THE WATER AWAITS YOU!
Whether you're new to kayaking, a pro swimmer, want to watch the sunset on your boat, or just want to lay in the sun on the beach and feel the cool breeze, Essex is home to waterfront views of Lake Erie where outdoor activities await you. Come and escape the ordinary.
Harbour, Beach, Conservation Area
Someone go pick up the phone, the blue waters of Lake Erie are calling!!! Make a yummy charcuterie board and pack a picnic and head down to Colchester Beach for a day of sunshine. Grab your sunscreen and feel those UV rays!
Feel the rush of the waves on Lake Erie, or paddle your way alongside nature on Cedar Creek, where you might get to see a bald eagle or two! Both bodies of water provide a world of opportunity for paddlers of every kind; kayak, canoe, whatever your heart desires. At Colchester Harbour, launch your own canoe or kayak into Lake Erie from the beach, or go boating right at the harbour and sail across the sparkling water.
Feeling adventurous? Try standing in nature! Test your balance on a stand-up paddleboard (SUP) from Oxley Surf Company.
Looking for a more secluded experience? Launch your own canoe or kayak from the dock at Cedar Creek, just off Arner Townline (County Road 23). Paddle from Cedar Creek to Cedar Beach in just over an hour and enjoy breathtaking views of Carolinian woodlands, landscapes dotted with rare flora and fauna, and abundant wildlife. Remember to bring your binoculars!
Splash Pads
Not feeling like getting sand all over your shoes and car? Gather your kids, bathing suits, and take a trip to the Colchester Pirate Ship Playground and Splash Pad at the top of the bluff, right next to the beach.
Feeling sporty? Borrow a volleyball from the harbour kiosk and spend some time spiking balls over the beachside nets.
When it's time to refuel, cool down at The Wreck at Colchester Harbour or head up the street to a pub or restaurant.
For another splash pad experience, head over to the Harrow and Colchester South Community Centre (243 McAffee Street). This splash pad is located beside a play structure, which is perfect for smaller children.
Beach Water Quality
To ensure that water at public beaches is safe for swimming, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit monitors Colchester Beach on a weekly basis throughout the summer. Beach Water Quality Results are updated weekly online. Learn more about water safety and what to spot at the beach on the WECHU website. You can also call the Beach Hotline at 519-258-2146 ext. 426 (H20) for updates.