Fort Erie Between the Shore and History

Fort Erie brings together the shoreline of Lake Erie and places where different chapters of its history unfold. At Point Abino Lighthouse, shipping and coastal construction take center stage; Old Fort Erie is associated with the War of 1812. Bay Beach and the Friendship Recreation Trail, in turn, give the shore two distinct profiles: a beach with specific facilities and a longer route running parallel to the lake. When looking for a vacation rental or holiday home, you can start by deciding what kind of stay you want: should the beach, history, or a longer route along the shore shape your vacation?

Lighthouse and Coastal History

Point Abino Lighthouse was built in 1917 by the Department of Marine and Fisheries in response to increasing ship traffic at the eastern end of Lake Erie. It is located on the rocky north shore of Lake Erie in Fort Erie. Since its decommissioning in 1995, it has been designated a “Classified” Heritage Building; it was also designated a National Historic Site and a Classified Federal Building by the Federal Heritage Buildings Review Office. Its construction date, the reason it was built, and its later heritage designations tell different parts of its story: increasing ship traffic, decommissioning, and recognition as a historic building.

For walk-in visits, only the exterior is accessible. Plan for a walk of about 1.5 kilometres each way; vehicles of any kind are not permitted. The walk and access to the exterior are therefore important points when planning your visit. Check the access rules before you travel.

Old Fort Erie and the War of 1812

Old Fort Erie is located on the edge of the Niagara River in Fort Erie and is a National Historic Site from the War of 1812. The site offers a different historical perspective from the shipping history explored at Point Abino Lighthouse. Offerings include daily tours and musket demonstrations. Since the program is seasonal, check it again before your trip. Old Fort Erie also hosts special annual events, including the Siege of Old Fort Erie reenactment and the Speaker Series. Checking the dates of each event can help you plan around them during your travel period. The Welcome Centre features interactive exhibits about the site’s history, offering another way to explore Old Fort Erie in addition to tours and events.

Bay Beach and Crystal Beach

Bay Beach, also called Crystal Beach, is located on the shore of Lake Erie in the community of Crystal Beach. White sandy beaches and clear, warm water define the beach.

Bay Beach facilities include washrooms with change rooms and a drinking water station, a playground, a pavilion, and a festival grounds. Beach access also includes an accessible ramp and beach mats extending to the water’s edge. Bay Beach is open to the public. Check the current access and admission rules before your visit so you can take this information into account when planning.

Beach, Trail, or Historic Sites

The Friendship Recreation Trail runs for 16 kilometres through the Town of Fort Erie, parallel to the north shore of Lake Erie. So, in addition to a single beach destination, a longer route along the shore is another option. Bay Beach is defined by its beach features and facilities, while the trail offers a route along the north shore. Together with Point Abino Lighthouse and Old Fort Erie, these destinations offer a choice of different themes for your stay: beach, coastal trail, or history. When choosing a vacation rental or holiday home in Fort Erie, you can start by considering which of these themes you want to shape your stay.

Discover more destinations: Thorold, Lincoln, Pelham, Niagara-On-The-Lake, Grimsby, St. Catharines, Welland.

Return to the regional travel overview: Niagara Regional Municipality.