: Given that a particular former Dragon frequents this location every morning for breakfast, celebrity sightings are fairly likely. Even if you miss your chance to see him, the fantastic breakfast and even better hospitality will leave you speechless. The yogurt and granola as well as the eggs benedict are both recommended at John’s Restaurant.
3.2 Lunch
Alternate Grounds Dockside: Tacos! If you enjoy tacos as much as we do, you should come here. They offer an excellent view of the boats from their location directly on the Sarnia Bay Marina, and their fish and shrimp tacos are also very good. If you’re not a fan of tacos, they also offer other dishes.
3.3 Dinner
Lola’s Lounge: Southwest Ontario is giving out some serious Vegas vibes. A throwback to the classic eateries, Lola’s Lounge features quirky décor, generous portions, and a pleasant proprietor. Amazing food that is rich, plentiful, and meant to be shared. The lamb and the seafood pasta are favourites, but the menu has something for everyone, including gluten-free and vegan alternatives.
3.4 Drinks
Refinery Fool Brewing: Craft beer in plenty! For those who appreciate sampling regional brews, this charming brewery is ideal. The sampler is ideal for getting you going.
4. Attractions Near Canatara Beach
These are some of the major attractions near Canatara Beach. Make sure to keep some time in hand or stay a day or two to experience the extraordinary beauty of this place.
4.1 Blue Water Bridge
Port Huron, Michigan, United States and Sarnia, Ontario, Canada are connected by the twin-span Blue Water Bridge, which spans the St. Clair River. Highway 402 in Ontario is linked to Interstates 69 (I-69) and 94 (I-94) in Michigan via the Blue Water Bridge.
4.2 Fort Gratiot Lighthouse
Lucius Lyon, who subsequently went on to become one of Michigan’s first U.S. Senators, built Fort Gratiot Light, the state of Michigan’s first lighthouse, north of Fort Gratiot in 1829. At the southern part of Michigan’s Thumb, the beautiful St Clair River enters Lake Huron at Fort Gratiotight.
The grounds and light are still used by the Coast Guard, but the Port Huron Museum just received ownership of them. It is the state of Michigan’s oldest remaining lighthouse. On the land, there is also a park and public beach access at Lighthouse Beach. Point Edward Front Range Light is located across the river from it.
4.3 Centennial Park
As part of Canada’s 100th-anniversary celebrations, this lovely waterfront park debuted in 1967. In the past, Sarnia’s early industry, including sawmills, lumberyards, railroads, and shipping, was located in the region around the St. Clair River.
The city’s parks and recreation department maintains the park’s award-winning floral gardens, children’s play area, Court of Flags, walking trails, recreation area, and entertainment area. Many sporting events, concerts, and festivals are frequently held at the seaside park. For the Festival of Lights Christmas event, the park is illuminated with thousands of colourful lights each winter.
4.4 Germain Park
About 60 acres of the property that now make up Germain Park were first owned by the County House of Refuge in 1889. The occupants lived on a farm with a vegetable garden and an apple orchard, where they also cooked, cleaned and did agricultural labour. The land was bought by the City of Sarnia in 1951, and the structure was dismantled and turned into Germain Park in 1954.
One of Sarnia’s best-kept secrets is the award-winning Germain Gardens, which are tucked away in Germain Park. A gorgeous arbour that is often utilized as a wedding backdrop can be found here, along with winding roads through immaculately maintained gardens, citizen garden plots, and numerous grassy areas to sit and take in the lovely scenery.
4.5 Thomas Edison Depot Museum
At Port Huron, Michigan, at 520 State Street, there is a former railroad depot now known as the Thomas Edison Depot Museum. A museum has been created there.
In 2001, the Port Huron Museum inaugurated the Thomas Edison Depot Museum there. The depot is the real depot where Thomas Edison worked as a news butcher and is owned and run by the Port Huron Museum. On a small railroad spur outside the museum is a rebuilt baggage car. His childhood home, which burned down in 1870, was the location of an archaeological dig that produced the items now on display in the museum.
5. Conclusion
Visit Canatara Beach and have the most amazing time of your life.
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