These 5 Tips for Visiting Norfolk County, Ontario will come in handy when you are thinking family travel this summer. Ontario is a beautiful province to visit in Ontario. And it is yours to discover! Here are tips on what to see and do for families in Norfolk County, Ontario.
5 Tips for Visiting Norfolk County, Ontario
Norfolk County is just 2 hours from the greater Toronto area – so you can enjoy a great getaway without a big road trip. We enjoyed a two night getaway with my family of 5 in Norfolk County; visiting Port Rowan, Turkey Point, Port Dover, Port Burwell, and Port Colborne. It was fast and furious – and you could certainly stay a week and explore these destinations on a deeper level. However, we found gems of tips on this fun family weekend on the shores of Lake Erie.
The beach at Port Dover
Port Dover is well known as the motorcycle ride destination for any Friday the 13th. However, it is not a biker paradise at all – rather a very family-friendly cottage hub. Cottages nestled one after the other, a sandy beach, restaurants in walking distance as well as hotels and motels. It’s a cute spot.
Simcoe, Ontario
This is the biggest little city in Norfolk County. This is also where we decided to book our hotel and day trip to the ports in the area as it has a very central location. Many hotel choices for families, the big box stores and restaurants you expect. But not much traffic (which is a nice change for us city-folk).
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HMC Ojibwa SUBMARINE at Port Burwell
We were in Port Burwell on rainy day (boo, no beach) and decided to visit the HMCS Ojibwa to find shelter from the rain. Good thing we did because it was an interesting experience. Worth the price of admission, a guide takes small groups into the submarine and walks (and talks) you through from bow to stern. You get to see the quarters, galley, command centre, engine room and more. Yes, even my 7 year old asked questions.
The drive along the shore
If you are up for a family road trip the drive along the shore line from Port Dover to Port Colborne is beautiful. Cottages on one side and the lake on the other. And if you grow tired of the view (how could you?) you can head inland and drive along the farmland (it’s lovely).
Lighthouses at Port Burwell, Port Dover, and Port Colborne
There is something very vacation-esque about seeing a lighthouse. What a view! You can also visit the oldest lighthouse in Canada (visit as in: walk up all those steps and see the view from above) in Port Burwell.
Sometimes, a weekend away is just the right ticket for family travel. Add a not-too-far drive with fun family time and food and you are sure to create some terrific memories.
Disclosure: this post is in partnership with Norfolk County Tourism.
Not much traffic in Simcoe, HA that place is crazy busy, lived in Norfolk County my whole life in Delhi and shop often in Simcoe, crazy there, but then coming from the city it could seem like a downgrade for you, you need to go and check out Long Point as well I like going to that beach!
Simcoe traffic compared to bumper-to-bumper Toronto traffic — Simcoe is defiantly a down grade. I’ll put Long Point on my list for going back – thank you for the beach recommendation!
I have never been in this part on the Country,but it sure sounds lovely!
It was my first time too (though my husband has done the Port Dover motorcycle ride a few times). We’ll go back as a family again.
This looks like a great place for a close-by mini vacation with the family ? Reminds me of our trip to the East Coast. Thanks for sharing.
Mini-vacation close by is the perfect wording. Feels like a getaway without going too far.
I’ve never been to Norfolk before but I’ve been to Port Dover and the beach is beautiful plus I’ve been to to Simcoe but around Christmas when they have their annual lighting exhibition and it’s beautiful
Beautiful beach! I love light house, I always had a fascination with them, not sure why.