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Some may consider Port Rowan to be the tourist town between Long Point and Turkey Point. But in Port Rowan and all around the town are locations rich in nature, history, and local culture.
Port Rowan is a great summer destination for anyone wanting to enjoy the town, Long Point Biosphere, the two nearby Provincial Park beaches, and the birds or wildlife of the area.
Port Rowan is part of Norfolk County, which follows more of the Erie shoreline north and south of town. Visiting Port Rowan is a chance to explore the entire county with even more dining, places to stay, and attractions.
Beach Fun & Adventures on Water
- Turkey Point Beach, north of Port Rowan, has a soft white sand beach that stretches for about 2 k.m. Canoe and kayak launching is also permitted from the beach for exploring the Turkey Point Marsh by boat.
- The Long Point Provincial Park beach, south of Port Rowan, is another 2km of soft sandy beach area with warm Erie waters for swimming. It is also a popular launch spot for canoers and kayakers looking to explore Long Point Bay.
- Book a variety of water and land tours with Long Point Eco Adventures. For water adventures, kayaking trips on Big Creek, and sunset kayak trips on Lake Erie.
- Grand River Rafting Company offers a range of trips on Big Creek, known as the Canadian Amazon, including kayak, tandem kayak, and turbo tube tours.
- Port Rowan’s Lions Park is a popular fishing area right in town and is open to the public for a morning or evening of angling.
The Best Trails around Port Rowan
The conservation areas, provincial parks, waterfront areas, and other natural areas around Port Rowan provide numerous hiking opportunities. Most of the hiking trails around Port Rowan are simple and level, making them easier for small kids or those with limited mobility.
- The Turkey Point Trails offer simpler and easier routes among diverse scenery. The 4km Fin & Feather Trail loops around the old hatchery pond and through the trees, while the 2km Lookout Bluff trail leads you to great views of Long Point Bay.
- Use the parking lot on Highway 59 to access the two viewing towers of the Big Creek National Wildlife Area. The first tower is located beside the parking lot, and the second requires a quick hike through the marsh. Hikers can continue 1.5km more from the second tower until the trail closes for the fall migration.
- Attawandaron Cycling Route lets you experience the stunning landscapes of the Long Point World Biosphere Reserve on a 108 km route, honouring the indigenous Neutral Nation. Starting in Port Rowan, the route winds through picturesque wetlands, sand dunes, and heritage sites, offering a deep connection to Norfolk County’s natural and indigenous history.
Historical & Natural Attractions
Take in local, county, and natural history around Port Rowan this summer!
- Backus Heritage Conservation Area & Backhouse Historic Site offer many activities like camping, hiking, picnics, and learning about local history. Explore the historic village, the 1798 Backhouse Mill, Mill Pond, the Cottonwood Trail, or the Cemetery Trail.
- Birds Canada, an organization focused on bird conservation, are headquartered in Port Rowan. They offer monthly events and workshops, and a 1.5km interpretive trail for birdwatching.
- Start a self-guided historical driving tour of Norfolk County in Port Rowan with the two local sites. From here, the tour can lead to Port Dover, Delhi, Simcoe, or Waterford.
Where to Dine in Port Rowan
There is a great variety and many places to eat in Port Rowan. These give you options for patio dining, local drinks, ice cream and other cool treats, or several picnic food ideas.
- Dine with Long Point Eco Tours after all your adventures. The tour company and resort offer onsite dining from their Marshview Patio or Hometown Brew SeaCan. Plus, they offer
- Enjoy delicious and relaxing sightseeing through Norfolk County with Ride the Bine tours. They offer a variety of county wine and brewery tours ranging from 4.5-7 hours in duration.
- Dine with Port Rowan’s Boat House for harbour views from the patio, excellent seafood, handhelds, and more.
- Follow Lakeshore Road for the remainder of the Port Rowan restaurants. Grab sweet or savoury takeout from Steamies, Olde Tyme Deli And Eatery, Twins Ice Cream Parlour, or Godfathers Pizza. Sit down for a meal at Country Fork or Chef Stan’s Saloon.
- Both the Harmony Resorts and the Long Point Eco Resort provide numerous camping or glamping options with tent and RV sites, cabins, cottages, tiny homes, and lodge rooms.
- Find the ideal cottage stay from Bayside Vacation Resort, or with the numerous private vacation rentals between Port Rowan and Long Point.
- Find more summer camping with the Backus Heritage Conservation Area,
Summer Events around Port Rowan
Between Norfolk County communities and Port Rowan, summers in the area get busy with exciting events. These are all family-friendly events, too! And the town of Port Rowan offers the perfect festival for closing out your summer.
- Visit the Port Rowan Harbour on Friday evenings over the summer for the local goodies available at the Farmers’ Market. More nearby summer markets include the Simcoe Farmers’ Market and Tillsonburg Farmers Market.
- Enjoy two June events in the nearby town of Delhi to kick off your summer plans: the Delhi Car Show (June), and the Strawberry Festival.
- Day trip for the annual August Heritage Friendship Festival.
- Port Rowan’s annual Bayfest takes place on Labour Day weekend each summer, which includes three days of family-friendly activities. Bayfest highlights include the midway, soapbox derby, and parade.
Where to Stay in Port Rowan
Among the places to stay in Port Rowan, like resorts and campgrounds, are numerous different ways to stay. You’ll find campsites for tents and trailers, RVs for rent, cabins, cottages, pods, tiny homes, and lodge rooms.
- Both the Harmony Resorts and the Long Point Eco Resort provide numerous camping or glamping options with tent and RV sites, cabins, cottages, tiny homes, and lodge rooms.
- Find the ideal cottage stay from Bayside Vacation Resort or with the numerous private vacation rentals between Port Rowan and Long Point.
- Find more summer camping with the Backus Heritage Conservation Area, Long Point Provincial Park, and Turkey Point Provincial Park.
