Okay, let's be honest. I would not have ever heard of Lakeside Park had it not been for the song on Rush's third album Caress of Steel. I had love the song, and always thought it would be cool to visit it one day. Well that day had finally come. I was in town last year, and thought what a perfect time to make my pilgrimage and see what this Park was all about. About. I was very sad when Neil passed away in 2020, and had heard they had built a pavilion bearing his name so I had to see what that was. I arrived in this little small touristy town and saw all kinds of cool little businesses and places to park and saw the sign up ahead that said Lakeside Park. As I entered into the park it was a very nice area. Well kept plenty of greenery, and it is right next to the water. It was a pretty warm day so we were getting some nice cool breezes. As I looked around I saw the Neil Peart pavilion. I had made it. As I wandered over to it, there were people hanging around inside. Having some get-togethers, little parties, people working, or just hanging out in the shade. Enjoying the cool breezes. I couldn't help but feel a little bit sad, as Neil's music and lyrics had meant so much to me growing up. In fact, he was the one that inspired me to pick up the sticks and learn to play the drums. As I walked around the park and sat on the benches, and just enjoyed the scenery, I could imagine all of the things I had heard about in the song and how cool of a place this must have been back in the day. Even if you're not a fan of Rush, this is a great place just to hang out and have a picnic or just enjoy a nice day out. Bottom line? I will absolutely make this an annual pilgrimage when I am in the Ontario area. It is well worth the short drive, and is a must see for Rush fans. read more

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This beautiful park is at the end of the peninsula and next to the Port Dalhousie harbor (harbour?) which includes TWO lighthouses. Both of them are on the other side of the inlet. A massive parking lot (pay at the kiosk and display the receipt), the fabulous carousel, picnic pavilion, beach volleyball courts and yes, accessible restrooms. The Rotary Club Bandshell and Neil Peart Pavilion are also here. And if you're wondering why the pavilion is named for a rock drummer, Neil spent all his childhood in Port Dalhousie after his family moved here when he was two years old. [Review 1479 of 2024 - 156 in Ontario - 22502 overall] read more

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Drove to Port Dalhousie with my hubby and our 5 month old daughter after I got my second COVID shot in St. Catharines at the arena. We brought a lunch we picked up at Hambrgr in downtown St. Catharines to eat at the beach. Since we visited on a weekday, it wasn't too busy and there was ample (paid) parking to be found. The sand beach was very clean and there were quite a few families enjoying the park, the overall vibe was super chill. We found a picnic table to sit at to enjoy our meal with a beautiful view of the water. After eating, we took baby for a nice walk in her stroller along the beach (there's a walkway for bikes, people, strollers etc) and then along the pier. Will for sure come back again someday soon! read more

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Great local beach that doesn't get too crowded. The water is very shallow for quite a distance. There's an onsite ice cream business and within walking distance for food. The parking lot is $3 dollars per hour and pay before you go to the beach. Washrooms are clean and the boardwalk is trafficked constantly with people. There's boats nearby at the yacht dock. Overall a great time to enjoy a beach at the lake. The water isn't freezing cold either! read more

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The namesake of a song from the band that changed my musical self, Rush. Beautiful little lakefront town that seems to have fallen on hard times with the water not suitable for swimming (from what I'm reading, don't trust me on that) and a local business closed (though we visited on a Monday afternoon). BUT packed full of charm, beauty, and wonder and hope that a generous humanitarian/sugar momma or daddy or daddies (Alex and Geddy) step up and rejuvenate the place. Regardless we loved our time there, was a lovely afternoon, strolled the shoreline with my fam and talked to a local bar manager about the merits or bringing in Rush beer. read more

Lakeside Park is the biggest (and possibly, only) swimming beach in St. Catharines. Located in Port Dalhousie, there is a small green area with picnic tables, a sandy beach and walkout to a lighthouse. This is a popular destination for boaters in the summer and there is a view right across Lake Ontario, to Toronto. On clear days you can see the CN tower. There is also a new children's playground which is right beside the famed Port Carousel. Overall, lots of fun, not the prettiest beach in the world but a great way to spend a summer afternoon with friends and family, alike! There are also cute little shops, bars and great icecream and frozen yougart nearby. read more

Lakeside Park - Beaches Near Me - St Catharines, Ontario

Carousel rides are only a nickle. There's a cool pirate themed playground next to the carousel but none of the structures provide any shade. We didn't swim at the beach, but it looked nice, and it was open for swimming today. They have no control over water quality, which is poor all along the lake due to industry and waste, so people should take that up with the companies and municipalities responsible. The important thing is they test it and keep people informed. The amenities and grounds were well kept, apart from the occasional goose dropping. Just bring your own drinks and snacks or consider walking to the nearby shops because concessions are ridiculously expensive. read more

High water levels in Lake Ontario have forced the closure of The Carousel for the remainder of the 2019 Season The beach is narrower as well No lifeguards Swim at your own risk Dinner Market, previously here on Tuesday nights, has been moved to Henley Island for remainder of 2019 Season.Check they're Facebook page for availability as weather can change their schedule. read more

Wonderful park that has say fallen on hard times with the lake water being unsuitable for swimming. Volleyball, frisbee and the carousel are all open June to Labor Day. read more

Beach is ok and the water can get pretty gross. But check out the carousel! For 5 cents, you get a ride. I almost feel guilty not paying more. If you're in the area, go for a ride. The kids love it. read more

Great park The carousel is really old&in great condition They all look lovingly maintained&it's a nickel The beach I guess is still being worked on but we were there in late Sept&had a great time Lots of people were in the eater&the view is spectacular Beautiful little gem on Lake Ontario! read more