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Travel

Weekends are a Blast at Sherkston Shores

Waterslides are our jam. So, when I heard that Sherkston Shores on the banks of Fort Erie near Port Colbourne had waterslides, and cute cottages, and beachfront, well I was in. Same can be said for my teens, and trust me teens can sometimes be a hard sell. That’s the lovely thing about Sherkston Shores – it’s a beautiful beachfront location that truly is fun for all ages.

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Our Family Retreat

Sherkston Shores welcomed several influencers for a blogger retreat this month over a four day weekend. The drive was manageable at a bit over 3 hours from London, Ontario. It is roughly the same amount of time from several suburbs of Toronto. And it is a short drive from New York as well. We checked the web site before arriving to see what kinds of activities they had available. Rock wall, paintball, swimming, bungee trampoline and boot camp? YES, PLEASE.

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So What is Sherkston Shores?

There are 1500 homeowners at Sherkston Shores, and many different styles of units from doublewide to showpiece units with rooftop patios. If you rent, or are just popping in for a visit be sure to check out the model units. Another nice thing about Sherkston is the range of options available. The wide range of accommodations means there’s something to fit every size family and most budgets too.

Cost:

Weekly prices start at about $500 for rustic cabins. A cottage like the one we stayed in is a minimum of $1,000 a week to rent. Lakefront views are higher.

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This is a model unit with rooftop patio area. This is one of the most expensive units for sale.

Where is Sherkston Shores Community?

Sherkston Shores is a beautiful, expansive, and clean resort lifestyle community. It’s just 20 minutes past Niagara Falls about as close to Port Colbourne as you can get. There are 560 acres of pure relaxation and entertainment here. You can rent cottages and stay for as little as a four day weekend or you can buy one and stay longer term. Cottages are air conditioned by the way.

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Arriving

Let’s start at the beginning. Upon arrival you will be greeted at the welcome centre. If it is late then you will see the security guard at the cheek in gate waiting for you. This is a private space. Nobody will get in unless they are invited or staying here.

(See more about the activities offered by clicking on my short video below shared on Youtube already)

Touring Model Units

We wandered through the model units dreaming about which one would fit our family. I loved that the use of space in each unit seems to be maximized for storage and functionality and also built in cupboards and closets mean you should not be tripping over suitcases or coolers when you visit. Then we took a big golf cart tour of the entire property. WHEW! There’s a lot to see.

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The Activities

There’s more than enough to keep kids and adults alike busy at Sherkston Shores. You can spend time at the quarry fishing, or doing one of the dozens of water sports. Bring your stand up paddle board, rent paddle boats, a water tricycle, or a kayak for a small fee. On our last day we rented a paddle boat for four and spent an hour on the water.

[tweetthis]Bring Your Fishing Poles and skateboards when you visit Sherkston Shores #WeHeartSherkston[/tweetthis]

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What is the Quarry?

The quarry has a cool story of its own here. Once upon a time many years ago it was an active working limestone quarry until one night the evening supervisor fell asleep and the quarry filled overnight. Now the quarry is a swimming area and it’s super deep in some parts, at up to 60 feet, so be warned, but it is also pretty warm.

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Inside one of the model units.

The Beach

They have 2 1/2 miles of beachfront at Sherkston Shores. There are launch areas for motorcraft at both Wyldewood Beach and Elco Beach. Every area is divided into communities. Each community has a name like Wyldewood Beach and Gulliver’s Landing. The luxury lakefront cottages have beachfront access. Beachfront access is permitted only by foot and by golf cart. There are tent sites with electricity and water too.

Golf carts are the mode of transportation and so many owners have purchased their own tricked out personalized carts to get around. One night we took a walk to the beach and ran into an entire posse of cottage owners driving back home after the sunset. Note: You must be 16 with a valid license to drive a golf cart. Golf carts must be owned or rented only from the rental space designated by the resort.

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Own a Cottage

Many of the cottage owners take pride in their space and have created a little oasis away from home. There’s a strong sense of community here and you could see families all enjoying a bonfire, walk or ride on the golf carts after dinner. Some property owners have built sheds attached to their cottages, for winter storage or for the golf carts off season.

Why Own?

OWNERS have a few special privileges that renters do not.

  • access to the fitness area
  • access to Owner’s exclusive areas, including Oasis Clubhouse
  • special rates on some of the extra activities
  • speciality classes and activities
  • Occasional off site family or adult only outings
  • Park maintenance, landscaping and weekly lawn cutting

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Our Cottage Unit

The two bedroom cottage we stayed in was clean and spacious with a big deck. Our cottage slept four easily and one to two more could have managed to sleep on the pull out couch for a maximum of 6 people. Bunkbeds are in the second bedroom. A well appointed kitchen and dining area meant that you could easily stay and make your own meals all season to save some money.

Pick up a bottle of wine while passing through Niagara!

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Each individual home or cottage has space for a maximum of two vehicles.

The Family FunPLEX at Sherkston Shores

The Family Funplex was my favourite spot at Sherkston Shores. There are three waterslides and a splash pad located a short walk past the three pools. The pool area is clean and there’s plenty of shade under umbrellas and sail shades. Pools are heated and warm and not overly deep, plus there are lifeguards on duty.

Food Options?

Of course, there’s definitely no diving here and also no alcohol is allowed. BUT, you can buy drinks and snacks at the bar. A Boston Pizza is attached to an arcade area that has indoor and outdoor seating. Knowing there’s a restaurant and a small grocery store on property is actually a really nice addition.

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Scheduled Activities

The activity schedule is hopping all summer long. Try aqua aerobics and boot camp if you are a property owner. There’s beach volleyball and a skate park as well as a basketball court. Bring your scooter or skateboard and gear and don’t forget your basketball. There are many designated sports areas and courts, including a tennis court.

 

We rode all the waterslides each day of our stay and we were lucky to have incredible weather during the weekend we were there. Summer truly shines at Sherkston Shores.

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My kids loved the bungee trampoline. At $9 each for 15 minutes I felt it was okay to pay the extra for such a fun activity. Another time we’d try the low ropes and rock wall too.

Other Sherkston Shores activities and amenities:

Fireworks every Saturday in peak season

18 hole mini putt golf

Concerts and live entertainment

Rock climbing

Bungee trampoline (extra $)

Daily activities program for all ages

Indoor arcade

Basketball, pickle ball and tennis courts.

[tweetthis]You will never hear Mom I’m Bored at Sherkston Shores. #WeHeartSherkston #IFWTWA[/tweetthis]

The Perfect Spot For a Long Weekend Getaway

Can’t stop dreaming about going back and relaxing for a long weekend again. The range of activities at Sherkston Shores made this stay and this resort lifestyle community really stand out. Kids of all ages can’t help but have fun here. Pretty sure this is a spot where you will never hear: “Mom, I’m bored.”

We spent a weekend at Sherkston Shores this month as part of the Sherkston Shores Blogger Retreat with Swerve PR. My opinion is all my own and it is also truthful. 

Mom of two beautiful active girls, traveller, fitness junkie, social media consultant, and keeper of the sanity.

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