Experience Lake Erie
Come experience all that Tourism Windsor Essex's 2025 'Best Beach' has to offer! At Colchester Beach and Harbour – located right on the gentle bluffs of Lake Erie – enjoy a variety of recreational activities such as boating, swimming, beach volleyball, sandcastle building, sunbathing, picnicking, and much more. There’s something for everyone to enjoy!
For your safety and enjoyment, the Windsor-Essex County Health Unit monitors water quality at Colchester Beach weekly throughout the summer. Beach Water Quality Results are updated weekly online, or you can call the Beach Hotline at 519-258-2146 ext. 426 for updates.
Beach and Harbour
At Colchester Beach and Harbour, take a refreshing swim in the blue waters of Lake Erie, borrow a volleyball from the harbour kiosk and challenge friends to a game on the beachside nets, or spend the day at the dock for an unforgettable experience on the water.
Splash Pads
Cool off at one of the Town of Essex’s three splash pads on hot summer days. Visit the Pirate Ship Splash Pad at Colchester Beach, the splash pad beside the playground at the Harrow and Colchester South Community Centre, or the splash zone at the Essex Centre Sports Complex, just minutes from downtown Essex Centre.
Canoe and Kayak
At Cedar Creek or Colchester Beach and Harbour, either rent or launch your own canoe or kayak for a relaxing day on the lake.
For a peaceful, self-guided adventure, paddle to Cedar Beach in just over an hour, passing by breathtaking views of Carolinian woodlands, landscapes filled with rare flora and fauna, and abundant wildlife.
Stay up-to-date with the Town!
Discover the latest events, community highlights, and fun experiences happening throughout the Town of Essex.