As a part of a new series, I will be providing a market snapshot of the numerous tourism districts located within the Niagara Region. Each district offers a variety of tourist, commercial and hospitality properties.
The south coast of Niagara, lines Lake Erie and boasts the regions best beaches. One in particular, Crystal Beach, has long been a tourist haven. While the small community isn't quite the tourism mecca it once was, it's crystal clear waters still attract thousands of Canadian and American tourists each summer.
Crystal Beach is a community within Fort Erie located on the northeast shore of Lake Erie. It's population is approximately 3,800 but those numbers balloon in the summer as cottage owners and tourists move in.
History of Crystal Beach
Crystal Beach as a rich history dating back to the opening of the Crystal Beach Amusement Park in 1888. It was an attraction for both Canadian and American tourists, as steamships named the Americana and Canadiana transported customers back and forth to the park. During the parks peak popularity era, it averaged 20,000 visitors per day or 500,000 visitors per season, this was in thanks to famous rides like the Crystal Beach Comet, the dance hall and the midway.
The amusement park turned the community into a resort town, many people owned second homes or cottages and a number of hotels were built to accomodate tourists.
The park officially closed in 1989 due to a number of financial factors and new competition from Darien Lake, Canada's Wonderland and Marineland.
Click here to see a collection of photographs from Crystal Beaches hayday.
Crystal Beach Today
The land that the Amusement park once called home is now the Crystal Beach Tennis and Yacht Club. The gated community was developed in 1992 for approximately $60 million and includes tennis courts, play grounds, a club house and 1000 ft. of beach access.
A new residential/resort development called South Coast Village is currently in construction along Rideway Road by Marz Homes. The development promises sport, retail and dining ammenities on top of the homes.
While there is no longer an amusement park, the major attraction of the small community remains the beach. A large public beach is located beside the Crystal Beach Tennis and Yacht Club property and further down the road boat access is available. Outdoor concerts are held on Sunday nights on the public beach.
The main strip of Crystal Beach has never really been able to build itself up to the bustling mecca it once was but, the Town of Fort Erie is actively pursuing development in the area. Another local attraction that helps attract tourists to the area is the Stevensville based, Zooz.
Commercial Properties
Hospitality Properties
- Singing Siren Restaurant
- South Coast Cookhouse
- Crystal Chandelier
- Mabel's Gourmet Pizza
- Palmwood Waterfront Dining Lounge
- Sneaker's Beach Tavern
Hotels Properties
- Crystal Beach Hotel
- Lakeside Suites Crystal Beach
Connect with a Niagara real estate appraiser today to have your hospitality or commercial property appraised.
