Toronto 
Planning a summer getaway to Port Burwell on Lake Erie could involve many types of summer adventures.
Plus, the community, which is part of the municipality of Bayham, provides the ultimate beach escape for anyone after relaxation over adventure. Plan for a more event-filled getaway with summer festivals, getting out on the water, and exploring the trails. Or, find the relaxation of beach sunsets, a waterfront cottage or cabin, and stroll the town of Port Burwell to discover even more to do.
Beach & Water Fun
Whether your water fun involves swimming, fishing, boating, or admiring it from the beach, Port Burwell offers it all.
- The Port Burwell public beach, right in town, is on the opposite side of Big Otter Creek from the Provincial Park. The park offers ample parking, washrooms, and is within walking distance of many town amenities and services. Picnic tables dot the expansive sandy area, where you can also pick up a game of beach volleyball.
- Port Burwell Provincial Park is home to an excellent beach near where the Big Otter Creek meets with Erie. The beach area is great for swimming, sunbathing, picnics, games or sports, and the water is often perfect for windsurfing. Plus, the adjacent Port Burwell Dog Beach gives space for our furry friends to take a dip.
- South Coast Charters are open from June to September each year, and they offer guided fishing trips on Lake Erie and boats that fit up to five guests.
- There are two more great beach options available near Port Burwell. Visit Sand Hill Park (home to Ontario’s largest sand dunes) to the east or Port Bruce Provincial Park to the west.
The Best Trails around Port Burwell
Easily explore the town and the Provincial Park on a bike or on foot, with a dog, or for a jog.
- Take in the sights, wildlife, and views of the shorter Port Burwell Provincial Park trails. While shorter in length, the 1km Ravine Creek Trail includes various signage to help explain the creek’s natural surroundings. The Beach Trail leads from the campground to the park’s beach over 2km, with part of it following the bluff and giving overhead views of Lake Erie.
- Discover the town on a bike or on foot. Cyclists can even follow the road from the Provincial Park into town via Bridge Street. From here, Robinson Street leads to the beach with waterfront hiking opportunities and passes by many local attractions, restaurants, and takeout spots.
Places to visit nearby:
- 50 Things to Do Along Lake Erie Shore
- Summer in Port Stanley: From Beach Fun to Train Rides and Nature Adventures
- Summer Activities in Port Rowan: From Sandy Beaches to UNESCO Biosphere
Historical & Cultural Attractions
There are many ways to discover the local culture and history of Port Burwell over the summer. During your next summer getaway, enjoy the local museums and theatre, or drive a short distance around Elgin County to find even more attractions and sites.
- Visit the Museum of Naval History in Port Burwell for the area’s most unique local attraction. The museum is centred around the HMCS Ojibwa, an Oberon-class Cold War Submarine. Tours of the submarine are available over the summer.
- The Port Burwell Marine Museum and Historic Lighthouse are open with exhibits, artifacts, and chances to climb the 184-year-old lighthouse.
- The Port Burwell Periscope Playhouse offers live music and theatre with an indoor venue and an intimate outdoor venue at the Playhouse’s exterior.
- Travel about 20km west to Port Bruce for the Gay Lea Dairy Museum & Co-operative. The Museum grounds also offer space for picnics.
Summer Dining in Port Burwell
Find several great options right by the Port Burwell beach to satisfy any taste. In town, there are options for the sweet and savoury, for patio time, or for filling takeout.
- Port Burwell beachgoers can enjoy the convenience of local food truck vendors parked right beside the sand.
- For a delicious rib dinner or celebration dinner, head to Straikos By The Lake.
- Further north on Robinson Street, find Izzy’s Schooners Restaurant & Patio Lookout, which faces the impressive HCMS Ojibwa, delicious takeout from Auntie Tammy’s Pizza, cold treats from Simply Scoops, or Caribbean cuisine from Beach Patties, who also serve a tasty breakfast menu.
- Find more great beach snacks and local dining in Port Bruce with the Cornerview Café, M & D’s Taco Shack, or Shors Pub & Eatery.
Where to Stay in Port Burwell
There are almost countless summer stays in Port Burwell that range from camping to cabins and cottages to whole apartments and home rentals.
- Find beautiful places to set up an RV or a tent with Port Burwell Provincial Park, or Sand Hill Park.
- The private vacation rental options around Port Burwell, between Air BnB and VRBO, provide several different types of accommodation options. These include tiny homes and cabins, waterfront cabins and cottages, large full homes, or apartments.
Straiko’s By the Lake Restaurant in Port Burwell on Robinson St. is an excellent new restaurant run by a well known chef and a menu with great variety and specialty house smoked meats.
You missed the best part about things to do in Port Burwell. Kayaking down the Big Otter Creek with Otter Be Here kayak, canoe, paddleboard rentals company and our amazing NEW restaurant in town called Straikos by the Lake featuring the amazing Chef Shane.