Welcome to Ontario’s Blue Coast! Ontario’s Blue Coast is a stunning region located along the shores of Lake Huron in Ontario, Canada. Known for its picturesque landscapes, charming coastal towns, and pristine beaches, this area offers a truly unique and unforgettable experience for visitors. It has crystal-clear waters, sandy beaches, and a paradise for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts!
In addition to its natural wonders, Ontario’s Blue Coast is also renowned for its delicious culinary offerings. From fresh seafood to farm-to-table cuisine, there are numerous restaurants and eateries that showcase the region’s bountiful harvest. Whether you’re craving a gourmet meal or a simple picnic by the water, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your taste buds.
Where to Dine:
1. Lola’s Lounge
I asked many locals what their favourite or number one restaurant was in Sarnia, and most pointed me to Lola’s Lounge! Make sure to make reservations as it can get VERY busy here. This is a great date night spot or spot to celebrate a special event. You can sit at the bar and grab a drink in this intimate spot. I would highly recommend trying this delicious menu! We ordered some martinis, tequila mussels, the lamb shank entree, stuffed prosciutto and you can’t miss dessert! We had to try a cheesecake and Tania’s Major Magic coffee! I can’t wait to visit this really cool atmosphere again soon!
2. Legacy Restaurant
If you are looking for a fine dining establishment in Sarnia, you are going to want to visit the intimate, Legacy Restaurant located inside of The Insignia Hotel. Located on the lower level, Insignia is Italian-French inspired cuisine. We started with some wine and charcuterie and then enjoyed the Angus Striploin Steak & Lemon Ricotta Gnocchi! The drinks, food & service was fantastic!
3. Blackwater Coffee Co
I always love exploring a good coffee shop and when walking downtown Sarnia, about 5 mins away from Insignia Hotel is this gem, Blackwater! We loved grabbing a treat and a coffee and bringing to the waterfront to sit and watch the view! Loved how this place was close to Insignia Hotel!
4. Ole Country Diner
A true breakfast classic in Sarnia! I loved the cozy interior and the breakfast options! We opted out for a classic breakfast but you will definitely want to add the Mountain Eggerest to your list of menu items to try!
5. Soup’s Up Sticky Fingers
Are you a soup and sandwich lover? Well, you must visit this place! This place is perfect for fall and winter! I remember walking in and gasping at how detailed the menu was! I was excited to visit and wished there was a place like this where I’m from in Windsor, Ontario. There were many different flavours of sandwiches and fresh soups! To popular well known flavours, to some exclusive flavours they only offer here, I wanted to make sure we grabbed 2 combos! We tried the Tomato Soup paired with a Brie cheese sandwich and a loaded potato soup with a popular Reuben sandwich! You get a dessert with each combo so we tried the butter tart and cinnamon bun.
6. Sissio’s Pizza
One word. Puffio. Right when you approach Sissio’s you will notice that it’s home of the Puffio! You’re going to want to try a puffio and it will definitely be unforgettable! A Puffio is a Panzerotti made with doughnut dough. I ordered my Puffio with cheese, pepperoni, mushrooms and green peppers. Warning – once you try a Puffio, you will be forever addicted and will think about it often! This is definitely something you must try.
Where To Stay:
When researching where to stay in Sarnia, Ontario, the place that caught our eye was the Insignia Hotel. The Insignia Hotel is located at 283 Christina Street North. This boutique hotel is located in the heart of Sarnia. It’s a newly renovated hotel filled with high end amenities, artistic maps of Canada in each room, a gorgeous pool and sauna area, as well as Legacy, a fine dining restaurant featuring French-Italian cuisine, or Regner’s Tudor lounge where you can enjoy craft cocktails, vintage wines and as well as some snacks! We loved our stay, workout and sauna sesh! I would love to get into the gorgeous pool next time!
Where to Visit:
One of the highlights of Sarnia is its breathtaking waterfront. The city boasts several scenic parks and beaches, including Canatara Park and Centennial Park, where you can enjoy picnicking, swimming, and strolling along the sandy shores. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even try your hand at windsurfing or kayaking on the lake.
If you’re interested in history and culture, the city is home to several museums and art galleries, including the Judith & Norman Alix Art Gallery and the Lambton Heritage Museum. These institutions showcase a diverse range of exhibits, from contemporary art to local history, allowing visitors to delve into the rich heritage of the region.
For nature enthusiasts, Sarnia is home to the stunning Lake Huron Conservation Area, where you can explore hiking trails, spot wildlife, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature. The area is particularly famous for its birdwatching opportunities, with over 200 species of birds recorded throughout the year.
Twin Pines Orchard in Thedford Ontario
About 25 minutes away lies a fall adventure, Twin Pines Orchard! This was one of my most favourite parts of fall! It was an adventure filled with a nature walk, hard cider, wood oven pizzas, apples, cornhole, board games, mini cinnamon donuts! The best part is, it’s dog friendly too! Check it out!
Whether you’re seeking outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, or simply a relaxing getaway, Sarnia, Ontario has something for everyone. So pack your bags and come explore all that this charming city has to offer.