Things to see and do in Grand Bend?

[Underwater254]

Anyone have recommendations for places to visit in Grand Bend? Places to eat,tiki bars,etc. Anyone stay at municipal marina down river? I have reservations and I believe I will be on the wall close to town. Hopefully no big surprises.

 

[berth control]

Do you have a cruising guide? If not, and you plan on doing much cruising, you should get one. Lakeland boating's had arial pictures of every harbor, charts, local restaraunts, marinas, anchorages, stores, and local hot spots for every harbor on the lake. It really helps up decide where we do and don't want to go, locate free anchorages, and is BY FAR the best one you can get, in my opinion:
http://www.lakelandboating.com/cruise_guide.cfm

 

[Blueone]

Grandbend is a great little town. I am actually driving up there this weekend. Just outside of town is the Motorplex hosting the Canadian Nationals drag racing this weekend. The marina is fairly new..problem is it's on the wrong side of the river so it is a bit of a walk to get to the main street, if you have a dingy you can take it across and tie up...The main street is packed with bars restaurants and shops you really can't go wrong at anyone of them...there was some places between the river and the main street
on the beach...you might want to check out... years ago the last bar next to the river was the hot spot

http://www.grandbend.com/

 

[RollerCoastr]

Most of what you'll want to see and do in the village of GB is right on Main St. There are some obvious landmarks like the Growling Gator at the beach, but for the most part, it's a typical lakeside tourist scene. No real red flags or outstanding must-sees imo.

There's a decent grocery store within a reasonable walking distance. The inn at or near the intersection of Ontario St. offers a good breakfast option.

Our first few visits were during the week, but we were told that GB is Lake Huron's PIB, and that we should go on a wkd. What they didn't say was that because of the lower Ont drinking age, it's Lake Huron's PIB for 19 year olds...

They just completed a major beachfront project. I've only seen pictures, but it looks great. The beach itself is beautiful anyway.

The municipal marina bathrooms leave a lot to be desired.

If you've already spoken to the dockmaster, he may have mentioned that the approach can be stressful in a strong westerly wind. They'll go on record as NOT being offended if you come in hot all the way to the fuel dock. (better to throw a wake than to end up on top of the jetty...)

They offer typical Canadian hospitality. (and if you have a dinghy, the restrooms at the office building/fuel dock on the south side of the river are much better)

Expect to be visited by customs. I've never been boarded, but they have stopped by to look and ask some questions.

 

[Jimmy Buoy]

Golf is also available at the Oakwood Inn.

 

[Underwater254]

Thanks! Can't wait to get there. It's our first run North from Lake Erie(2nd stop)

 

[armyeng1]

Just came back from Grand Bend, tourism has really dropped there, its usually busy on the long weekends. Grand Bend pretty much consists of one main street with a couple of bars and plenty of gift shops. The town is quaint and worth stopping at, it has an upgraded beach with new facilities and as stated previously there is a golf course a few miles up the road. There is sky diving, but you have to arrive on friday for a saturday jump, there is also drag racing but check schedules for times and dates on the grand bend website. Grand Bend is full of young kids from the states but I have always had a great time playing volley ball on the beach with other adults and throwing the football around. The sand is very clean and its worth a stop, but I wouldnt say that its a great destination getaway by itself.