Beyond the resort
From the beach right outside your door to Niagara Falls, wine country and everything in between — here's how to make the most of your Sherkston Shores stay.
More than a beach vacation
One of the best things about staying at Sherkston Shores is having the freedom to make your vacation exactly what you want it to be. Spend the morning on the beach. Enjoy an afternoon at the resort. Take a day trip to Niagara Falls. Explore wine country. Find a great local restaurant. Or simply stay at the cottage and do absolutely nothing.
You don't have to choose between a resort vacation and a Niagara getaway — you can have both.
Your beach vacation starts here
Of course, the main attraction is right where you are — Lake Erie. Sherkston Shores offers multiple beach areas along its Lake Erie shoreline, including Wyldewood Beach and Elco Beach, plus Quarry Beach at the resort's freshwater quarry. Beach access and resort amenities are subject to current resort rules and guest access requirements.
Wyldewood Beach
A popular choice for families looking for a classic sandy Lake Erie beach experience. Perfect for swimming, building sandcastles, relaxing in the sun, beach games and sunset watching.
Elco Beach
Looking for a somewhat quieter beach experience? Elco offers another option along Sherkston's Lake Erie shoreline.
Quarry Beach
For something different, head to the Quarry for freshwater swimming in a unique natural setting.
Local tip: Don't forget to stay for sunset. Lake Erie sunsets can be one of the most memorable parts of a Sherkston vacation.
More than just the beach
If your family needs a break from the sand, Sherkston offers plenty of additional activities. Depending on the season and current resort programming, guests can enjoy pools, waterslides, splash pad, Quarry swimming, mini golf, arcade, sports, water activities, family entertainment and seasonal events. The resort's Family FunPlex is a central hub for many activities, while the Quarry offers another unique swimming and recreation experience.
Perfect for families
You can easily build a day around the resort without getting in the car: Beach → Lunch → Pool → Water attractions → Ice cream → Dinner → Sunset. And that's just one day.
Make a day of one of Canada's most famous destinations
A Sherkston vacation gives you the opportunity to combine relaxing beach days with a visit to Niagara Falls, Ontario. See the Falls from above, get close to the rushing water, explore Niagara Parks, or make an evening of the illuminated Falls.
See the Falls
Start with the classic views from the Niagara Parkway and Table Rock area.
Voyage to the Falls
Get close to the water aboard Niagara City Cruises — the Voyage to the Falls experience takes visitors into the mist near the Canadian Horseshoe Falls.
Journey Behind the Falls
For a completely different perspective, this experience takes you close to the Horseshoe Falls from below and behind the Falls.
See the Falls at Night
The Falls are illuminated after dark, making an evening visit a completely different experience from seeing them during the day.
Our tip: Don't try to do everything in one visit. Pick a few experiences, enjoy the Falls, have dinner and make a full day of it.
Wine country, beautiful streets & a slower pace
Niagara-on-the-Lake makes a wonderful day trip when you're ready for a change of scenery. The historic town is known for its heritage district, boutiques, restaurants, waterfront views, wineries, breweries and the Shaw Festival. Niagara-on-the-Lake is also at the heart of Ontario wine country, with dozens of wineries throughout the area.
Spend the day wandering
Take a leisurely walk through the historic downtown. Browse:
- Boutiques
- Gift shops
- Art galleries
- Antiques
- Cafés
- Restaurants
Wine touring
Niagara-on-the-Lake is home to a wide variety of wineries and tasting experiences. For example, Between the Lines Winery and Château des Charmes are two options worth exploring.
Tip: Always check current hours, tasting availability and reservation requirements before heading out.
A perfect day for the adults
Looking for something a little more relaxing? Plan a wine-country day. Start with a winery tasting, stop for lunch, explore another vineyard and finish the afternoon wandering around Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Try:
- Wine tastings
- Vineyard tours
- Sparkling wine
- Icewine
- Winery restaurants
- Cycling through wine country
And if wine isn't your thing, the region also offers breweries, cideries and distilleries.
Bring your clubs
Golfers don't have to give up their game while on vacation. The Niagara region offers a variety of courses ranging from relaxed public courses to more challenging layouts.
Make it a golf day
Morning: Golf
Afternoon: Lunch
Evening: Back to Sherkston for the beach and sunset
Our tip: Golf tee times can fill quickly during peak vacation periods, so booking ahead is recommended.
Get outside & explore Niagara
Niagara isn't just waterfalls and wineries. The region's Lake Erie shoreline, Niagara River and Niagara Escarpment provide plenty of opportunities to get outdoors.
Explore:
- Nature trails
- Hiking
- Cycling
- Bird watching
- Waterfront walks
- Scenic viewpoints
- Fishing
For a broader Niagara adventure, the region's green spaces include lake, river and wetland environments as well as trails and scenic waterfront areas.
Our tip: Bring comfortable shoes, water, sunscreen and bug spray. You'll be glad you did.
When the kids say, “What are we doing today?”
Beyond Sherkston's own activities, the Niagara region offers plenty of family-friendly attractions.
Amusement Parks
For families heading toward the Toronto/Vaughan area, Canada's Wonderland offers roller coasters, family rides and seasonal water attractions.
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre
LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Toronto is an indoor LEGO-themed attraction — particularly useful when the weather isn't cooperating.
Nature & Wildlife
Niagara also has indoor and outdoor nature attractions that are great alternatives to another beach day.
Family vacation strategy: Don't try to pack every attraction into one trip. Choose 2–3 big activity days plus plenty of downtime — you'll come home feeling like you actually had a vacation.
Because someone else should cook tonight
One of the best parts of vacation? Not having to cook every night. Sherkston and the surrounding Niagara region offer options ranging from casual family meals to special-occasion dining.
Our suggested dining plan
Night 1
Keep it easy — dinner at the cottage.
Night 2
Enjoy a casual meal out.
Night 3
Have a special dinner in Niagara-on-the-Lake.
Night 4
Pizza or takeout + sunset at the cottage.
Night 5
BBQ at home.
Dining options — look for:
- Family restaurants
- Pizza
- Burgers
- Fish & chips
- Italian
- Pub-style dining
- Waterfront dining
- Winery restaurants
- Ice cream shops
- Cafés
Local tip: Restaurant hours and seasonal operations can change, especially around Sherkston. Check current hours before heading out.
A little retail therapy
Need a break from the beach? Explore local shops and boutiques throughout the Niagara region.
Niagara-on-the-Lake — perfect for:
- Boutique shopping
- Gifts
- Local products
- Art
- Antiques
- Specialty foods
Niagara Falls
Combine sightseeing with shopping, entertainment and dining.
Need something for the cottage?
If you've forgotten something, don't worry. Sherkston also has on-site convenience/grocery options for everyday vacation essentials.
Our tip: Do your main grocery shop before arriving, then use local stores for top-ups and those inevitable "Mom, we're out of snacks" moments.
Don't let a little rain ruin your vacation
Rain happens. Fortunately, Niagara has plenty of ways to turn a rainy day into a great day.
Butterfly Conservatory
Step indoors and explore tropical butterflies, birds and plants.
Bird Kingdom
An indoor tropical environment that's especially good for families.
Niagara-on-the-Lake
Explore the shops, cafés and seasonal theatre offerings.
Indoor Waterparks
If the kids don't care that it's raining, an indoor waterpark can be a great alternative.
Movie Day
Sometimes the perfect vacation activity is simply finding a movie and relaxing.
Or Stay at the Cottage
Make popcorn, start a board-game tournament, put on a movie, order pizza, let the kids play, take a nap.
You're on vacation. There's no rule that says you have to be busy. Niagara Falls Tourism also highlights indoor attractions, spas, waterparks and other activities specifically suited to rainy days.
Our favourite way to spend a week
If you're staying for several nights, here's one possible itinerary:
Day 1 — Arrive & Unwind
Check in, unpack, explore the beach, watch the sunset, easy dinner.
Day 2 — Sherkston Day
Beach, pool/water activities, ice cream, resort activities, relax at the cottage.
Day 3 — Niagara Falls
See the Falls, Niagara City Cruises, lunch, explore Niagara Parks, see the Falls illuminated.
Day 4 — Slow Day
Coffee at the cottage, beach, read, swim, BBQ, sunset.
Day 5 — Wine Country
Niagara-on-the-Lake, winery, lunch, shopping, explore the historic town.
Day 6 — Your Choice
Golf, hiking, beach, family attraction, shopping, or... do nothing!
Day 7 — One Last Beach Day
One more swim, one more ice cream, one more family photo, one more sunset.
Beach vacation or Niagara getaway? Why not both?
Stay at Sherkston Shores and make the cottage your home base. Spend your mornings at the beach. Explore Niagara during the day. Enjoy dinner together. Come home and relax.
Your vacation. Your pace. Your choice.
