Centennial Park - Cedar Bay Beach image

Centennial Park - Cedar Bay Beach

Bar Tourist attraction Park Public beach

One of the Most Reviewed Parks in Port Colborne


Address

2767 Vimy Rd, Port Colborne, ON L3K 5V3, Canada

Website

www.portcolborne.ca

Contact

+1 905-835-2900 ext. 538

Rating on Google Maps

3.90 (285 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Saturday: 8 AM to 9 PM
  • Sunday: 8 AM to 9 PM
  • Monday: 8 AM to 9 PM
  • Tuesday: 8 AM to 9 PM
  • Wednesday: 8 AM to 9 PM
  • Thursday: 8 AM to 9 PM
  • Friday: 8 AM to 9 PM

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: beach (63) water (24) parking (16) nice (14) beaches (9) park (9) rocks (9) clean (8) free (8) lake (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 2/5 Sean C. 9 months ago on Google
    Very disappointed to find out this past weekend there is a $30 fee to use the beach for anyone residing outside of Port Colborne. $30/carload on Fri., Sat. Sun. and holidays...$20/carload Mon-Thurs (as long as it's not a holiday). We were planning on just spending an hour or two there so defininitely not worth the $30. If you're planning to spend the day there, then $30 is not too bad compared to the cost of parking in some areas. The beach itself (from what I remember the last time I visited) and the nearby amenities are quite nice. I realize other cities charge non-residents to use their beaches...and some even completely refuse non-residents entry to their beaches, but it really doesn't seem fair to those who live in areas where there are no beaches :(
    13 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 2/5 Vitaliy L. 4 years ago on Google
    We were looking for beach not far from Toronto and decided to pay a visit to this beach due to the large number of excellent reviews. Surprisingly the park was very nice with decent washroom facility and large FREE parking which was a huge surprise. The beach itself was not too clean, and while digging holes with my kids we uncovered number of trash and garbage that this beach was hiding. But the biggest upset was the sharp rocks in the water. I didn't have my water shoes and i hurt myself every time i entered the lake. It was one of the most painful experiences and i would not go back to this beach. One thing I can't stand is the rocks in the water and always try to avoid this type of beaches. If you can get past the rocks and garbage in the send this beach is perfect.
    12 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Pradeep N. 1 year ago on Google
    A decent quiet place for some relaxation and peace. This was not overly crowded the area was well maintained. It costs around $52 per family to get the day pass and visit and I think it was worth it considering the place to be less packed. The place has barbecue options and washroom facilities although the latter was a bit below par from a cleanliness perspective. If you not looking to drive too far away from the GTA and want to get to a decent beach then certainly look this up. Recommend bringing your own umbrella/tent and chairs as it got really hot... though are are few chairs and shaded trees to be in if you are okay to stay a bit far from the beach
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Andrew R. 1 year ago on Google
    Went here after we were turned away at nickel beach because they were "sold out". Found out from a security guard that the beach is free to go to but the parking is not and said it was also "sold out" when I could clearly see parking spots that were empty. Overall I think you'd be wiser to spend the extra money on fuel and go to Port Dover, Turkey point or Long point and enjoy an actual free beach.
    7 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Peter K. 1 year ago on Google
    Centennial Beach Park used to be place we'd go often each Summer. This year City of Port Colbourne has decided to charge 25 dollars a carload; so we won't be going there. Just Another GreedyTourist Rip-Off!
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 beautiful m. 1 year ago on Google
    Parking was almost empty but security charge $50 for car if you are not from region. We came from Mississauga and that is ridiculous discrimination price....all beaches should be public free access, we pay taxes for that and parking should be equal for everyone.....maybe soon government will charge people for everything - insane ...private beaches are not legal in most countries in the world because people must have access to coastal leisure
    6 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Ann H. 9 months ago on Google
    We used to drive from Welland, set up our chairs in the shade and read for a couple of hours. $30 for day parking has priced us off the lake. I guess that was the city's intention?! No option for a season pass?
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Charlotte G. 1 year ago on Google
    wasn't busy, was very windy the day we went the sand is very sticky and next to impossible to get it off...was kinda red also not sure what that means. I didn't go in the water it was full of algae. also didn't smell very nice, I probably wouldn't go here again but wouldn't be my last choice. I figured it would be better then ontario lake but its just as bad if not worse since I didn't even go in the water and I went swimming in hamilton beach. The skies on the other hand made my visit worth it was like cotton candy land so bring but not harsh on eyes as sun was setting.
    5 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Philip L. 3 years ago on Google
    Nice quiet beach and access to free parking. Short walk through a wooded area perfect for picnics and BBQ. Water is a bit rough and the swallow end is filled with rocks. Wet shoes are recommended.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Wayne Y. 1 year ago on Google
    Growing up in the area this was my favorite beach. And now as an adult it is my favorite beach. Not very crowded as it's open to locals only. There is alot of room at the park. There is a pavilion and washrooms here. There is a part of the park where it overlooks the beach and it is very beautiful and scenic. The water is usually clean and clear, it can get murky after thunderstorms. Watch out for large rocks, I recommend kids wearing swim shoes.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Kenneth M. 1 year ago on Google
    Why do you have signs on a highway advertising a beach only to ban people who aren't from the area!? Every beach our family attempted to visit on the weekend had signs that our car would be towed if we parked anywhere near the beach. What a terrible town and not how it was when I was young.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John L. 3 years ago on Google
    This is such a cute place. The beach is sandy, and the shoreline mostly free from large stone. There are small stones and pebbles on most of the edge of the water and maybe 15 feet into the water. I love swimming and playing fetch with Grace, and the stones present an minor deterrent. But if you wander down aways, you can find areas that are mostly soft on both of our feet. Safe parking including some shade.. And be careful NOT to be on someone's private property. You wouldn't want anyone strolling around on yours.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Nautasha H. 7 months ago on Google
    The beach sand and water are clean and parking is easy.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 1/5 Dhruvin S. 1 year ago on Google
    I had a really bad experience here. Even though the whole beach/park was empty, and just because it was 3:30 pm they closed selling tickets. And to begin with, there were actually tickets to be purchased. I'm kind of glad that i did not get to see it because I read other reviews and anyway it is not that great! Be aware before visiting this place.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Debbie G. 1 year ago on Google
    Public beach, not crowded. Lots of sand. A pleasant place to spend the afternoon!
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Mike C. 4 years ago on Google
    It's a nice beach to walk around, there is usually a lot of seaweed though - might want to pass if you plan on swimming.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 3/5 Heidi K. 4 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Too much algae on the beach (Original) Zu viel Algen am Strand

  • 1/5 Lina A. 4 years ago on Google
    It was very smelly and durty

  • 5/5 Koushik R. 4 years ago on Google
    It was maintained well and kind of a hidden gem

  • 5/5 Uta H. 4 years ago on Google
    We were there on the July 1st weekend and everything looked clean! Enjoyed the beach and the water.

  • 5/5 Heather A. 4 years ago on Google
    A nice quiet beach. Great for a Family picnic. The lake had lots of seaweed this past weekend, with some odors. But still awsome!

  • 3/5 Selina W. 4 years ago on Google
    Needs to be cleaned up very smelly

  • 5/5 Nicole M. 4 years ago on Google
    We call this beach Cedar Bay. It has ample parking across from the beach(with a playground,tennis courts,baseball diamond). The beach itself is sandy but does have many rocks. Same in the water. I would recommend water socks!! It has been years since I went there.

  • 4/5 Kimberly P. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice beach to take the kids

  • 5/5 905 c. 10 months ago on Google
    Amazing atmosphere with beach volleyball and tennis courts surrounded by nature. Great for family picnics with a unique park on site with a wall climbing feature!

  • 4/5 Gayathri I. 1 year ago on Google
    I feel small when i review beauty..i run out of words. What was not very appealing is 52bux for parking. This price during a recession, nop nop nopeee

  • 3/5 brittany 1 year ago on Google
    Decent beach, wide, can walk kilometers down around the bend. Can be rocky in the main section, and then sharp shells start once you hit the pipeline. Definitely not a beach volleyball beach, you'd cut a foot. Wear closed shoes if you want to walk without dumping shells out of your sandals every 10 steps!

  • 5/5 FFTW D. 3 years ago on Google
    Great smaller beach compared to that of Nickel Beach as we couldn't get in there. Sand is great and the water was nice and warm. Just beware of the rocks before entering as they can be painful! No alcohol allowed on beach.

  • 3/5 Rasen S. 2 years ago on Google
    Amazing location! But the water at the bottom it'd what kills this place a lot of sharp rocks ! It's a nature problem but be careful

  • 5/5 Napoleon R. 1 year ago on Google
    Just such a beautifully natural family park. It’s an hour if you take scenic Niagara Parkway or 30 minutes straight from Niagara Falls

  • 3/5 Karen C. 3 years ago on Google
    Free parking, clean bathrooms, potentially a great beach. However, beach had many rotting fish carcases due to rain and water rising, which caused a stench in the air. Water was also very murky and full of algae. We left and went to beach 10 minutes away where the beach front and water were clean.

  • 5/5 Frederica W. 3 years ago on Google
    Its clean and has quite a long beach area to walk on. Unfortunately the water is not clean and has a sign stating that you should not swim in it.

  • 1/5 Besmir Z. 3 years ago on Google
    The awful smell of sewers is everywhere. Could not swim at all because of constructions dumps

  • 5/5 Dawn M. 3 years ago on Google
    Love this beach. Perfect size with washroom.

  • 3/5 Karen K. 3 years ago on Google
    Too much seaweed... lake weed and a few dead fish on the beach

  • 3/5 jake a. 3 years ago on Google
    A little rocky and seaweed, but nice of you don't like the crowds at the beach

  • 5/5 Ken T. 5 years ago on Google
    Pretty awesome, nice beach, but a bit smaller than it actually looks due to private beaches next to it.

  • 4/5 Shari H. 4 years ago on Google
    Everything a family would need to enjoy a fun filled summer day; beach, shady grass area and washrooms. Free large parking lot across the street makes it easy.

  • 1/5 johana b. 3 years ago on Google
    Sewage in the water. Stinks! It's disgusting!

  • 4/5 Terry P. 3 years ago on Google
    It's a nice park with a fair amount of free parking across the road. Washrooms are adequate. The beach sand was hot and nice however there was more algae than I like to see. You have to wade through several feet of algae to get to clearer water.

  • 4/5 Tony H. 3 years ago on Google
    Good beach, it was not very busy which is nice. A lot of algae though, lol we had to shower it all off when we got back to the hotel

  • 5/5 Rafael Leal A. 3 years ago on Google
    Really nice place

  • 1/5 Mr. C. 3 years ago on Google
    not kids friendly,beach is dirty

  • 1/5 Cpukare c. 3 years ago on Google
    There is a black water At the edge of the water and stink can't use the beach

  • 1/5 Colleen M. 3 years ago on Google
    Smelled and dirty

  • 5/5 Angie D. 3 years ago on Google
    Gorgeous small sandy beach. Perfect for locals.

  • 5/5 Claudia L. 3 years ago on Google
    (Translated by Google) Very beautiful and wide beach. Free parking available. (Original) Très belle et vaste plage. Stationnement gratuit disponible.

  • 4/5 Madelyn R. 3 years ago on Google
    Super lovely lake park and beautiful spot for BBQ picnic or beach day. Everyone spread out and social distanced from eachother. Unfortunately some of the local residents were very rude to us and some other beachgoers who didn't see the signs saying the top of the beach was "attached" to their private properties (even going so far as to throw a families belongings ten feet down the beach). A little disappointing especially around Canada Day time of year so something to be aware of if you visit. Remember everyone: we're all on stolen indigenous land, leave no trace & be KIND to one another !

  • 5/5 Winston S. 3 years ago on Google
    Perfect place for small gatherings and the beach is 2 minute walk from the centre of the park

  • 4/5 Harold M. 3 years ago on Google
    Beautiful trees and good Beach.

  • 4/5 M t. 3 years ago on Google
    Great space. Lots of shady and sunny areas. Water was clear with a little bit of seaweed which is fine. There were alot of rocks though walking in and our of the water. Other than that, It is an lovely beach

  • 5/5 Arman J. 3 years ago on Google
    Very good ?

  • 5/5 Bella T. 3 years ago on Google
    Noice beach

  • 4/5 Juan Andres F. 4 years ago on Google
    Lots of fun. Just be sure to bring some sort of bug repellent because they will eat you up

  • 5/5 Roderick M. 4 years ago on Google
    Awesome

  • 5/5 Brooke K. 4 years ago on Google
    Fun place to go !

  • 1/5 Shelley R. 4 years ago on Google
    Sand was the only good part. Water was full of seaweed and anywhere near the water was sludge.

  • 4/5 Robin F. 4 years ago on Google
    Overall beach was nice. Reasonable parking and nice playground. On the day I was there water quality could have been better but all beaches have this issue.

  • 5/5 Kathy Y. 4 years ago on Google
    Nice public free beach, washrooms, place to barbeque. One of the nicer free beaches


Similar Tourist attractions nearby

Breakwall Brewing Company image
1
Breakwall Brewing Company
Brewpub
Dine-in · Takeaway · Delivery
$$ $$
4.50 (736 reviews)
The Belmont Port Colborne image
2
The Belmont Port Colborne
Restaurant
👍👍 Best broasted chicken wings you could ever want. Don't walk, run to get some. We ate them too fast so I didn't get a photo. Pizza was amazing as well
4.10 (468 reviews)
Reeb House image
3
Reeb House
Pub
Dine-in · Takeaway · Delivery
$$ $$
3.70 (265 reviews)
Drifters image
4
Drifters
Family restaurant
Dine-in · Takeaway · Delivery
$$ $$
4.00 (185 reviews)
Boston Pizza image
5
Boston Pizza
Pizza restaurant
👍👍 Our server Alex showed the true meaning of excellent customer service. He was very polite and very patient with us. I won't be surprised if one day this guy will become a successful business owner. Initially, I wanted to give this location a bad review since they won't answer phone calls and the b...
$$ $$
3.30 (167 reviews)
Last updated:
()