Toronto 
Consider these towns along the Lake Erie shoreline as a simple summer getaway, a road trip, or a single destination.
© Destination Ontario
The Lake Erie Shoreline has many reasons to visit. These are best summed up as beaches, birding and wildlife, and the major parts of Canada’s history you can explore along the way. The charming towns you’ll find on this route involve all of the above, plus their own unique attractions, parks, shopping, dining, and more.
Along the drive or trip around the shoreline, watch for Provincial Parks, a National Park, Conservation Areas, and Wetland Areas.
Fort Erie
Fort Erie is easily viewed as a destination for almost any interest. Those looking for a beach escape have Crescent Beach, Bay Beach or Waverly Beach & Park for the hottest summer days and swimmers or boaters.
Plus, anyone after additional outdoor recreation may enjoy the nearby adventure park or the slower pace of the local trails. As the town’s name might suggest, there is also a great amount of history to explore from the museums to the actual fort. Throughout all of these types of Fort Erie vacations, keep in mind the local music scene! Outdoor concerts run all summer from two venues.
- Five different boat launches in town on both the Niagara River and Lake Erie
- The importance of Old Fort Erie (May-October) as a National Historic Site of Canada has to do with its being one of the most horrific battle scenes of the War of 1812. Explore deep into Canada’s history with a visit to the Old Fort or with a tour. The Point Abino Lighthouse Tours (June-September) are guided, while you could also take a self-guided tour of Fort Erie’s historical landmarks.
- The summer events in Fort Erie span June to August, with Ray’s Detailing Kustom Car & Bike Show (June), Stevensville Springfest (June), Fort Erie Pride (June), Ridgeway Summer Festival (July), and the Stevensville RAM Rodeo (August).
- On top of those festivals, there are also a few summer concerts to catch in Fort Erie. These include the Summer Breezes Concert Series, and the Waterfront Park Concert Series.
- Grab your local goodies from the Ridgeway BIA Farmer’s Market (May-October) or the Crystal Beach Farmers’ Market.
- The best trails in town are the Fort Erie Friendship Recreation Trail and the Fort Erie section of the Greater Niagara Circle Route. The Circle Route loops around the region, with the Fort’s section mainly following the river.
- More unique and nearby attractions include Safari Niagara and the Fort Erie Racetrack.
Port Colborne
The Sugarloaf Marina is at the heart and centre of Port Colborne. As the town surrounds the Lake Erie shoreline, Port Colborne itself is surrounded by beautiful green spaces, natural attractions, and hiking areas. For a summer visit, Port Colborne offers all the recreation found in these areas, plus a bustling downtown filled with dining, shopping, and annual events.
- The two closest beaches to town are Nickel Beach and the Cedar Bay Beach. These are long stretches of sandy beach with access to the lake for swimming and lazy floating on a hot day.
- Take a scenic stroll through some of the area’s best hiking trails and wildlife viewing areas like the Wainfleet Wetlands Conservation Area, the Mud Lake Conservation Area and Wainfleet Bog Conservation Area.
- Local shopping in Port Colborne and the area is made convenient by the Saturday Summer Farmers’ Market. Additionally, West Street and Clarence Streets are both bustling with local shopping.
- Port Colborne Historical & Marine Museum is open all summer and fall with events, tours, the annual Canal Days & Heritage Festival, and an adorable tea room. After exploring local history, explore some local art from the Lighthouse Festival Theatre which has a full summer schedule, or the Summer Community Concert Series.
- HorsePlay Niagara offers horseback riding through the spring and summer months. These beach rides bring your trail ride right to the shores of the lake.
Port Dover — Norfolk County
If visiting Port Dover, it will be easy enough to park a vehicle for the day or the weekend and explore on foot or by bike. The town is cycle-friendly with an urban trail and a more secluded natural river valley trail. Port Dover is at the junction of Lake Erie and the Lynn River, making it a beautifully lush summer destination with green trees, blooming gardens, and wildlife.
- Harbour Street is a perfect place in Port Dover to start a stroll through town. Along Harbour Street are the Port Dover Harbour Museum, Riverfront Park, the beach, public art, and the Port Dover West Pier Heritage Lighthouse.
- Harbour Street and Main Street are main corridors for local dining, too! All of the connected streets also offer a plethora of local eats.
- The natural areas around Port Dover offer summer fun like cycling, hiking, nature photography, and boating or fishing. For a hike right in town, explore the Lynn Valley trail around the river which travels as far as Simcoe. To the west of Port Dover are areas like the Spooky Hollow Nature Sanctuary, Canadian Raptor Conservancy, and the Norfolk Conservation Area.
- Plan a summer trip around the annual Port Dover Summer Festival and Art in the Park. The August festival last for a weekend.
- If you are staying for the Summer Festival, or simply for a weekend trip, then you’ll have several options in and around Port Dover. Choose between luxury or castle-like accommodations, B&B experiences, waterfront hotels, and more.
Port Rowan — Norfolk County
One of the best parts about a visit to Port Rowan in southwestern Ontario is that it is the closest town or urban area to one of the area’s best beaches!
Turkey Point Beach and the provincial park are popular local destinations for good reason. If visiting these popular areas, you’ll have options for on-site camping. However, spending time in Port Rowan or staying a few nights in the community provides a whole new experience. Turkey Point Beach is great for swimming, picnics, floating, and boating. And Port Rowan will be the perfect place to shop, dine, find more natural areas and adventures.
- As one of Lake Erie’s smaller port towns, Port Rowan is a great place for a relaxing walk around town while discovering the food and shopping. Start with Bay Street, the connecting streets, and head toward the water!
- Take advantage of more seasonal local shopping with the Port Rowan Farmers’ Market each Friday.
- For more natural hiking experiences, find trails at the Backus Heritage Conservation Area (also open for summer camping), or the Big Creek National Wildlife Area (with viewing towers).
- Interest in a bit of Port Rowan adventure? The Long Point Eco Adventures and the Grand River Rafting Company both offer unique thrilling experiences. Long Point also offer accommodations.
- Long Point Island Hugger Tours offers unique tours of the inner bay of the Long Point UNESCO Biosphere, accessible only by boat. While the tours are on pause for 2024, the experience is set to return in 2025.
- On any given day, the shores around Port Rowan’s Lions Park are lined with patient anglers. The popular fishing area is open to the public and offers picnic spaces, trails, and washrooms.
Port Burwell
Port Burwell is in a unique spot, given that Lake Erie town borders a Provincial Park of the same name. The Port Burwell Provincial Park, on the west side of town, has a beautiful 2.5km stretch of sandy beach, treed-in campsites, guided hikes, and a huge population of birds for excellent nature photography. The amenities and attractions around Port Burwell make a great day trip for anyone camping at the Provincial Park or to fill a weekend summer stay in Port Burwell.
- Aside from Provincial Park camping, Port Burwell also has local B&Bs, cottages, and inns.
- The Museum of Naval History offer tours of an actual submarine, the HMCS OJIBWA. The museum is beside the Port Burwell Marine Museum and Historic Lighthouse on Pitt Street.
- Make the best of the summer season by taking a swim at Sand Hill Park, which is home to Ontario’s largest sand dunes.
- The Port Burwell Periscope Playhouse offer live music and theatre every month.
- See what all the hype is about when it comes to Lake Erie fishing with the help of South Coast Fishing Charters (June-September). Fishing on your own is also available from Port Burwell Beach. This beach is also a great option for those who want to take a dip but stay in town.
- The local shopping in Port Burwell is concentrated around Victoria and Wellington Streets, while the town of Vienna to the north also offers a seasonal Countryside Farmers’ Market.
Port Stanley
Easily considered one of southwestern Ontario’s beach destinations, Port Stanley earns this title thanks to the local beach in the heart of town.
The Port Stanley Beach is renowned for its nature conservancy and focuses on water quality. This helps to keep the waters around Port Stanley pristine for an afternoon swim. And even more charming than the beach are some of the places to stay in Port Stanley such as the Beach Hotel, The Inn on the Harbour, The Kettle Creek Inn, or the Windjammer Inn.
- Hofhuis Park, next to the beach, brings a summer walk out to the water with access to the pier. Get incredible views of the lighthouse over the lake, or the many speed boats sure to be out on the water.
- Extend a hike or bike ride to include St. Thomas! The Whistlestop Trail, open to hiking and biking, connects St. Thomas with Port Stanley and travels through beautiful natural and historic areas.
- Ride the rails and travel through the beautiful woodlands of scenic Kettle Creek Valley on Port Stanley Terminal Rail.
- And if you’d rather be out on a boat on Lake Erie yourself, you can count on the tour guides from Legends of Lake Erie. The company offers boat rides and luxury picnic packages.
- Shop your way around Port Stanley this summer! Start with the Art Emporium & Gift Shop or the Fire Hall Market.
- Follow up all that shopping with waterfront patios at places like GTs On The Beach (seasonal), Solo on Main, or Mainstreet Taqueria.
Leamington
Leamington, one of Ontario’s southernmost towns, is also quite close to the literal southernmost point in Canada. This small city on the shores of Lake Erie is the last stop before hitting Point Pelee National Park, known for its incredible canoeing and kayaking, birdwatching, trails, and camping. You can make Leamington your base for exploring Point Pelee National Park, but one may not even need to visit the National Park if visiting Leamington. As one of the largest urban centres in Windsor-Essex, Leamington offers many fun ways to spend a family vacation, a romantic weekend, or a day trip.
- Find gifts, souvenirs, or local foods around Leamington’s Uptown neighbourhood, filled with boutiques, restaurants, and breweries (Talbot St. W and Erie St. S). The year-round Mill Street Market also has a lot to offer for shopping.
- Seacliff Beach & Park offer numerous summer activities and experiences, including swimming, a splash pad, trails, picnic areas, playgrounds, and an amphitheatre.
- That Seacliff Amphitheatre is home to Leamington’s Onthe42 Summer Concert Series.
- The city of Leamington is busy all summer with more festivals and celebrations beginning in May, with the Festival of Birds and Arts at the Marina, which is an annual July event to enjoy.
- Get a true taste for Leamington with the local wineries and breweries. These include Mastronardi Estate Winery, Aleksander Estate Winery, Top Dog Brewing, or Cured Craft Brewing Co.
Pelee Island
This Lake Erie island is, of course, only accessible by ferry. The ferry departs from Sandusky, OH, and Leamington and Kingsville, ON, year-round. Pelee Island is small enough and accessible enough to explore as a day trip from the mainland. Plus, Pelee Island offers camping and a variety of waterfront accommodations.
- The mix of trails and the incredible views revealed on those trails are certainly worth exploring while on the island. Toward the north are the Middle Point Woods Trail, and the Lighthouse Point Trail. Both lead to views out over the lake. And on the south tip of Pelee Island is Fish Point. The area and trails are lush with a variety of trees in the woodlands, and a sandy beach for lakeside hiking.
- Explore even more of the gorgeous nature of Pelee Island, and learn a lot, with the Butterfly Sanctuary and Teaching Garden.
- Find all the great gifts, fresh local eats, and unique souvenirs from the Stone & Sky Farmers’ Market,
- The southeast side of Pelee Island is where you’ll find a great swimming area at Sunrise Beach, while the north side offers more relaxing vibes around the Scudder Marina and Beach Breakfast Bar.
- Take your pick of ways to explore the Island with Pelee Island Adventures. The company provide golf cart and e-bike rentals to make getting around a little easier (if you walked on the ferry), as well as various guided food and drink tours!
- Follow the Pelee Island west shoreline for great restaurants, cafes, and pubs like Stone House 1891 (seasonal), Pelee Island Coneheads, Westview Tavern, The Dog & Goat Restaurant (seasonal), or the Island Shacks (seasonal food trucks).
Kingsville
Slow your pace this summer and take many opportunities to relax in Kingsville. The southwestern Ontario town is a hub for wineries, offers adorable waterfront accommodations, and is home to the Estate of Health Holistic Wellness Centre. Plus, Kingsville beaches are perfect for a relaxing day in the sun, picnics, or family walks.
- Cool off with the most popular and beautiful beaches of Kingsville: Cedar Island Beach and Mettawas Beach are both open for swimming and picnics.
- Nearby trails are easy to find around Kingsville. The Jack Miner Migratory Bird Sanctuary offers hiking areas, plus a museum and guided tours. Additionally, waterfront trails follow the shoreline from Lakeside Park, where cycling is also welcome!
- The Canadian Transportation Museum & Heritage Village in Ontario features a vast 100-acre site with a prominent transportation museum, Canada’s only Ambulance museum, a 1950s-themed diner, and a Heritage Village showcasing over 20 historical buildings from the 1700s to the 1920s.
- Local wineries like Black Bear Farms of Ontario Estate Winery Inc. and Pelee Island Winery are both right in Kingsville. Get a larger taste of the local drink scene with winery and brewery tours from Grape Vine Tours.
- Several family-friendly events pop up in Kingsville over the summer months, beginning with the town-wide block party and Canada Day festivities. In August, Kingsville celebrates the annual Music Festival with even more to celebrate, such as art, food, and drink.
- Kingsville may be a day trip destination for some or a weekend/week-long getaway from Ontario’s bigger cities. The town offers local camping at Pleasant Valley or the Erie Shores Campground. The town is also home to several picturesque B&Bs.
Amherstburg
Like Windsor, Amherstburg is across the Detroit River from the city of Detroit. It is one of the furthest southwest towns in all of Ontario, as it sits at the junction of the River and Lake Erie. The town is steeped in Canadian and American history, which can be easily explored around town. Amherstburg was a stage in the Battle of 1812 and a point of entry into Canada for Americans escaping slavery via the Underground Railroad. The Heritage Trail running through Amherstburg offers interpretive signage and more information on the history. As you explore the interesting history,
- There are local museums which display an array of the area’s colourful and unique history: Amherstburg Freedom Museum, Amherstburg Navy Yard National Historic Site of Canada, and the Park House Museum.
- Big Creek is one of the area’s largest wetlands, with excellent opportunities for nature photography and wildlife viewing on a hike through the park. Essex County also has a large greenway network of paths with several entrances to the east of Amherstburg.
- Visit Sprucewood Shores Estate Winery for tastings, tours and more!
- Downtown is the place to be on summer weekends in Amherstburg with Open Air Weekends. These promote downtown shopping by adding live entertainment, yoga in the park, and other activities. Other summer events include the June RibFest or WoofaRoo Pet Festival, July’s Amherstburg Art Crawl or Car Show, August’s Art by the River, or the Uncommon Festival in September.
- Get out on the Detroit River with Windsor Premier Cruises and their sightseeing tours! The tours last about 2 hours and will offer more insight into the area’s history.
- There is no shortage of local dining in Amherstburg, especially if you head to Dalhousie Street, or fittingly, Sandwich Street S.
Continue Your Trip on Lake Huron
