New York is a state that is full of water, with 70,000 miles of rivers and streams and over 7,600 freshwater lakes, ponds, and reservoirs. New York also happens to have two of the five Great Lakes, Lake Erie and Lake Ontario. These Great Lakes, Lake Ontario in particular, are so vast that they appear to be like the ocean at times. Lake Ontario has many beautiful beaches along its lengthy coast. Many, Like East Bay, are hidden gems where beachcombers and Lake lovers can stroll the stretch of land that juts across the top of the Bay.
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Stroll the Beach
We love finding beaches to explore on Lake Ontario. The water always looks incredible, and you never know what you are going to find on the washed-up on the beach, such as cool rocks, treasures, beach glass, or interesting driftwood. This is a long stretch of beach so you can take a nice long walk.
This is also a great place to catch a sunset or a sunset, depending on the time of year. We visited in the late fall, and we had the entire beach to ourselves, but it was windy and really cold. It was still a nice evening to walk along the beach; we just made sure we were bundled up. We went to catch the sunset, and it was really worth it.
We recently revisited on a warm sunny day. Even on a beautiful day, we had the entire beach to ourselves. It was so peaceful and serene.
Fishing
There is excellent fishing on East Bay, which is on the other side of the strip of land. Anglers can catch a number of fish species, such as Bowfin, Northern Pike, Channel Catfish, Brown Bullhead, Rock Bass, Pumpkinseed, Bluegill, Smallmouth Bass, Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie, and Yellow Perch.
This is a good ice fishing spot, once the ice on the bay is safe to venture out onto.
Boat Launch
There are two boat launches on either side of East Bay. The DEC operates a gravel ramp with parking for 5 cars/trailers on Slaught Road and a car-top launch at the end of North Huron Road. There is a gravel ramp at the end of East Bay Road.
There is a small parking lot by the East Bay sign on North Huron Rd; however, it is quite a walk to the bottom. There is also a small parking area (fits about 2 vehicles) about 1/2 way down; from that point forward, the road is riddled with potholes. If you are driving a truck or something with a high suspension, you should be okay, but a regular vehicle might lose its exhaust in one of the giant ruts.
Out and About With Nova
East Bay is a dog-friendly destination. Nova enjoyed exploring the rocks, trees, and shrubs along the lake. There were tons of grasshoppers and dragonflies flying around that she was compelled to chase all over the beach. It was a nice place to bring her because we had the beach entirely to ourselves and she could play in the water without worrying about encroaching on other people and dogs.
If you do visit with your dog, please remember that they must be leashed, and be respectful of those who visit after you by cleaning up after your pet.
Getting to East Bay
GPS Location: 43.2934077, -76.8866600
Take North Huron Rd to almost the end. The sign for East Bay will be on your right-hand side.
Google Map Link
Other Places to Visit in the Area
Chimney Bluffs State Park
View these mountainous bluffs up close. Visitors can hike either above the bluff or along the shoreline.
Fair Haven Beach State Park
The natural beauty of this park is fantastic, especially with its rolling woodlands, ponds, wetlands, and lakeshore. The park’s underdeveloped rustic beauty makes it a natural haven and you never know what wildlife you might stumble upon during your visit.
Sterling Nature Center
This nature center has so many different habitats; lakeshore, wetlands, woodlands, conifer forests, orchards, and meadows. Sterling Nature Center is truly an amazing destination.
Wolcott Falls
This is a beautiful waterfall that is easy to get to and the area surrounding the waterfall is so quiet and peaceful, it is almost like slipping into another world.
Have you had the opportunity to stroll along the East Bay shores? What did you think? Did you find anything interesting? What is your favorite Lake Ontario beach? We would love to hear from you. Please leave us a comment below.