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Crystal Beach history in Fort Erie, ON

Known as the “South Coast of Canada,” CRYSTAL BEACH in Fort Erie, Ontario remains a popular tourist destination over a hundred years after its founding. Visitors can enjoy numerous water-related activities, restaurants, and bars. Crystal Beach’s history has not strayed far from its relaxing roots.

Keep reading to find out more about the history of Crystal Beach in Fort Erie, ON!


Origin and Evolution

In 1898, the Beach began as a police village. The settlement got its name from the clear water of Lake Erie.

30 years later, the village was incorporated.

Fort Erie absorbed the area in 1970. By then, Crystal Beach’s reputation as an admired waterfront community was secure.

Crystal Beach

Crystal Beach Park: Past and Present

From 1888 to 1989, CRYSTAL BEACH PARK was a premier amusement park, attracting visitors looking for fun and excitement. It began life when John E. Rebstock introduced a collection of beach and sideshow attractions to the area. The park soon grew with the introduction of amusement rides we now expect in every park.

The park was home to revolutionary roller coasters such as the Cyclone and THE COMET, with the latter still being operational.

Despite having 20,000 daily visitors at its peak, the Beach Park closed in 1989. However, its influence is felt to this day.

The CRYSTAL BEACH TENNIS & YACHT CLUB has occupied the site since 1992. The South Coast Village community is located in the park’s former parking lot.

Fort Erie opened a public beach, CRYSTAL BEACH WATERFRONT PARK, in 2005. Located east of the Crystal Beach Tennis & Yacht Club, the park features a boat launch.

The spirit of Beach lives on now and in the future.


Bay Beach Park

In 1926, Rebstock, the founder of the Beach Park, opened BAY BEACH PARK, a public beach west of Crystal Beach Park. The site consisted of rental units and The Lobster House, a restaurant. Visitors could also go to a snack bar and dance hall.

Fort Erie bought the property in 2001. They renovated the site with modern amenities, reopening it in 2019 where it remains a destination for water-lovers.


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THE SCARLETT REAL ESTATE GROUP can help you buy or sell  any property in Niagara, ON. Our team of Niagara-born-and-raised real estate professionals has the local knowledge it takes to get the best value for your real estate needs. We look forward to helping you buy or sell your next property!

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