Vacation rentals in Grand Bend

Grand Bend, a tiny town on the shore of Lake Huron, expands into one of Canada’s best beach getaways during the summer season. Soft sand, stunning sunsets, and a commitment to the environment that earned it a coveted Blue Flag certification for water cleanliness and safety, draw visitors to Grand Bend Beach. Along with its Lambton Shores neighbors of Southcott Pines and Port Franks, it features an extensive waterfront and easy access to the biodiversity and outdoor activities of Pinery Provincial Park. The town’s name comes from the nearby bend in the Ausable River, which splits the lakefront into the quieter South Beach and the popular — and often crowded — main beach, where you’ll find volleyball courts, a playground, and an accessible splash pad.

While the stunningly clear lake and soft, sandy beaches may remind visitors of a tropical vacation, Grand Bend’s climate stays distinctly Canadian. You should pack a sweatshirt even in summer, and plenty of warm clothes any other time. Temperatures peak in the summer months, with July’s average high close to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, but the lows stay cool, with the average rarely above 60. By the time the crowds leave in the winter, the average highs stay significantly below freezing, making it an ideal time to cozy up in one of the area’s cottages. The warm summer months also bring humidity and rainy days, so bring an umbrella and plan at least a few indoor activities.

Grand Bend Beach

This long stretch of sand wraps around the clear, clean waters of Lake Huron. With lifeguards on duty, a splash pad and playground for small kids, and a boardwalk and volleyball nets for big ones, Grand Bend Beach offers room for everyone to spread out and enjoy the scenery.

Water Sports

Getting out on the water is a big part of the draw here. Grand Bend’s fun extends right past the shore and into the lake, where local outfitters get visitors moving on the water by parasail, wakeboard, waterski, or tube. You can also rent paddleboards, jet skis, and time on water trampolines.

Pinery Provincial Park

Just south of Grand Bend, a warren of walking and bike trails (and, in winter, ski trails) takes visitors through the richly biodiverse ecosystems, while various human-powered boat rentals let you explore the wetlands. You can see more than 300 bird species and 800 plant species in the rare and fragile grassy oak savanna and coastal dunes, which the park is designed to preserve.