Lake Erie Shore Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Lake Erie Shore with our comprehensive travel guide. Find information about the best places to visit, things to do, where to eat and stay, and much more.


Introduction to Lake Erie Shore

Lake Erie Shore is a beautiful region located in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. It is a perfect destination for those looking for outdoor adventures, scenic views, and cultural experiences. Known for its sandy beaches, wineries and vineyards, camping spots, and hiking trails, Lake Erie Shore has something for everyone.

List of Places to Visit in Lake Erie Shore

Here’s a list of the best places to visit in Lake Erie Shore:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  1. Port Dover Harbour Museum
  2. Backus Heritage Conservation Area
  3. Fort Malden National Historic Site
  4. Erie Beach Hotel
  5. Norfolk County Heritage & Culture

Natural Attractions of Lake Erie Shore: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  1. Long Point Provincial Park
  2. Turkey Point Provincial Park
  3. Rondeau Provincial Park
  4. Bayfield River Flats Conservation Area
  5. Point Pelee National Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of Lake Erie Shore

Lake Erie Shore has some of the most scenic hiking and biking trails in Ontario. Here are some of the most popular ones:

  1. Carolinian Trail
  2. Turkey Point Mountain Bike Club
  3. Long Point Eco-Adventures
  4. Waterford Heritage Trail
  5. Pinery Provincial Park

Best Things to Do in Lake Erie Shore: Activities and Tours

  1. Wine Tasting Tours: Visit wineries and vineyards in the region and taste some of the best wines in Canada.
  2. Water Activities: Enjoy fishing, kayaking, canoeing, and boating on Lake Erie and its tributaries.
  3. Beaches: Relax on the sandy beaches of Lake Erie and soak in the natural beauty of the surroundings.
  4. Camping: Experience nature at its best by camping at one of the many campgrounds in the region.
  5. Birdwatching: Lake Erie Shore is home to some of the rarest bird species in Canada. Join a birdwatching tour to explore the region’s avian diversity.

Week-Long Itinerary for Lake Erie Shore

Here’s a week-long itinerary that covers the best of Lake Erie Shore:

Day 1: Explore Port Dover and visit the Port Dover Harbour Museum.

Day 2: Spend the day at Long Point Provincial Park and hike the Carolinian Trail.

Day 3: Take a wine tasting tour in the Norfolk County and visit the Backus Heritage Conservation Area.

Day 4: Go kayaking on Pottahawk Island and enjoy a beach day at Erie Beach Hotel.

Day 5: Visit Point Pelee National Park and go birdwatching.

Day 6: Take a bike tour of Waterford Heritage Trail and visit the Bayfield River Flats Conservation Area.

Day 7: Departure from Lake Erie Shore

Food and Drink Scene of Lake Erie Shore

Here are some of the must-try dishes and local beverages in Lake Erie Shore:

Must-Try Dishes

  1. Fish and Chips: Freshly caught Lake Erie perch, served with crispy fries.
  2. Butter Tarts: A quintessential Canadian dessert, made with butter, sugar, and maple syrup.
  3. Peameal Bacon: A type of back bacon, usually served on a bun as a sandwich.
  4. VQA Wines: Ontario is famous for its world-class wines, especially those made from Vitis vinifera grape varieties like Riesling, Chardonnay, and Cabernet Franc.

Local Beverages

  1. Craft Beer: Lake Erie Shore is home to some of the best craft breweries in Ontario, including Railway City Brewing and The Blue Elephant.
  2. Local Cider: Norfolk County has a thriving apple industry, and you can taste some of the best ciders in the region.
  3. Niagara Wines: Niagara is Canada’s largest wine-producing region and is known for its ice wines, particularly those made from Vidal grapes.

Where to Stay in Lake Erie Shore: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

There are many accommodation options in Lake Erie Shore, from hotels and motels to B&Bs, guesthouses, and campsites. Some of the best places to stay include:

  1. Long Point Eco-Adventures
  2. Erie Beach Hotel
  3. The Windmill Country Living Suites
  4. The Arbor Bed and Breakfast
  5. The Sand Hill Guest House

What to Buy in Lake Erie Shore: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Here are some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring home from Lake Erie Shore:

  1. Maple Syrup: Ontario produces more than 70% of the world’s maple syrup, and you can find some of the best at local farmers’ markets.
  2. Handmade Crafts: Norfolk County has a thriving arts and crafts scene, and you can find unique handmade items at local shops and galleries.
  3. Fruit Preserves: Ontario is famous for its fruit preserves, including strawberry jam, blueberry jam, and peach preserves.
  4. Wine and Cider: Bring home a bottle of Ontario wine or cider to enjoy and share with friends and family.

Local Culture and Customs of Lake Erie Shore

Lake Erie Shore has a rich cultural heritage, shaped by its Indigenous communities, European settlers, and African-American refugees. Local customs and traditions reflect the region’s rural European roots, including agricultural fairs, antique car shows, and fall harvest festivals.

Best Time to Visit Lake Erie Shore

The best time to visit Lake Erie Shore is from late spring to early fall, when the weather is mild, and outdoor activities are in full swing. However, each season brings unique attractions, from bird migration in the spring to fall foliage in the autumn.

Do’s and Don’ts of Lake Erie Shore

Do:

  1. Respect the natural environment and wildlife by following Leave No Trace principles.
  2. Support local businesses and farmers by buying local products and services.
  3. Take precautions to prevent Lyme disease and West Nile virus, which are prevalent in the region.

Don’t:

  1. Litter or damage natural resources, such as sand dunes, wetlands, and forests.
  2. Feed or approach wildlife, including birds, deer, and coyotes.
  3. Ignore safety protocols for boating, swimming, and other water activities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Lake Erie Shore

Lake Erie Shore is generally a safe and peaceful place, but visitors should take basic precautions to protect themselves and their belongings. Here are some safety tips:

  1. Lock your car and secure valuables out of sight.
  2. Don’t leave your belongings unattended on the beach.
  3. Avoid swimming or boating alone or in remote areas.

Health in Lake Erie Shore

Lake Erie Shore has excellent medical facilities, including hospitals and clinics, in case of emergency. Visitors should take measures to reduce their risk of tick bites and mosquito bites and bring appropriate medication if they have any pre-existing medical conditions.

Getting to Lake Erie Shore: Transportation Options and Logistics

Here are some transportation options to help you get to Lake Erie Shore:

Airports Near Lake Erie Shore

  1. London International Airport (YXU)
  2. John C. Munro Hamilton International Airport (YHM)
  3. Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW)

Bus Stations Near Lake Erie Shore

  1. Greyhound Canada
  2. Coach Canada
  3. VIA Rail Canada

Other Options

  1. Renting a car
  2. Taking a taxi
  3. Using ride-hailing services like Uber and Lyft

How to Get Around in Lake Erie Shore

Lake Erie Shore is a relatively small region, and the best way to explore it is by car. However, there are also bike rental services and public transportation options available.

Where to Go Next from Lake Erie Shore: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Here are some nearby destinations and excursions you can take from Lake Erie Shore:

  1. Niagara Falls
  2. Stratford Festival
  3. Grand River Conservation Authority
  4. Detroit, Michigan

Conclusion

Lake Erie Shore is a hidden gem in Southwestern Ontario, Canada, offering visitors a unique blend of outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and scenic views. Whether you’re a history buff, a wine lover, or a nature enthusiast, Lake Erie Shore has something for everyone. We hope this comprehensive travel guide has inspired you to plan your next trip to this beautiful region.

Lighthouse and docks in Port Rowan Lighthouse and docks in Port Rowan Lake Erie from Long Point Lake Erie from Long Point The beach in Port Dover The beach in Port Dover


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    Port Stanley