Happy Wednesday, everyone! Is anyone else getting excited for the long weekend??
There are few things I love more than a long weekend in the summer. It’s the perfect chance to kick back and relax, spend time with family and friends, and perhaps even get out of the city and take a day trip. Well, if you’re looking for some summer day trip inspiration for the upcoming long weekend, I just happen to have the perfect place for you… Grand Bend!
Located on the shores of Lake Huron on “Ontario’s West Coast”, the town of Grand Bend is one of my favourite summer destinations. It’s about a 2.5 hour drive from Toronto – not exactly a hop and a skip, but just far enough to make it feel like a getaway, and definitely doable as a day trip if you leave early. Grand Bend is known for its surfer town vibes, lively main street, and of course, the white sand and clear blue waters of its beautiful beach. (My apologies to Lake Ontario, but nothing compares to a Lake Huron beach!) If you’re headed to Grand Bend and are in need of an itinerary, I’ve got some great suggestions for you. Here’s how I would spend the perfect day in Grand Bend…
Start with a riverside breakfast at the Cottage Café. Although it’s located in a 1950s-era building, this charming café is a relatively new addition to the Grand Bend food scene. It was founded in 2021 by mother-daughter duo Sharon and Hailey Coleman, and has become a popular spot with locals and tourists alike. Expect a long lineup, especially on weekend mornings! The café’s cheery yellow interior gives off cozy, cottage-chic vibes, but on a beautiful summer day, the patio – with its beautiful view of the Grand Bend Marina – is the place to be. We ordered two lattes and the breakfast charcuterie board for two, which came with two croissants, two slices of coffee cake, and two yogurt bowls topped with granola and fresh fruit. It’s such a cute concept for breakfast, and they don’t skimp on portions – although advertised “for two”, the board probably serves three! The Cottage Café also serves scones, muffins and cinnamon buns along with heartier fare like breakfast sandwiches – and they’re open for lunch too! Check out their full menu here.
Browse the surf shops of Main Street. Grand Bend definitely has a beach town vibe, and that’s especially apparent when you stroll its main drag. From kitschy mini golf courses to surfboard rental shops, it has everything you’d expect from a beachfront tourist destination. If you’re looking for swimming gear or some fun souvenirs to commemorate your day trip, there’s no shortage of options. Archies Surf Shop is a must-visit if you’re looking for comfy loungewear: their own Great Lakes collection includes cozy fleece hoodies and sweatpants, vintage-inspired graphic tees, and toques (so Canadian!)
Discover one-of-a-kind vintage treasures at Dale’s Antiques. Since 1988, this eclectic store has been selling all kinds of interesting antiques and collectibles: from the classic furniture and home décor finds you’d expect in an antique shop, to some more unexpected ‘artifacts’. Vintage gas pumps, traffic lights and barber’s chairs are all things you might expect to see on a trip to Dale’s. The rustic, two-storey barnboard building is decorated with an incredible collection of vintage signage – don’t miss the Texaco sign out back! In addition to antiques, Dale’s also sells handcrafted Mennonite furniture (which can be custom-ordered and made to your specifications) and home décor from local makers.
Meet cute critters at Westland Greenhouses. This family-run garden centre has been a local favourite for 22 years. The sprawling three-acre space boasts an impressive variety of flowers, plants, trees and shrubs, along with a huge collection of décor for both indoor and outdoor spaces. Gardeners and home décor enthusiasts will love this place: you could easily spend hours browsing the store! What makes Westland Greenhouses especially unique is their adorable animals. The indoor aviary provides sanctuary for rescued birds, which visitors are welcome to view year-round. In the spring and summer months, you can also see bunnies and Guinea pigs in an outdoor enclosure at the front of the store. It’s so cute to see how they’ve set up the space, with lots of mazes, tunnels and toys to keep the animals entertained.
Head to the beach! The Grand Bend Beach is one of Ontario’s most popular beaches, drawing several thousand visitors every year. It’s one of only 22 Canadian beaches to have earned Blue Flag status for its commitment to water quality, cleanliness, safety and environmental sustainability – a designation it’s proudly maintained for over a decade. It’s a popular place on summer weekends, so if you’re planning a beach day, be sure to arrive in the morning to stake out the best spot! And don’t miss the two-storey observation deck, located right where Main Street meets the beach. You’ll get amazing views of the water!
Indulge in cocktails and pub grub at The Growling Gator. This beachfront restaurant is one of Grand Bend’s most popular – it’s always buzzing with activity! With its Margaritaville-esque décor and lively atmosphere, it’s a fun place to hang out, grab a casual bite and enjoy a refreshing frozen cocktail. (If you’re feeling extra thirsty, spend the extra $3 and “Gator-size” it!) I got a pina colada and the fish and chips – my go-to order at most beachfront restaurants – and Tania got a club sandwich with fries. The food is great and the portions are huge! Also on the menu are casual favourites like wings, nachos, and burgers – or if you’re feeling a little fancier, The Gator also serves steak, pasta and seafood dishes.
End the day on a sweet note at The Dairy Dip. This classic spot has been run by the same family since 1960! If you’re like me and love all things retro, you’ll love this place: with its vintage branding and pink neon signage, I felt like I was in a scene from Grease. The patio is decorated with the cutest pink umbrellas and blown-up black-and-white photographs from the Dairy Dip’s past. I ordered a vanilla sundae with raspberry sauce and salted peanuts – an unconventional topping duo, perhaps – but somehow it worked! (Sweet-salty is my favourite flavour combination.) The Dairy Dip sells all of your classic ice cream treats, from cones and sundaes to milkshakes and floats, along with fruit smoothies and frozen lemonade. And, there’s pizza! The owners claim to have used the same family pizza recipe ever since they opened in 1960, and if the long line down the block is any indication, it’s clearly a winner.
If you love Grand Bend as much as I do and want to hang around a little longer, consider making a weekend trip out of it! While I haven’t stayed here myself, I’ve heard excellent things about The Kiwi Motel, which opened just last summer. It’s located right on Main Street just a short walk from the beach, and has the prettiest tropical-themed rooms.
Whether you stay in Grand Bend for a week, weekend or just the day, I hope my above recommendations are helpful. And if there’s anything I missed, please let me know! There’s nothing I love more than discovering new spots to visit.
Do you have any exciting plans for the long weekend?
One response to “How To Spend A Perfect Day In Grand Bend”
[…] its most popular attraction, drawing thousands of tourists during the summer months. Along with Grand Bend’s beach, it’s one of only 22 Canadian beaches to have earned Blue Flag status for its commitment to […]