The Traveling Yorkie: Grand Bend for Dog-owners

Yorkie @ Grand Bend 

We took our almost 7-year old Yorkie with us to Grand Bend, and while there were some limitations, I can say that you will pretty much be ok to bring your furbaby along.

Grand Bend, ON

We stayed at the pet-friendly Bonnie Doone Manor. There was a pet-fee, but that was not different from any other place we have stayed and brought our Traveling Yorkie along. There are also other pet-friendly hotels/lodges/inns in the area. 

Walking along Main St., we did not really bring her inside the stores, nor did I see other folks do that. We did a tag-team on who would stay with her just outside.

For meals, Coco’s clearly called out that they were dog-friendly, where they can stay right beside you in the patio. 

pet-friendly Coco's @ Grand Bend

The Growling Gator would allow you to have your dog tied outside by the grass but you would be separated by a fence. This arrangement might be fine for your Fido, but it would definitely stress our Yorkie.

Pizza place and Dairy Dip has outdoor seating where you can bring your pet. We grabbed some fish and chips over here. They even have a water bowl to make sure pets weres well-hydrated.

Now, the beach does not allow dogs. Grand Bend is an internationally recognized blue flag beach which has very strict standards. Dogs are only allowed in parking areas, on walkways and promenades in the back beach area. However, between May 15th to September 15th dogs are allowed on the beach before 8am and after 8pm and must be leashed. So, our cutie Yorkie managed to get close to the waters for our morning walk at 730am!

dog beach @ Pinery Provincial Park

8Km away, though, at Pinery Provincial Park, they have two dog beaches and they are awesome! So, you can go there as well!

Overall, the area is a great place to spend time with the whole fam, no matter how many legs they have!

Grand Bend: probably the best beach in Ontario!

Grand Bend, ON

Last summer, we went with another family to Grand Bend. We found one of the best beaches in Ontario about 3 hours from Toronto. Hubby would say it was the best. The waters of Lake Huron were clear and the sand was lovely (well after you hurdle the many stones at the main beach). I will say, though, that over 8Km away, at Pinery Provincial Park beaches (still Lake Huron), the sand was much better. There were less stones and the waters were shallow. The temperature of the water, as well as the strength of the waves, depends on the weather, of course. A couple of days before we arrived, another friend was at the same beach and he said the water was freezing. When we were there, the water was just perfect—strong waves the first day and calm the next.

Grand Bend

We stayed at the Bonnie Doone Manor, the only one which was right across the beach. It was a lovely place. The owners were very hospitable, rooms were clean, and we had everything we needed in our stay. It is actually one of the landmarks of the area with their pink and yellow Adirondacks on the lawn. 

Bonnie Doone Manor @ Grand Bend

It was a perfect place to watch the beautiful sunset at Grand Bend.

sunset @ Grand Bend, ON

It was also a short walk from the beach to the bustling Main St. We enjoyed walking and looking at the many shops along the way. There were many treats for kids of all ages—there were snow cones, ice cream, fudge as well as several bars for the adults. No worries if you forgot your beach wear as you can easily get a pair in one of the shops. Grandma spent over an hour browsing from store to store. There were also a few restaurants, including a Japanese place!

Sno Shack @ Main St., Grand Bend

shops at Main St., Grand Bend

There were also many other activities offered—parasailing, paddleboating, jetskiing, and even water trampoline. You can stroll along the boardwalk or catch one of the summer concerts at the main stage. There was also a splash pad area for kids. They had a clean rinse area with hot water and parking was $20 for the day.

Main Beach entrance at Grand Bend--check out the parasailer!

Wish we could have stayed for week there! We will definitely return as we have marked this as one of our favourite family destinations!