Spent a few hours here over the past weekend. I chose this place due to the reviews and the location. Not too far from where I live and something new.
It’s easy to find, with ample free parking and looks very scenic when you arrive. The park is well maintained and plenty of space to picnic, including at the pavilion itself, which is where the bathrooms are located. They are fairly clean, but have the usual unpleasant beach bathroom odour.
We came specifically for the beach which was the big disappointment and the main reason for the 2 star review.
It’s a bit of walk to get to the beach, down a long flight of stairs from the main parking area. We discovered there are closer spots to the beach but those are reserved for the disabled and the brazen few who parked on a small grassy area that some managed to sneak their vehicles through between wooden posts.
The beach itself is quite small, with limited shade and no amenities. It’s so close to the highway you can constantly hear traffic noise. It is extremely rocky for several feet along the shoreline in every direction and even worse for several feet into the water. The rocks on the shore aren’t too bad as they are fairly small and flat. However, the rocks in the water (which extend for several feet before you get to the sandy bottom) are mostly large, sharp and dangerous. If you do go to this beach and intend to swim, I would highly recommend water shoes.
It was also very windy the day we were here and the water was extremely rough and wavy and difficult to enjoy a swim. This is in the middle of August on a mostly warm, clear day. I can only imagine how much worse it would be on a really windy day. Most people with watercraft gave up after a few minutes, as it was way to rough to enjoy any type of non-motorized watercraft here.
Quite frankly I am perplexed at all the positive reviews of this beach. The park itself is pleasant enough from what we saw. Clearly the people who are posting these positive reviews have either never been to a decent beach or are simply going there to picnic and enjoy the lake views.
And I’m not just comparing this beach to some of the amazing ocean beaches I have had the privilege of experiencing like Cancun beach, ‘baby beach’ in Aruba, or Varadero beach in Cuba. Those are simply incomparable to anything we have in Ontario. But there are much nicer beaches in this region like Turkey Point, Grand Bend and even Burlington beach near me. And it too has an adjacent scenic park and trail, where you can picnic, walk or cycle and enjoy lake views.
So I would only recommend Charles Daley park if you just intend to have a picnic or enjoy a nice walk by the lake with scenic views. But I certainly would not recommend this location for the beach. It’s highly unlikely I...
Read moreCharles Daley Park is an absolute treasure, deserving of every one of its five stars. Here's why I adore this place:
Scenic Beauty: This park's location along the shores of Lake Ontario provides awe-inspiring views. The tranquil and picturesque setting makes it a haven for relaxation and picnicking.
Perfect for Picnics: Families and friends will love the well-maintained picnic areas, complete with tables and benches. It's an ideal spot for gatherings, picnics, barbecues, or simply enjoying a meal outdoors.
Exploration Awaits: Nature enthusiasts will relish the walking trails that let you immerse yourself in the park's natural beauty while savoring the lakefront scenery. It's perfect for leisurely strolls or brisk walks.
Family-Friendly: With a playground for kids, Charles Daley Park caters to families. Children can have a blast here, and it's a family-friendly destination.
Exciting Events: Keep an eye out for events and gatherings, including outdoor concerts and community activities. There's always something special happening to enhance your visit.
Birdwatcher's Paradise: Birdwatching enthusiasts will be thrilled with the park's proximity to Lake Ontario, which makes it an ideal spot to spot various bird species along the lakefront.
Unforgettable Sunsets: Charles Daley Park is renowned for its breathtaking sunset views over Lake Ontario. It's a must-visit for couples and photographers seeking to capture the beauty of the setting sun.
A Personal Retreat: Personally, I find myself visiting frequently, sometimes just to sit back, sip a cup of coffee, and soak in the tranquil atmosphere. It's a perfect escape.
But, alas, there's a perplexing downside. Despite numerous garbage cans scattered throughout the park, it's disheartening to witness some individuals littering. Let's all do our part to preserve the park's pristine beauty.
And finally, a little secret tip: Don't forget to visit for fireworks displays! Witnessing the towns along the circumference of Lake Ontario light up with fireworks is nothing short of spectacular. It's an experience that's too good not to share. 😄🌟🎆
Oh, and kayaking is another popular activity here that you shouldn't miss. Charles Daley Park truly has something for...
Read moreI have been coming to this park for 25 years at least. It's a well-kept park but of late I've been really disturbed by what is happening in the park. There are many huge families that gather here that take up all the picnic tables and remove all the garbage cans. They seem to take over the whole area on the lawn. They also have lots of, charcoal barbecues, and gas barbecues going. I've seen them throw garbage in the lake not even try to look for a garbage can. I'm offended at the lack of care given to this beautiful park by the people that are currently using it. I would like to suggest that there would be a patrol that came through here And police what's going on in this area. It's not fair that these huge unorganized groups take over the park. It's also not great that they have all these barbecues. The park is for everyone. There is always parking issues in the accessible parking area people are parked there who don't have handicap stickers and they're also is in the 15 minute loading zone people park there all day , this is usually on Saturday and Sunday when we have these families here. I enjoy this park and I enjoy coming here. I hope that this can all become more under control so that more people can have access to the park not just the ones that get here early and steal all the good spots from...
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