As a result of the new provincewide restrictions and Stay-at-Home order effective April 17, 2021, Nickel Beach will be closed to the public. This includes passive use like walking, nature observation and canoeing/kayaking, and no gathering is permitted. Premises will be monitored, and violation is subject to penalty.

Fun in the Sun at Nickel Beach!

Nickel Beach is the perfect beach for windsurfing, swimming and sunbathing.

Located on Lake Erie at the southern end of Welland Street at Lake Street, this beach offers white sandy beaches, great trails to explore and public amenities including shady picnic areas, restroom facilities and volleyball courts. Come out and enjoy some fun in the sun at Nickel Beach!

Nickel beach is one of the few remaining beaches that offers beachgoers the rare and one-of-a-kind option to park their vehicles directly on the beachfront for the duration of their stay.

2021 Seasonal Hours of Operation (Beachfront Parking Access)

Open Monday-Sunday from Friday May 21 to Monday September 6

Monday – Thursday – 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Friday – Sunday (and holidays May 24, July 1, August 2 and September 6) – 9:00 a.m. – 8 p.m.

*NOTE* - All seasonal operations, including public washrooms, staffing, and beachfront parking access, subject to close due to inclement weather. Beachfront parking will be limited to 150 vehicles maximum daily for non- Port Colborne residents. Beachfront parking access is at your own risk - The City of Port Colborne is not responsible for any towing services.

Nickel Beach Rates 2021

Seasonal Resident Pass  (Port Colborne residents only)

FREE

Beachfront Parking Passes (Non- Port Colborne residents)

Monday – Friday

Niagara Residents - $20

Non-Residents - $50

Weekends + Holidays

Niagara Residents - $25

Non-Residents - $55

Non- Beachfront Parking

*Due to COVID-19 all non-beachfront parking options and walk-on access for non- Port Colborne residents will be prohibited through the 2021 season.

Accessible Parking

There is no designated accessible parking lot area; however, those who require accessible parking will be provided space to park within the front entrance gates by staff. Note – Accessible parking passes do not grant access for beachfront parking without charge.

Waste Management

Beachgoers are reminded to be respectful of their environment. Please use the waste receptacles provided for acceptable items only. All leftover charcoal, or propane tanks are the responsibility of the user to dispose of. Anyone found littering, or leaving prohibited barbecue waste are subject to fines.

Daily Beach Capacity

There will be a daily limit to beachfront parking in order to ensure the safety, and accessibility for all beachgoers. Maximum beachfront parking spots will be limited to 150 vehicles daily for non- Port Colborne residents. Daily beachfront parking passes should be purchased in advance - details to follow by May 1, 2020.

Washroom Facilities

There is public access to portable washroom facilities and hand sanitation stations on the beachfront.

What Not to Bring to the Beach

Alcohol, drugs, cigarettes, and vaping devices (all beaches in Niagara are smoke and vape free), pets (with the exception of registered service animals), motorized watercraft, any type of tent/shade structure's that are enclosed, or that exceed a 10x10 footprint.

Additional Rules & Regulations

R-ZONE – Respect & Responsibility – SAFETY FIRST!

  • Alcohol and pets are not allowed on the beach (By-law 5503/100/10).
  • Vehicle parking on the beach front may be limited at the discretion of staff for safety and security purposes.
  • Vehicles stuck in the sand may be subject to towing fee, *towing service fee may be applied by a 3rd party – The City of Port Colborne is not responsible to provide towing services
  • Open fires are not allowed on the beach/park property
  • Launching of motorized watercraft is not allowed
  • No trailer or overnight camping is allowed
  • Swimming is not supervised
  • Hours of operation are subject to change and may be adjusted due to severe weather and heat advisory
  • The City of Port Colborne advocates proper waste management & recycling programs, your assistance is appreciated in keeping the beach property clean and tidy

*Note: The City of Port Colborne and staff is not liable nor equipped to handle hauling out/towing service.

Is Lake Erie Safe for Swimming?

During the summer months, beaches along Lake Erie are safe to swim in. If the water is unsafe to swim in, Niagara Region Public Health signs will be posted at the entrance of the beach.

Beaches are unsafe for swimming when the water contains levels of bacteria that may increase a bather's risk of developing a variety of irritations and infections. Most common are minor skin, eye, ear, nose and throat infections and occasional stomach disorders. Sometimes a beach may be posted unsafe because of floating debris, oil, scum, excessive weed growth, bad odors and general turbidity.

Niagara Region Public Health will post the status of local beaches every Friday during the summer.

To obtain information on the status of beaches in the Niagara Region call 1-888-505-6074, ext 7789.

Parks and Recreation Master Plan

The City released its Parks and Recreation Master Plan and and have indicated a plan be created to help the City manage Nickel Beach. Staff is currently finalizing a Request for Proposal for this work. This plan will strengthen the City's various applications to funding sources for dollars to go towards needed infrastructure improvements, improved amenities, and a business plan for operations.