ALERTS & UPDATES:
Your Guide to a Day at the Beach
Looking for the perfect place to cool off this summer? HCA is home to four beautiful sandy beaches that are perfect for soaking up the sunshine. Whether you’re planning a family outing, a picnic with friends, or simply a quiet day by the water, a little preparation goes a long way. Here’s everything you need to know before heading to the beach.
Where to go
Choose from one of HCA’s four beaches:
Fifty Point and Confederation Beach Park are both located on the shores of Lake Ontario, while Christie Lake and Valens Lake each have beach areas at their reservoirs.
Check before you go
Water Quality Testing
The City of Hamilton Health Department tests the beaches at Christie Lake, Confederation Beach Park and Valens Lake weekly. Testing results can be found on the City of Hamilton website. Fifty Point is tested weekly by Niagara Region Public Health and results are posted on the Niagara Region website.
What to pack
Swimsuit, towel, and a change of clothes:
If you’re planning to go for a dip, you’ll definitely want to make sure that you have a swimsuit and a towel to dry off after. Don’t forget a change of clothes, because nothing is worse than driving home in a wet bathing suit!
Blanket, beach chairs, umbrella or shade tent:
A big blanket is great, so you’ll have somewhere to sit, lie, or just hang out without sitting in the sand. If you’re feeling fancy, a small beach chair can make for an even more enjoyable day! A single-pole beach umbrella is also a good idea to create a shady area, particularly if you have children. Small tents are permitted on our beaches.
Water, drinks, snacks, and a cooler:
A day in the sun calls for a lot of water and drinks to keep hydrated. Bring it all in a cooler so everything stays cool and refreshing for when you need it! If you’ll be here for a while, make sure you pack some snacks and even a picnic lunch too.
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses: There isn’t much, if any, natural shade on the beach, so you’ll want to be prepared for a day in the sun. Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses are a must when it comes to protecting yourself from the harsh summer rays. Don’t forget to reapply your sunscreen regularly, especially if you are swimming.
Beach and water toys: A day at the beach should be fun too! Don’t forget to bring your beach and water toys.
Water Safety
There are NO LIFEGUARDS at any of our beach areas. Caregivers, children are your responsibility. Lifejackets are always a good idea, but you should not solely rely on them to keep you or your children safe. Always keep children within arm’s reach when in the water. Waters can be particularly rough on Lake Ontario where Confederation Beach Park and Fifty Point beaches are located.
Follow beach rules
- No Dogs. We do love our 4-legged friends but they should be left at home as dogs are not allowed on our beaches.
- No Alcohol. Alcohol is also prohibited within all of our conservation areas.
- No Barbecues. There are many places to barbecue at our conservation areas but it is not permitted on our beaches. Barbecuing is not allowed anywhere at Confederation Beach Park.
- Clean up. Make sure that all your trash and garbage makes it into the proper receptacles. Do not leave trash or broken equipment on the beach.
Have fun!
This summer, build sandcastles, enjoy a picnic, and go for a swim! HCA’s beaches are the perfect way to enjoy summer close to home.
Looking to spend even more time outdoors this summer? An HCA Membership Pass provides unlimited day-use entry to HCA conservation areas all season long, making it easy to enjoy our beaches, trails, and outdoor adventures. Learn more and start exploring your own backyard today.
Beach Checklist
Here’s a quick checklist before you head out to ensure a great beach day!
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Swimsuit
- Towels
- Change of clothes
- Blanket
- Lifejackets
- Water/drinks
- Cooler
- Snacks
- Umbrella
- Beach chair
- Beach toys
HCA Contact Information
Phone: 905-525-2181
Email: nature@conservationhamilton.ca