There’s one part of Ontario that hasn’t seen a huge influx of tourists yet, and this is a good thing. This is one of the key reasons why I recommend you do the scenic drive along Lake Erie.
The north shore of Lake Erie takes you through some of Ontario’s most beautiful countryside. With many port towns along the way, farmer’s fields of corn, tobacco, and other produce, it’s an idyllic place, reminiscent of older times when weekend tourism was much less stressful.
The Route West, Driving Along Lake Erie
On a weekend morning, you will rarely find too much traffic competing on the roads going along Lake Erie. At most, you need to fear the occasional deer that may pop up to fly across the road.
There’s no easy way to provide directions. There are county roads that then up moving away from the shoreline, so it’s best to just look at smaller roads that keep going southwest. This is a case of knowing where you are positioned and going constantly west. There’s an occasional turn onto a road south or north to further keep going west.
So doing a drive along Lake Erie is a bit of an adventure, and for those who are handy with a map!
Why explore the areas of Norfolk, Elgin and Essex counties? Here are five reasons for taking a road trip along Lake Erie.
1 // There Are Palm Trees In Port Dover
When you do a drive along Lake Erie, you will notice that overall, the temperature is warmer and there’s a bit of humidity in the air. It’s from the lake and it’s because we are so much more south than Toronto.
So when you hear of palm trees in Southern Ontario, you shouldn’t be surprised. These ones grace the shoreline at Port Dover.
Despite being well-known for Friday 13th biker rallies which bring riders from all over Canada and the US, Port Dover is also a popular town for summertime visits.
For anybody who has never vacationed here or just stopped by for a few hours, the most shocking view is that of several palm trees that dot the sandy beach shoreline right at the base of the town.
The best time to visit this town is early in the morning. I mean early – 7:30 a.m. or thereabouts is the best time) to ensure you don’t deal with crowds. After all, most visitors at this point are sleeping off the effects of this town’s bars or a long day of playing along the beach.
Take a walk along the break wall to the lighthouse, built in 1846, to get a great view of the port and shoreline along either side. And when you get back to the beach, enjoy a few hours of sunshine and the sound of the shoreline.
When you get hungry, head over to Knechtel’s for fish and chips, or to our favourite spot at The Arbor for hot dogs and fries. These alone are worth the drive along Lake Erie for a summer day trip. They are old school and yummy after a few hours of exploring.
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2 // Marshes At Long Point
Long Point Provincial Park is one of the coolest spots in southwest Ontario. It’s one of my key recommended spots for a drive along Lake Erie because there are many things to see here.
The fourth oldest provincial park in Ontario (established 1921), it has 1.5 km of sandy beach. It’s located within a World Biosphere Reserve. Beyond a certain point, the beach is on protected lands.
If you don’t want to camp at the sandy dunes of Long Point or spend time on the beach, check out the marsh that is on the west side of Long Point Road.
You’ll be on this road, traveling towards Long Point Provincial Park, so you can’t miss the marshes. The entrance to the wooden lookout is somewhat hidden, so if you drive fast you may just pass by it.
It’s here that you find the Long Point Bird Observatory. This is a spot to stretch your legs, take in the view of a large marsh, and perhaps spot some rare birds. Bring along binoculars or your best zoom lens for your DSLR camera to take in the views of birds going about their daily lives in this lush area.
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3 // Port Bruce: Former Fishing Village Turned Recreation Spot
When you’re wending your way along, doing a drive along Lake Erie, you will notice many port towns. Transport and fishing were for the longest time the key industries in the area.
Apparently, the fishing in Port Bruce is still good if you are a recreational fisher. Here you can find Lake Erie Yellow Perch and Walleye. The town has many reminders of its fishing village roots including a beautiful lighthouse.
However, for most visitors to this small town, the Port Bruce Provincial Park is what lures you to stay for a few hours. Check out the bluffs visible from the beach. On a stormy day, the view becomes quite dramatic.
Head north for about 10 minutes and you come across the local Rush Creek winery to get a taste of the fruits of this land.
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4 // Dining In Port Stanley
Port Stanley may not be big, but it has some delicious places to eat. This includes the Kettle Creek Inn, with their fine dining offerings.
Since we’ve been there, there have been updates to the menu and we’re looking forward to another visit.
If you want to try Lake Erie Pickerel or Perch, they have a delicious option with French Fries. Pair with a nice wine and you’ve got yourself a yummy fusion of simple and refined in one meal.
There are numerous other spots to dine. From breakfast diners, coffee shops, and bakeries, there’s something for everybody when it comes to food in Port Stanley.
Port Stanley is a small town, with a marina, several inns and bed & breakfasts, a large beach, and shops. You can also go for a rail train ride on Saturday and Sunday.
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5 // The Famous Point Pelee Marsh
If there’s one destination for your drive along Lake Erie, it should be Point PeleeNational Park. As it’s the southernmost spot in all of Canada, it’s a place to put on your bucket list. It’s also a Carolinian forest, with 750 native plant species. It’s home to many migratory birds and several species that are at risk-alo
While standing at the point of Point Pelee itself is pretty amazing, walking along the boardwalk in the marsh is breathtaking. As far as your eye can see, the landscape is waving bullrushes, reeds, water lilies, and marsh plants.
Take a walk on the floating boardwalk to spot birds that make this marsh their home. A birdwatcher’s paradise!
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Tips For Driving Along Lake Erie
- If you’re driving earlier in the morning along Lake Erie, expect some places to be closed. Most dining spots and wineries open closer to 11:00 a.m.
- Be aware of the animals on the road. This area has deer, many raccoons and skunks and other fauna. They may jump out on the road during early morning and late evening drives.
- Tank up in larger towns as there may be fewer spots along the way.
- Pack snacks and water, as well as sunscreen, hats, and bug spray. It’s good to bring towels if you decide to hang out on the beaches along the way.
- You may want to split up your trip into two days. Port Stanley is a great spot for a pit stop if your destination is Point Pelee. Port Stanley has many places for overnight stays. We love the Inn on The Harbour.
QUESTION: Have you ever taken a road trip along Lake Erie? What were your favourite places to visit and experience?
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