Canada's Lovely Lake Erie Village Peninsula Has A Sandy Beach, Craft Brews, And Enticing Local Eats

An adorable lakeside village with good food, great beer, and a sandy beach — and no, we're not talking about windswept Cornwall or somewhere along the sunny Mediterranean coast. Cast your mind instead to the Great White North: When it comes to peaceful and enticing getaways, the small Ontario peninsula village of Erieau is an unsung gem worth discovering. As writer Meg Cossmann for Blog TO frames it, Erieau's "welcoming charm and natural beauty might just be the ideal getaway" for visitors seeking a serene, off-the-beaten-track vacation destination in Ontario.

Getting to this charming hamlet is relatively easy from larger metropolises on both sides of the U.S.-Canada border: Erieau is conveniently less than 90 minutes by car (not counting any time spent waiting at the border) from Detroit, Michigan. On the Ontario side, it's also about 90 minutes from London as well as just over three hours from the hub of Toronto, making it possible for a weekend getaway or a longer lakeside trip. If you're flying in, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County International Airport (DTW), 90 miles away, is one major option, but reaching Erieau from there requires a land-border crossing; Windsor International Airport (YQG) and London International Airport (YXU) are Canadian alternatives that avoid one. (Just make sure you're aware of the worst place to put your passport while at the airport.)

Much like the fellow Canadian coastal village of Tatamagouche, Nova Scotia, Erieau is home to a cozy brewery: Bayside Brewing Company. Open since 2012 in the town's historic Lakeside Hotel, this independent brewery has grown into a local staple for tasty beers, delectable food, and live musical acts — all with a gorgeous view of scenic Rondeau Bay. Brewmaster Mike Dumouchelle is the brains behind Bayside's lineup, which includes a range of lagers, ales, sours, and more. For fans of hoppy beers, try the Tilt'N Kilt'N IPA, brewed with local Ontario hops and boasting a citrus-forward flavor that will (as the tasting notes put it) "make you want to put on your ghillies and dance a Highland fling."

Looking for something a bit more sessionable? Opt for Bayside Brewing Company's flagship beer, the refreshing and golden Long Pond Lager. This Canadian lager is, according to its description, "more than just a beer — it's a tribute to the natural wonders that surround our little village nestled between Rondeau Bay and Lake Erie." And indeed, what better way to enjoy the serene and gorgeous views and vibes of this village peninsula than by sipping on a beer that pays homage to all of it? 

Stick around at Bayside Brewing Company for a meal with your beer, and don't expect just the usual bar snacks of peanuts or chips on offer here: There's a full brewpub menu to order from. Whether you're in the mood for a light bite like baked brie or nachos, or a main such as a burger, salad, pizza, or even locally caught yellow perch, you've got no shortage of options. Diners speak highly of the food, though reviewers on Tripadvisor note that there can be a long wait during the busy summer season.

Another tasty eatery is Molly and OJ's Restaurant. Founders (you guessed it) Molly and OJ Vidler opened the earliest version of this popular local restaurant back in 1966. Today, the establishment dishes up a menu of freshly caught local seafood and fish delights, such as pickerel and perch from right here in Lake Erie, as well as surf-and-turf, clam chowder, and more. Visitors speak highly of the "amazing food and wonderful warm welcome" at this friendly spot.

Once you've filled up, head down to Erieau Public Beach, a long sandy expanse with some of the warmest waters on the lake. It also features ample facilities including a playground for little ones, various sports courts, public restrooms, picnic areas, parking, and even a mobility mat that makes the beach accessible for those with limited mobility. Locals know to stick around at the end of the day in order to catch a spectacular sunset over the beach. And if you're eager to continue your Canadian travels with another beach excursion after your time in Erieau, head on to Crystal Beach, another charming community along Lake Erie's shore.