An inexpensive trip to Grimsby Ontario: One day adventure
If you are looking for an inexpensive trip that packs in some gorgeous scenery without requiring too much planning, Grimsby Ontario might just be your answer. Grimsby is on the southern shore of Lake Ontario at the base of the Niagara Escarpment. Not to be confused with Grimsby in England.
The Painted Ladies – Grimsby
One of the things on my to do list was visiting the Painted Ladies, a number of heritage Victorian homes that are genuinely worth a stop for a look and a photo. Grimsby has a surprisingly rich history and these colourful houses are a lovely reflection of that. Great for a quick wander if you have time between activities.
Quick Tips – The Painted Ladies
Entry: Free, street-side viewing
Don’t skip: A walk along the streets to more houses
Photo tip: Morning light is best for the colourful facades
Tip: Respect people’s privacy
Time to allow: 30 minutes
Walking the Shores of Lake Ontario
I spent some time walking along the lakeshore, and wandered to 40 Mile Creek Park, a green area that follows the creek down toward the lake. It is a relaxed, easy kind of walk with a mix of trees and open areas, and the Peace Garden beside the lake was a genuinely lovely surprise: a quiet, thoughtfully maintained space that felt like a real community treasure. Worth a slow stroll through if you are in the area. There is a loop path which had a new bridge installed after I visited so make sure to take a stroll.
Quick Tips – 40 Mile Creek Park
Entry: Free
Parking: 447 Elizabeth St
Don’t skip: The Peace Garden
Loop Path: Path length is 1.1km
Time to allow: 30 minutes to 1 hour
Beamer Memorial Conservation Area
Beamer Falls – Grimsby
This was a highlight of the trip. Beamer Memorial Conservation Area is home to Beamer Falls, and the easiest way to get there is to park at or near 121 Ridge Road West and follow the short trail in. The falls themselves are beautiful, with the water dropping over layers of rock. Surrounded by trees the setting feels magical.
One thing worth knowing before you go: there are apparently lower falls accessible from a different point, but I found the access genuinely confusing and could not work out a clear route during my visit. I have seen references to them online but if you are hoping to find them, do a bit of extra research before you head out rather than relying on signage at the site. I was not the only person there looking a little baffled by the options.
Beamer Falls
Quick Tips – Beamer Falls
Entry: Free
Parking: 121 Ridge Road West, Grimsby
Best time to visit: Spring, when water volume is highest
Time to allow: 30 minutes
Lookout Trail & Bruce Trail
I also headed around to the Lookout Trail on Quarry Road. Getting there was straightforward enough and it was a wonderful walk amongst the trees. Arriving at an open field I spotted a Falcon View tower but didn’t take the time to climb as it was a rather hot day. In the pursuit of trying to find another access to the bottom of Beamer falls I headed along Grimsby Point Side Trail. Which joins up with Bruce Trail and down towards Forty mile creek.
Of course is you have time make sure to head along lookout trail for gorgeous views over Grimsby
Heading along the creek with no marked trail I decided as I didn’t come from the area not to try to get to the falls. It was a nice little adventure but I didn’t want to be rescued!
Of course is you have time make sure to head along lookout trail for gorgeous views over Grimsby.
Quick Tips – Lookout Trail, Quarry Road
Entry: Free
Check first: NPCA website for current closures before visiting
Best for: exploring the area
Time to allow: Variable depending on how far you get
Eating and Drinking: The Lake House Restaurant
Dinner at The Lake House Restaurant was a real treat. The views over Lake Ontario are gorgeous, and there is something about watching the light change over that much water while you eat that makes everything taste better. It is the kind of place that just feels right after a day of walking around outside, and it rounded off the Grimsby visit perfectly. The menu runs to Mediterranean-influenced dishes: thin-crust pizzas, risotto, pasta, steak and seafood, and they have a nice local Niagara wine list to match.
Quick Tips – The Lake House Restaurant
Hours: Mon to Sat lunch from 11:30am, dinner 4pm to 10pm. Sunday from 11am
Patio: Open May to October, lakeside views
Don’t skip: The Niagara region wine list
Book ahead: Recommended in summer, especially for patio seats
Address: 3100 North Service Road, Vineland (a short drive from Grimsby)
Extra Activities
Niagara Falls
I squeezed in a visit to Niagara Falls on another day, and it is absolutely worth adding to the itinerary if you are already in the region. Being so close along the escarpment corridor makes it a natural add-on, and honestly even if you have been before it never really gets old.
If you have not been in a while, it is worth knowing that the experience has expanded considerably. The Canadian side now has a solid lineup of paid attractions alongside the free views from Queen Victoria Park, which is open 24/7 and gives you that iconic panorama of Horseshoe Falls without spending a cent.
Quick Tips – Niagara Falls
Free option: Queen Victoria Park is open 24/7 with full views of Horseshoe Falls at no cost
Tickets: Niagara Parks website
Parking: Use the flat rate lots, not the hourly ones near the falls
Time to allow: A full day if you plan to do more than one attraction
Video Highlights From Grimsby Ontario
Thrifting Grimsby
I always try to fit in some thrifting (opshopping as we call it in New Zealand) wherever I go and Grimsby was no exception. I managed to see three stores, which I’ll cover in the next blog so make sure to check back to see where I went.
Final Thoughts on Grimsby Ontario
Grimsby is one of those places you don’t hear much about. It’s a great place to base yourself if you want to explore the wider area. Have you been to Grimsby or the Beamer Falls area? I would love to hear if anyone has cracked the lower falls access mystery.
It wasn’t my first visit to Grimsby Ontario and while I spent some time exploring on this trip I would love to come back to explore more of the hiking trails. If you have any to recommend please let me know.