Fort Erie: Discover the Coast and History

On the shores of Lake Erie, Fort Erie brings together beaches, coastal scenery and historic sites. If you’re looking for a hotel in Fort Erie, you can plan your trip around the themes you want to focus on: Point Abino Lighthouse and Old Fort Erie represent different aspects of history, while Bay Beach puts the beach and water at the center. The Friendship Recreation Trail adds a longer route parallel to the lakeshore. This means your interests can range from cultural history to the beach and a trail along the lakeshore.

Point Abino Lighthouse: Construction History and Access

Point Abino Lighthouse stands on the rocky north shore of Lake Erie in Fort Erie. It was built in 1917 by the Department of Marine and Fisheries in response to increasing ship traffic at the eastern end of Lake Erie. Since it was decommissioned in 1995, the lighthouse has been designated a Classified Heritage Building. The Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office also designated it a National Historic Site and a Classified Federal Building. The lighthouse therefore combines its original connection to shipping with several historic designations.

For walk-in visits, only the exterior is accessible. The walk is about 1.5 kilometers each way; vehicles of any kind are not allowed. Check the access rules again before your visit.

Old Fort Erie and Its History Programs

Old Fort Erie is located on the edge of the Niagara River in Fort Erie and is a National Historic Site dating from the War of 1812. Offerings include daily guided tours and musket demonstrations. Special events take place each year, including the Siege of Old Fort Erie reenactment and the Speaker Series. The Welcome Centre features interactive exhibits about the site’s history, offering another way to explore the topic in addition to tours and events. Since the program is seasonal, check program information and event dates before your trip.

Bay Beach in Crystal Beach

Bay Beach, also known as Crystal Beach, is on the shores of Lake Erie in the community of Crystal Beach. The beach is known for its white sand and clear, warm water. Facilities include washrooms with change rooms and a drinking water station, a playground, a pavilion and a festival site. An accessible ramp leads to the beach, and beach mats extend to the water’s edge. Bay Beach is open to the public. Check access rules and any admission requirements again before your visit.

The Friendship Recreation Trail

The Friendship Recreation Trail runs for 16 kilometers through the Town of Fort Erie, parallel to the north shore of Lake Erie. Its length and shoreline route set it apart from a visit to a single historic site or the beach. For your trip planning, you can choose between different focuses: historic sites, the beach and its listed facilities, or a longer route along the lakeshore.

Discover more destinations: Crystal Beach, St. Catharines, Wainfleet, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Thorold, Jordan Station, St Anns, Pelham.

For the broader travel overview: Niagara Regional Municipality.