Beach Water Testing in Niagara
Check Before Swimming
Beaches are sampled annually from Victoria Day to Labour Day, based on a number of factors including popularity, water quality, maintenance and amenities.
Make sure the water is safe before you swim
Beach Water Testing Results
The following beaches are no longer sampled: Belleview Beach (Wainfleet), Grimsby Beach, Jones Beach (St. Catharines) and Waverly Beach (Fort Erie).
| Beach | Water Temperature | Amenities |
|---|---|---|
Bay Beach (Crystal)
Fort Erie Open for swimming |
24.3°C / 80.6°F Updated August 18 |
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Bernard Avenue Beach
Fort Erie Open for swimming |
24.8°C / 81.6°F Updated August 17 |
|
Crescent Beach
Fort Erie Unsafe to swim (posted) |
24.2°C / 80.4°F Updated August 18 |
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Windmill Point Park Quarry Beach
Fort Erie Open for swimming |
26.1°C / 84.2°F Updated August 16 |
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Casablanca Beach
Grimsby Open for swimming |
23.4°C / 78.8°F Updated August 14 |
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Fifty Point Conservation Beach
Grimsby Open for swimming |
20.5°C / 73°F Updated August 18 |
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Nelles Beach
Grimsby Open for swimming |
23.2°C / 78.4°F Updated August 17 |
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Charles Daley Park East
Lincoln Open for swimming |
25°C / 82°F Updated August 17 |
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Charles Daley Park West
Lincoln Open for swimming |
25.1°C / 82.2°F Updated August 17 |
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Queen's Royal Beach
Niagara-on-the-Lake Open for swimming |
23.4°C / 78.8°F Updated August 18 |
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Humberstone Centennial Park Beach
Port Colborne Open for swimming |
24.2°C / 80.4°F Updated August 15 |
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Nickel Beach
Port Colborne Open for swimming |
24.6°C / 81.2°F Updated August 18 |
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Sherkston Elco
Port Colborne Open for swimming |
25.5°C / 83°F Updated August 17 |
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Sherkston Quarry Beach
Port Colborne Open for swimming |
26.3°C / 84.6°F Updated August 17 |
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Sherkston Wyldewood Beach
Port Colborne Unsafe to swim (posted) |
24.2°C / 80.4°F Updated August 18 |
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Lakeside Beach
St. Catharines Open for swimming |
23.5°C / 79°F Updated August 18 |
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Sunset Beach (previously Municipal Beach)
St. Catharines Open for swimming |
22.8°C / 77.6°F Updated August 17 |
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Chippawa Conservation Beach
Wainfleet Open for swimming |
25.8°C / 83.6°F Updated August 16 |
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Long Beach
Wainfleet Unsafe to swim (posted) |
24.1°C / 80.2°F Updated August 18 |
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Long Beach Conservation East
Wainfleet Unsafe to swim (posted) |
Updated August 18 | |
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Long Beach Conservation West
Wainfleet Unsafe to swim (posted) |
23.6°C / 79.2°F Updated August 18 |
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Reebs Bay
Wainfleet Unsafe to swim (posted) |
24°C / 80°F Updated August 18 |
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Wainfleet Lake Erie Public Access Beach
Wainfleet Unsafe to swim (posted) |
24°C / 80°F Updated August 18 |
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Posted / Closed Beaches
When a swimming advisory is issued, a beach will be posted with a sign indicating that it is "Unsafe for Swimming". It is recommended that residents use another beach or stay out of the water until the posting is removed.
While swimming advisories are recommendations, beaches can be closed to the public. These closures occur in rare instances where there may be an immediate health hazard to the public, such as a chemical or sewage spill.
Beach statuses are also available on:
- Niagara Region Beach Hotline at 905-688-8248 ext 7789 or 1-888-505-6074 ext. 7789
- Signage posted at each beach
Weather Conditions can Affect Test Results
Beach water testing results may not always be accurate as conditions can change quickly due to the weather.
Test results are intended as general guidance. Residents are encouraged to consider the current weather and posting status of the beach before deciding to enter the water. If there was heavy rain within the last 24 - 48hrs, high winds or water clarity is poor, swimming is not recommended.
Weather Forecast: Lake Ontario · Lake Erie
Beach Sampling
Beach water sampling consists of five water samples being taken at each beach. When test results are received, they are averaged and compared to a national standard of 200 E. coli per 100 mL of water. When results show concentrations at or above this level, the beach is posted as unsafe for swimming.
While most beach postings are based on the E.coli results, they can also be posted for other safety hazards (spills, debris) or for water quality issues (algae, turbidity).
For more information on beach water, see the Health Canada Guidelines for Recreational Water Quality.