Reviews of Lakeside Park (Tourist Attraction)

Tammy Frakking

Popular in summertime but even enjoyable on a cold winter's day for a walk along the lake side beach. Construction going on (winter/spring/probably summer 2021) so reduced parking available and picnic gazebo area and pier/docks off limits.

Alice Cooper

We were okay for a little bit, but then, we found it claustrophobic. There was no social distancing whatsoever! No masks! When we got to the pier to take a walk, I think we took approximately 20 steps in and the stench off the lake was horrible, we couldn't bare to walk another step. There were a lot more others turning back. We couldn't for the life of us understand how some of them made it to the end of the pier.

Richard Nowell

Nice beach with lots of sandbars. The sand seems like it's groomed regularly and you can't turn around without seeing am ice cream shop in walking distance of the beach

Yorly Piñango

Great beach to hang out with the family. It has washroom, playground, sand beach, pay parking and amazing pier. We had a great time.

Catherine Kulik

Very nice beach and park area to have picnics with family and friends. Take a stroll down the long pier and watch the various boats come and go or just people watch! Water was shallow with many sand bars. Not sure if this park is dog friendly however many people brought their dogs and it didn't bother me at all. Many happy dogs around. Parking was $3 per hour which was decent and extendable after the 3hr limit expires. Would definitely visit again.

Richelle D

Rented Pavillion for a funeral thing. Cops and firemen came because two ladies floated down the canal and got hurt. Then they walked in their bathing suits through the funeral we were having. Geese were cool though. 8/10 would funeral there again.

Vic Mueller

Reconstruction is completed and the piers are open. The beach is great. A lot of people using it. Parking now costs but you can get a free summer pass from city hall if you are a resident of St. Catharines.

Kanoon Kanoon

The place is awesome for relaxation keeps your mind fresh. Clean and amazing environment. There's restaurant around also I think you can rent a boat. Parking is little bit expensive $3 per hour.

VARUN TYAGI

Super sandy beach... Warm and clean water...Shallow water which is good for kids... Clean public washrooms... Rides for kids.... Best summer spot for entire family... LOVED IT.... Only thing which you need to worry about is to find a parking spot now a days because of higher traffic of visitors.... Tip is, if you don't find parking right besides the beach, go around the nearby streets, you will definitely find spot to rest your vehicle....

Jean Bédard

Nice beach but also an amazing pier that juts out into Lake Ontario. We had an amazing stroll on an amazing sunny breezy afternoon. Close to patios in a trendy district. Paid parking meter lets you park for a maximum 3 hours. I would be amiss to forget about the beautiful carousel that kids (and adults) will enjoy for hours for a pittance. Enjoy!

Bernie Peskett

Beautiful facelift recently completed on the entire park and both piers. Great place to stroll and enjoy people watching. Only negative is paid parking. As usual, money grab everywhere you go now!

Ron Gibbon

Famous Beach location as written about by Neil Peart of Rush in the song Lakeside Park who grew up in this area.

stacey markle

This is one of my fav places to go. The beach is small but clean. Great sunset views and they even have a carousel that still costs 5¢

Michael Cloke

During the summer there’s plenty going on. The beach is clean, the water has lots of sandbars and perfect for kids to enjoy. Now the pier is finished a stroll to the end is a relaxing way to finish off the day. Even in Winter it’s a good excuse to get out with the dog.

tayush mukherji

Great place to hang out. Wish there was food joints close by. The bay area is clean and maintained well. We didn't go to the children's play area as we so it on our way back. The water ain't the cleanest but the beach is cleaned up for well. Volley ball court on the sand was packed. Overall great experience.

Sukarnos YYZ

Beach is just alright, good for walking during evenings, lots of weed by the shallow area, great sand in the beach though, amazing area for picnicking, parking is expensive for the amenities, would give 3* and no for visit again.

Sara Scott

Great park, newer structure. Close to the beach and lake which is great. Washrooms ???? are available during summertime. New construction to the pier. Beautiful sunrise and sunset location.

Dorothy Hamm

Starting to shape up again. Nice wide pier and rain has kept it clean. Good place for an afternoon or evening stroll.

Karissa Alcox

A wonderful location that most St. Catharines locals have visited too many times to count. The carousel is a unique asset, and the children's playground is great. The lighthouses and piers are picturesque. With the increase of quality stores and cafes within walking distance, it's becoming even more of a destination. The flooding and bacteria in the water has put a huge damper on the park this summer (2019). Currently the pier is completely flooded, and the vast majority of the beach is underwater. I still visit regularly with my dog, but never to go swimming, which is a shame.

Yeny Arias

The beach has a nice scenery to enjoy although the water smells a bit, the shore is sandy and shallow, good for the kids to enjoy, but on my visit last weekend, at the end of the day I came to my car to realize that I had a parking ticket for exceeding the 3h parking time limit, at the beginning of the day I just thought that you needed to pay again for another 3 hours and honestly the signs about the 3h limit for a single day was not clear anywhere, so after I paid twice $9 ($3 per hour by 6 hours) I got a parking ticket for $50 on top of that, so I never coming back to that place, no way I'm going to a beach with kids (and all the things needed, so several bags plus chairs and umbrella) for ONLY 3 HRS. So only if you are around the area and want to walk around the shore for a bit.

Les James

Nice new concrete pier. Nice sandy beach with washrooms. Big multi table covered picnic spot. Bars and restaurants close by.

Andrew Reid

Park is great, has a fantastic beach and many amenities. Parking can be hectic at times but there is ample space. Very good location in Port Dalhousie.

John J Gabner

I love Lakeside Park. It has a beautiful beach, changing rooms clean and modern, a 5 cent carrousel, and the cute village of Port Dalhousie just metres away. A historic lighthouse is at the end of the pier! Plenty of parking!

Sevda

While the beach or the lake is not really clean, the picnic area and playground are both very nice and there are plenty of places for a small picnic or even a bbq. There are a lot of cozy areas in this park that are worth seeing.

Robert Saka

Perfect spot to spend the day . There seems to be some confusion about parking . Let's clear it up for you . The parking is free , but on weekends it's $20.00 it's to discourage large crowds. It will end after the covid 19 crisis subsides. There is plenty of parking and a drop off spot if you need to drop off and pick up. . There are lots of street parking within a 10 min walk . What I love about this spot is the quiet play area for smaller children. And the restaurant that is really quite good , If your looking for burgers , fries and other types of treats to sit at the beach ... DON'T get the chilly though , it was bland and cheap tasting . . They had public toilets set up . Sink and sanitizer stations near the parking lot .

Christopher Franklin Blain

Sad the way it's been changed with paying for parking looking at all the historic buildings being replaced by Toronto looking condos. One good thing on the Pier rebuilt looks nice but they didn't put the benches there for seniors and other people to enjoy The View The only thing that resembles Lakeside Park is a miracle round that is running again. But you need to wear a Rob Ford mask on it sad! Not worth the drive anymore.

Meaghan R

Beautiful beach. Always enjoy ourselves. Don't like that they removed the few tree along the beach that were great for shade.

David Toles

Intense sunset colours! Beautiful beach. Keep it clean.

Lauren Mirecki

Love visiting this beach front every summer! The water is very shallow for a long way out so it's a great place to take small children. With a park nearby, main street strip with restaurants and coffee shop, and a carousel open during the summer season, there is plenty for all to do.

Cheryl Rodgers

Beautiful beach and area. Unfortunately algea for a good metre, where the water meets the sand, so did not walk in the water myself. Others walked beyond the algea into the lovely water.

Rich Stevenson

Beautiful and everything, it was clean enough for a beach that is public. The Port o potties were acceptable and accessible. However, There is a lot of people in a small area. The traffic into the area is very bad and once you've actually got to the parking lot zoo chaos, you will probably drive around for hours looking for a spot with entitled pedestrians learking behind every filled parking spot. Ou and that is before the massive apartment building is complete... Going here on a busy weekend or holiday, you will find it over crowded with no parking. Hardly a business open. Carousel closed indefinitely. However, come here on a Wednesday, it's a great experience, which is why I gave it 4 stars.

Jennifer Villeneuve

Always enjoy the waterfront, beach, shops and more here! This visit was to see Theodore Too on his way through to Halifax.

Andrea Lynn

Love this park and beach. Its perfect. Unfortunately the washrooms were not open right now but they had portable toilets instead.

Katrina Waterman

Awesome 100yr old carasol still only nickel to ride beautiful sandy beach walkout for about a mile in water still only knee deep if you like to watch the sailboats there a harbor at end of beach a few resturants but need reservations some have closed down parking is $3. Dollars flat no credit cards

Greg Domagala

Very nice park. Clean beach and facility. Beautiful sun set and walk down the concrete harbor dock.

Paul Creary

Beautiful beach ‘ with a few of downtown Toronto across the lake

Amanda Hill

We absolutely love this park (my daughter loves the sand). Ample green space, a wonderful and toddler friendly modern playground with rubber turf making it safer. A nice beach for a picnic with a nice view, lighthouse included! Have returned twice in the past month from Cambridge!

Anne Sponagle

I was there a couple of weeks ago with my husband. We wore our masks and brought hand sanitizer with us. Went for a nice walk on the peer. The weather was perfect that day with a slight breeze. We also walked around town for a half hour or so and it was pretty quiet. I can't wait until covid is over. So many nice restaurants and fast food places and just a nice atmosphere. But, bring lots of pocket change. It is $3 an hour for parking and they are checking and ticketing.

Nataschia Crew

The beach is well maintained, very kid friendly, but the water wasn't the cleanest this time but it was swimable. The hitter the day the cleaner the water. But a nice place to watch the boats pass, play some ball, and have a picnic and a newer park for the kids.

Will Catterick

A gorgeous spot to watch the sun set or rise. Make sure to bring a mask ask it’s a popular site!

Aaron Belding (thatABDguy)

Used to be a lot better back in the dya before city hall allowed uncommitted developers to trash the place and take out half the businesses.

Brian Dixon

Good walk out the pier, it is longer than expected. Wide new smooth walkway all the way out. Nice sandy beach with grassy areas to lay out and picnic. The old Carroseel is always a treat for young and old. Public wash / change rooms available on site. Lots of pay parking. $3 per hour.

Paul Glasbergen

Beach was raked and clean of debris. A walk down the pier was great except for the smell for part of the walk.

Viviana Perez

It's a nice and clean beach. Because of the COVID-19 is just opend for Niagara region residents.

Melissa Turcotte

Grew up going to this park. Newer, accessible playground, lots of unique features, girls loved the spinning features. Lots of swings and benches. Right next to the carousel and the beach. Parking lot has been replaced but now you need to have a parking permit as a St. Catharines' resident or pay for parking. Lots of green space and lots of beach space with an accessible path over the sand to get closer to the water. Lots of space for beach volleyball nets - poles are permanently in the ground. A few trees by the beach provide shade. There is a large covered seating area and public washrooms that are opened seasonally.

Jaden Le

It is a perfect place for summer enjoyment. Restroom has been opened now, so no worry ;))

Maryna Podrezo

The best summer day for two grandparents two teenage grandchildren and one 2.5 years old.Beach is fantastic,sandy ,no weeds,no rocks, shallow enough for the little one and if you go farther deep enough.Water is nice and warm. Amazing carousel and amazing playground.

Eliana Avila de Castro

It's a very pleasant place to go, especially with kids. A lovely beach, where you can find restrooms with place to change clothes, a playground, a beautiful carousel and close to restaurants and shops!

Tom P.

This Beach!! ! Is Ok ! But When it comes to Parking there !! Be on the Alert!! Or they will give you a Ticket For staying ! Pass the parking time !! They have not! Mercy !! For first time offenders!! At least Police has giving me a break!!! Or O.P.P.!! Beware! ! Of the Bultures!! Going around your cars !! Beware!! Or you will pay $50 CD! ????

Rajat Kumar Bawa

Good overall rides for kids and environment with options for adults are such as fishing and volleyball or a good walk at the shore.

L. Walker

Beautiful, clean. Folks, please take care to safe distance and take your belongings when you go & dispose of your trash properly. We love this lake and beach..please keep it beautiful!

Andrew James Haygarth

What a hidden gem. Whole family gad an amazing day. Will be returning soon I'm sure. Parking is a real issue here so plan ahead.

cynsaturn

Park will be beautiful again, pier is under construction to be completed by spring 2021, we needed to get out for a walk and hadn't been to Port for awhile. Unfortunately condos are being built which changes the look but the beach area is looking great, new pavillion, pic is the original, new pier, cant wait till it is done, great sunsets

Empress Joanna

Parking - have cash with you. 3.00 per hour or around 8 dollars for the whole day. No showers. Only washrooms portables. No immediate food places. Bring all with you. Big Beach. Nice. Water was clean. No smell.Overall very nice place to spend a day at.

Emilio Iacobelli

Quaint little park and marina. Good for a rest stop and a light lunch or a beverage. Spend a few minutes at the Neil Peart Pavilion and whistle yourself a RUSH tune, maybe Spirit of Radio. Disappointing though that there is no plaque or anything at all dedicating it to the GDOAT. And, if you don't know already, be advised that the adjacent parking lot is PAY-Parking now, and enforcement is vulture-like; step off the lot without a ticket on the vehicle and you're immediately $50 poorer.

John Greenhalgh

A quiet tranquil spot that no one visits on a regular basis

Evelyn Torres

Amazing place to take the family. Between the walks, a beach, pretty views, the carousel and park for little ones. We enjoyed it. Will be returning???? (p.s parking not free)

Elizabeth Franklin

I visited Lakeside Park a few weeks ago with my grandson. Since Summer is over, it was great and not too crowded. There is a beautiful beach here. There were some people in the water even though it is October. Most people just relaxing on the beach or they bring their own lawn chairs. We enjoyed a lovely walk along the water's edge, together with our little dog Jerry. The parking area has been cut in half due to major reconstruction of the pier. Bonus parking is free. We took a kite and tried to fly it as a windy day. Will try again when its more windy. We returned later the same day to see the sunset which is a popular thing to do. Reminds me of cottage days years ago. Always a nice escape from the City life and very conveniently located in Port Dalhousie. The 100 year old carousel is presently closed for the Season. I believe the children's playground is off limits due to covid, as is the picnic structure.

Tristan Rodil

I'm from Western Canada and I visited Lakeside Park specifically to see the Neil Peart Pavilion. I've read that eventually there will be a memorial of some sort for him and I will go back when I get the chance. I didn't roam around the park much due to time constrictions, but from what I saw, it's beautiful!

Aaron V

Great place to hang out with the family. Large play ground, public washrooms, lots of parking, pretty good sized sandy beach, mature trees behind, fairly clean water. Nice pier as well. Nice place to spend a few hours.

Marie Citrigno

I grew up in St. Catharines...Many memories of Port Dalhousie...The new pier is lovely and I enjoyed my time at the beach, walking the waterfront and of course, the Carousel...

Darlene Fast

The wind whipped up the waves and so the shades of blue to turquoise to brown were incredible as far as the eye could see. Walking alone the pier wassup much fun as we watched the waves and took in the sun ... even had a picnic at the beach, mind you, in winter coats with hit soup and coffee, but it felt good!

Visionel Metricton

Beautiful park, great relaxing vibe. Loved the water and the pier.

Gennady Philipchenko

Very nice park. Clean with lots of sand, shallow water and stunning sunsets! One of my favorite places to visit in the evenings

Humberto Y. Salazar Lopez

This park is beautiful! It's a perfect spot for the whole family. You can have a relaxing time, or you can be active and have lots of fun. I enjoy going to the beach with my daughter, there's a lot of space for her to run, play and swim. And in the same area you can find a variety of places to eat, have a drink or enjoy a coffee.

Casper Mann

5 stars cuz of the nostalgia. Realistically, 1 maybe 2 stars. 3 quarters of the waterfront is choked with sewage, seaweed and algae to 15 feet from shore. Water is warm enough to swim... All paved pathways are covered in sand including the wheelchair accessible waterfront path...

Chad Wismer

Beautiful park and sandy beach to enjoy on a warm summer day. I enjoyed looking at all the beautiful boats, its very relaxing. Nice place to explore and check out the area for food, drinks, ice cream and fun.

Karen Mills

Beautiful location but pretty chilly today! Wonderful pub a short walk away.

shaukat khan

Fun place , $3 / hr parking. Max 3 hrs allowed. Very clean . Shallow water. Really enjoyed. From what I've heard BBQ not allowed. Perhaps only in certain areas it's allowed.

nicky

Nice park, there id also a beach and carousel right by, we did get a ticket for parking which there were no sings or not many sings telling us where to park, overall nice place

Seward71

Awesome park, great beach. Lots of things to do for all ages. Still one of my favourite places to visit.

Annaliz Martinez

Love the clear and clean water!

David

Nice beach. Many boats in the harbour. Lovely old carousel is Only 5 cents. Parking is 3$ per hour.

Rebecca Lang

The beach was perfect, grandsons loved the water and the sandcastle building. Then the carrasol ride and the play ground topped it off for all of us.

Sandra Castillo

Loved it! Great beach and a lot of fun for your kids!

Melisa Toledo

Always have fun there. New playground, merry go round is always fun, and the beach is right there. Love it.

Daniel Occhiuto

Great place to go to the beach, have a picnic, and there is a carousel. Beautiful gem of a place.

Valerie Fox

This park has been damaged by flood waters but still a nice place to go. If you feel a little ambitious you could help by filing some of the wood into a pile near the washrooms. That would be a great help for the community. A little help would go a long way to make this beech usable again.

Andrea F

Beautiful beach & park with carousel. Great way to spend a day. Large parking lot but when its busy, you will struggle to find a spot.

Jeff Simpson

Love coming here it always reminds me of my childhood.