The Niagara Region of Ontario, Canada is home to several breathtaking waterfront communities that offer picturesque views of Lake Ontario and the Niagara River. From the newer waterfront condos and townhomes in Grimsby on the Lake to the luxurious detached homes and condos in Niagara on the Lake, there is something for everyone in the Niagara waterfront communities. Port Dalhousie offers a charming small town feel with stunning waterfront views and the iconic Port Dalhousie pier, while Crystal Beach provides a more relaxed holiday home atmosphere with a mix of charming cottages and short-term rentals. And, the highly anticipated LJM Harbourfront Condominium development in Jordan promises to be a landmark two tower project with luxurious suites. Each waterfront community in Niagara offers its own unique charm, making it a popular destination for those looking to buy a home on the water.
Here are some of the most notable waterfront communities in the Niagara Region:
Grimsby on the Lake
This waterfront community is relatively new, having undergone significant development in recent years, and offers a range of newer waterfront condos and townhomes. The community also features a variety of shops, restaurants, and amenities, including walking paths and parks along the waterfront.
For those seeking a waterfront view of Lake Ontario, Grimsby on the Lake can be an attractive option, as it offers more affordable pricing compared to some other waterfront communities in the Niagara Region. However, one potential downside is that the beach in Grimsby on the Lake is not as swimmable as other areas along Niagara's possible lakefronts, as it's quite a rocky section of the lake Ontario beachfront.
The Casablanca hotel development is something else to keep a close eye on if you're looking for waterview property in Grimsby. According to the news the land is the site for a proposed 19-storey apartment building with 337 units, and ground-floor commercial space. Phase 2 of the plan is to demolish the existing Casablanca Hotel at that site and build a 12-storey apartment building with 230 units and ground-floor retail commercial space and 50 hotel suites.
Overall, Grimsby on the Lake offers a newer, more affordable option for those looking to live on the waterfront in the Niagara Region, with a range of amenities and activities to enjoy.
According to the Niagara Association of Realtors (NAR) statistics, the average sale price of a residential property in Grimsby on the Lake in 2023 was $650,000.
Niagara on the Lake
Niagara on the Lake is a charming town located on the shores of Lake Ontario at the mouth of the Niagara River. The town is surrounded on three sides by water, which provides a unique and beautiful setting for its waterfront properties. The waterfront homes in Niagara on the Lake are often large, custom-built detached homes with incredible views and finishes. Many of these properties are considered some of the most desirable real estate in the area.
In addition to its stunning homes, Niagara on the Lake is home to several notable beaches and parks, including Mississauga Beach, Ryerson Park, and Queen's Royal Park. Mississauga Beach is a small, secluded beach that is perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and relaxing. Ryerson Park is a beautiful park that offers picnic areas, playgrounds, and stunning views of the Niagara River. Queen's Royal Park is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, with its beautifully manicured gardens, scenic walking paths, and spectacular views of Lake Ontario.
Niagara on the Lake is also an ideal location for sailing and boating enthusiasts. The Niagara on the Lake Sailing Club offers a variety of sailing programs for all ages and skill levels, and the surrounding neighbourhoods offer easy access to Lake Ontario and the Niagara River.
Some of the most notable streets in Niagara on the Lake include Niagara Blvd, Shakespeare Ave, Queen Street, Front St, and Ricardo St, all of which offer stunning views of Lake Ontario and the Niagara River. The Niagara River Parkway is another notable street that offers a scenic drive along the Niagara River, with several lookout points and historic sites along the way.
For those interested in waterfront condo living, Kings Point Condo is a notable option in the area. This luxury condo complex offers stunning views of Lake Ontario and the Niagara River, as well as access to a range of amenities and services.
Waterfront homes in Niagara on the Lake can vary greatly in price depending on their location, size, and condition. Generally speaking, when they do come on the market, the average sale price of a waterfront home in Niagara on the Lake would be around $2 million CAD, according to the Niagara Association of Realtors. However, there are properties that can sell for much more or less than this depending on the factors mentioned above.
Overall, Niagara on the Lake is a truly remarkable and impressive waterfront community, with its stunning homes, beautiful parks and beaches, and access to boating and sailing activities. It's no wonder that it's considered one of the most desirable places to live in the Niagara Region.
Port Dalhousie
Port Dalhousie is a charming waterfront community located in the city of St. Catharines, Ontario. The neighbourhood is located on the shores of Lake Ontario and is known for its beautiful beach, historic lighthouse, and picturesque marina.
One of the most notable features of Port Dalhousie is its beach, which is one of the few natural sand beaches in the Niagara Region. The beach is popular with locals and tourists alike and offers a range of amenities, including picnic areas, volleyball courts, and a playground.
Another iconic feature of Port Dalhousie is its historic lighthouse, which was built in 1871 and is still in operation today. The lighthouse is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike, and it offers stunning views of Lake Ontario and the surrounding area.
The Port Dalhousie pier is another notable feature of the waterfront community. The pier stretches out into Lake Ontario and offers stunning views of the water and the surrounding area. It's a popular spot for fishing, with many anglers casting their lines from the pier throughout the year.
In addition to its fishing opportunities, the Port Dalhousie pier is also a great place for a leisurely stroll or bike ride. The pier is part of the Waterfront Trail, a 1,600 km trail that stretches along the shores of Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, and the Niagara River. The trail is a popular destination for cyclists, hikers, and anyone looking to enjoy the scenic beauty of the Niagara Region.
The Port Dalhousie marina is another popular feature of the neighbourhood, with over 420 boat slips and a range of amenities for boaters. The marina is a popular destination for boating enthusiasts, and it hosts several events throughout the year, including fishing tournaments and sailing regattas.
If you're love of the waterfront is rooted in rowing than than Port is the only spot for you to consider. Port Dalhousie is home to the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta, which is one of the most prestigious rowing events in North America. The regatta attracts thousands of athletes and spectators from around the world each year, and it's a great opportunity to see some of the best rowers in action.
The Royal Canadian Henley Regatta has been held in Port Dalhousie since 1903, and it's become an integral part of the community's identity. The event features both Canadian and American rowing clubs, and there are races for all ages and skill levels.
Port Dalhousie has a very strong rowing community. The Henley Rowing Club is based in Port Dalhousie, and it offers rowing programs for all ages and skill levels. The club has a long history in the community, and it's a great place to learn about the sport of rowing and get involved in the local rowing community.
And of course, like most popular waterfront communities Port Dalhousie is also home to several notable restaurants and shops, many of which offer stunning views of Lake Ontario. The neighbourhood has a charming small-town feel, with tree-lined streets and well-maintained homes and businesses.
Housing options in Port Dalhousie vary, with many older homes and some fairly major newer condos and townhomes finally breaking ground. Waterfront homes in Port Dalhousie are some of the most sought-after and exclusive properties in the Niagara Region. As such, they can command a high price point.
The average sale price for a waterfront home in Port Dalhousie varies depending on a number of factors, including the size of the property, the condition of the home, and its proximity to the water. According to recent data, the average sale price for a waterfront home in Port Dalhousie is approximately $1.4 million to $1.6 million.
Crystal Beach
Crystal Beach is a charming and picturesque waterfront community located in Fort Erie, Ontario. It's situated on the northeastern shore of Lake Erie, and it's known for its beautiful sandy beaches and tranquil atmosphere.
One of the unique features of Crystal Beach is its rich history. The area was first developed in the late 1800s as a summer resort community, and it quickly became a popular destination for people looking to escape the city and enjoy some time by the water. Although the community suffered some setbacks over the years, it has recently experienced a revival, and it's once again becoming a popular spot for both tourists and year-round residents.
One of the biggest draws of Crystal Beach is its stunning natural beauty. The beach itself is the finest in Niagara; a long stretch of white sand that's perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and playing in the sand. The water is generally calm and warm in the summer months, making it a great spot for water activities like kayaking, paddle-boarding, and fishing. Additionally, the area around the beach is home to a number of parks and nature preserves, which offer ample opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and other outdoor activities.
Not everyone can lay claim to the coveted private beachfront properties. To make up for this Bay Beach is one of the main attractions in Crystal Beach. It's a public beach located on the shores of Lake Erie. The beach has a designated swimming area, as well as a playground, picnic area, and concession stand. Last year it underwent a serious overhaul and is better and newer than ever.
Another highlight of Bay Beach is the nearby Friendship Trail, which is a scenic walking and biking path that runs along the shoreline. The trail offers stunning views of the lake and the surrounding wetlands, and it's a great way to explore the natural beauty of the area.
It should be mentioned that Crystal Beach is more of a holiday home town, and many of the owners are from out of town who come and enjoy their waterfront properties seasonally rather than living there year-round.
In addition to the larger waterfront homes, Crystal Beach also has a lot of smaller older cottages inland from the shoreline, which are being bought up in droves and fixed up to be cute little getaways. This has led to a surge in the real estate market, with prices rising for both waterfront and non-waterfront properties. These little cottages have led to quite a few short-term rentals popping up in Crystal Beach, which does affect the neighbourhood's demographics and something I always like to mention when clients are considering this location for a permanent home.
While Crystal Beach does have the most swimmable gorgeous beachfronts it should be noted that it is more removed from the rest of the region, so if you don't like longer drives, this may not be the ideal location for you.
In terms of real estate, Crystal Beach offers seems to either have very humble old homes in need of repair or brand new homes where the new owners have torn down the previous shack to build something wonderful. Particularly on the waterfront homes. Mostly single detached homes make up the market here with waterfront landing at $1.1 million and up generally.
LJM Harbourfront Condos: Luxury Living in a Picturesque Location
Niagara's newest waterfront community is in the works as we speak! Nestled between Jordan Harbour and Lake Ontario, LJM Harbourfront is a highly anticipated new condominium development that promises breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Located in the heart of wine country and conservation lands, this two-tower development by LJM Developments offers luxury living in a serene and picturesque location.
The emphasis on luxury living is evident in every detail of LJM Harbourfront's suites, which boast stunning views of Lake Ontario, Jordan Harbour, vineyards, and wineries. The development offers a range of suites to choose from, including one-bedroom, one-bedroom plus den, two-bedroom, and two-bedroom plus den options.
The suites feature high-end finishes, including gourmet kitchens with custom cabinetry, granite or quartz countertops, and stainless steel appliances. The bathrooms are equally luxurious, with designer fixtures, custom vanities, and deep soaker tubs.
In addition to the suites, LJM Harbourfront offers a range of amenities to enhance residents' lifestyles. The development boasts a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a yoga studio, a rooftop terrace with stunning views, a party room, a games room, and a lounge with a fireplace.
LJM Harbourfront's location is one of its most attractive features. The development is situated in the heart of wine country, surrounded by some of the region's best vineyards and wineries. The area is also rich in conservation lands, offering residents easy access to hiking trails, bird watching, and other outdoor activities.
For those who enjoy boating, LJM Harbourfront offers boat slips for sale, providing residents with easy access to Lake Ontario and the surrounding waterways. The development also offers easy access to the QEW, making it easy to travel to other parts of the Niagara region and beyond.
Overall, LJM Harbourfront offers a unique opportunity to experience luxury living in a picturesque location. The development's attention to detail and focus on providing residents with an exceptional living experience make it a standout option for those seeking a waterfront lifestyle in the Niagara region.
