Ontario Beach Park is a popular summer destination for some sun, a picnic by the lake, and a quick dip in the water, but in the winter months the beach front is all but empty. I would argue that the winter is also a great time to visit, despite the frigid temperatures. Recently, on an afternoon without classes I drove the 25 minutes from campus to take a stroll along the beach. Number one for any winter beach walk is to dress warm and in layers. It is windy and inevitably always seems colder walking along a beachfront then walking to classes. The beach isn’t long but when it’s so cold outside you wouldn’t want it to be. Once you’ve walked the beach I suggest checking out the Charlotte Pier at the end of the sand, although be careful of ice and slippery surfaces on the pier walk. This is a short trip. 30 minutes is plenty of time to spend at the park, but if you do have more time check out Bill Gray’s Port of Rochester Tap Room for a warm bite to eat before heading back to campus.
