A Local’s Guide To The Best Things To Do In Norfolk County
Norfolk County is still one of Ontario’s hidden gems. Sure this is where you’ll find the popular beach town of Port Dover, which gets quite crowded during the summer. But there is so much more things to do in Norfolk County than just visiting Port Dover. In this post I cover the best things to do when you visit Norfolk County.
Tucked along the north shore of Lake Erie in southwestern Ontario, this region is my favourite weekend road trip destination. It’s my go-to whenever I want a quick escape from the city into nature. It’s a place that forces me to slow down as I explore the backroads, and sip on a glass of wine or two.
Things To Do In Norfolk County
- Spend Time at the Beaches Along Lake Erie
- Visit Local Wineries, Breweries, and Cideries
- Explore the Small Towns (Each One Has Its Own Vibe)
- Browse Farm Markets
- Get Outside: Trails, Forests, and Scenic Views
- Eat Your Way Through Norfolk County
- Slow Down and Enjoy the Pace
- Why I Keep Coming Back to Norfolk County
During the summer, I regularly take a road trip to Norfolk County. Many times I’ll spend the night if I want an entire weekend away, but there are also many times that I just go for the day. This is my personal, road-trip-approved guide to the best things to do in Norfolk County, Ontario.
What To Do In Norfolk County: Quick Reference
- 🏖️ beach day
- 🍷 visit the local wineries and brewpubs
- 🛍️ shop and explore the small towns
- 🥦 browse the farm markets
- 🥾 hike or bike the trails
- 🍔 enjoy farm-to-table meals
- 🚗 slow down, relax, and explore the backroads of Norfolk County
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Spend Time at the Beaches Along Lake Erie
If you love beach days, Norfolk County delivers in a big way. Lake Erie, one of the Great Lakes, spans the entire County. The majority of the beaches found here are more relaxed and less crowded compared to other Ontario beach destinations.
Some of my favourite beaches in this area are:
Port Dover Beach: is lively, walkable, and perfect if you want beach time mixed with patios, shops, and that classic beach-town buzz. I always grab ice cream and wander the pier. The Erie Beach Hotel is a popular spot for the best perch in Ontario. This beach is popular for families and young adults. The beach itself is very busy, but it’s a fun town to visit and has lots of quaint shops.
Long Point Provincial Park: is a must if you want wide sandy beaches and nature all around you. It’s a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and it truly feels special. This beach is less crowded and is great for swimming swimming, birdwatching, or just laying out with a book. This beach never disappoints. Long Point is also close to the local wineries and brewpubs. Perfect for a morning at the beach and an afternoon of wine tasting.
Turkey Point: this beach is another favourite of mine. If you love to hike or bike, there are some trails nearby. This is also a popular camping spot, but reservations are required.
Visit Local Wineries, Breweries, and Cideries
If I’m being completely honest, it’s the wineries and breweries that I love most about Norfolk County. It’s one of Ontario’s up and coming wine regions, and in my opinion it’s the best thing to do in Norfolk County.
Some of my favourite wineries and brewpubs in Norfolk County:
Burning Kiln Winery: is known for its unique straw-bale vineyard and excellent wines. They also have live bands and various events throughout the summer so be sure to check the website to see what’s happening. There is also an easy circle trail on the property.
Blueberry Hill Estates: this winery combines wine, views, and laid-back vibes. The blueberries are grown on site and are used to make the wine, as well as various blueberry jams and other preserves.
Charlotteville Brewing Company: I’m not a beer drinker, but I absolutely love the vibes of this place. I even have a flight of beer, which I typically pair with a charcuterie board. The service is always friendly and the atmosphere is extremely laid-back. You have to visit to see for yourself how unique this spot is.
Even if you’re not a big wine or beer drinker, the scenery alone makes these stops worth it. They all have patios overlooking fields or vineyards, and summer is the perfect time to visit.
Explore the Small Towns (Each One Has Its Own Vibe)
The thing I love most about visiting Norfolk County is that there are no large cities to be found. There are many small towns and each town feels different..
Port Rowan is charming and quiet, with cute shops and a strong connection to nature. It’s a great base if you’re planning to explore Long Point or enjoy a slower pace.
Simcoe is the largest town and has great shopping, restaurants, and local events. I often stop here for meals or to stock up before heading out to the countryside.
Delhi has deep agricultural roots and is known for its tobacco history, rail trails, and local eats.
Town-hopping in Norfolk County is easy and fun. If you’re looking for a road trip destination with nowhere specific to go, then Norfolk County is for you.
Driver’s Tip: One of my favourite things to do in Norfolk County is to pack a picnic and drive to Port Rowan to watch the boats come and go. It’s such a peaceful spot by the water.
Browse Farm Markets
Norfolk County is known as Ontario’s garden. You will come across many roadside markets throughout the County and stopping at farm markets is practically mandatory.
Roadside stands pop up everywhere in summer, selling fresh produce, baked goods, honey, and flowers. It’s one of my favourite ways to support local at very reasonable prices.
You’ll also find cute boutiques, antique shops, and artisan stores scattered throughout the County.
Get Outside: Trails, Forests, and Scenic Views
Norfolk County is an outdoor lover’s dream, and you’ll have your choice of various activities.
Backus Woods: is one of my go-to hiking spots. The trails are maintained and open year-round. They wind through the Carolinian forest and feel surprisingly wild for southern Ontario.
Turkey Point Mountain Bike Trails: are incredibly popular, even if you’re just there to walk and enjoy the views.
Eco Adventures: this is my favourite spot for an all-round adventure. You’ll find hiking trails, mountain biking trails, axe throwing, tree-top canopy, and guided kayak tours.
If you prefer something more leisurely, the Waterford Heritage Trail and local rail trails are great for cycling and casual strolls.
Eat Your Way Through Norfolk County
Local food is a huge part of the Norfolk County experience. This region is rich in agriculture, and it shows on menus everywhere.
Farm-to-table restaurants, roadside produce stands, and seasonal markets are easy to find. In summer, I never leave without fresh strawberries, sweet corn, and peaches when they’re in season.
Port Dover and Port Rowan both have excellent spots for casual dining, waterfront meals, and brunch stops.
Slow Down and Enjoy the Pace
Even thought there are so many things to do in Norfolk County, sometimes it’s just best to do nothing at all. Norfolk County is the kind of place where you can just hop in the car and drive. Stop along the way and relax in a cafe with a coffee, or sit quietly on a beach listening to the waves roll in. There definitely isn’t a shortage of things to do.
If you haven’t yet explored Norfolk County I have to warn you, it’s a destination that will have you wanting to stay a little longer.
Why I Keep Coming Back to Norfolk County
Norfolk County feels like a true escape without being far from home. It’s perfect for weekend getaways, solo road trips, romantic escapes, or laid-back family vacations. Every visit feels slightly different depending on the season, the town you stay in, and what you do.
If you’re looking for a southwestern Ontario destination with beaches, nature, great food, and small-town charm, Norfolk County deserves a spot at the top of your list. It’s definitely at the top of mine!
SAVE THINGS TO DO IN NORFOLK COUNTY
Are you in the midst of planning a vacation in Ontario, Canada? Let me help you out. As a life-long resident, the following are the platforms that I generally use when I’m road tripping around my beautiful Province:
🏡 Rentals: Ontario has every style of accommodation rental imaginable, to suit every budget and travel style. For my vacation rentals, I use VRBO. This platform provides a wide variety of accommodations for every budget.
🏢 Hotels: Sometimes, I prefer to stay at a hotel, especially if I’m just staying in the area for a night or two. My go-to platform for booking hotels in Ontario is always Booking.com
🚴♀️ Activities: Ontario has so many activities to offer that it’s often difficult to choose. My favourite platform to find activities in each area of Ontario is Get Your Guide
🚗 Car Rentals: Ontario is so massive that’s it’s literally impossible to explore everything without a vehicle. Although I do have my own car, there have been times that I’ve rented a vehicle – especially for longer road trips. When in doubt, I’ve used Booking.com to find the best deal on rentals.
💰 Insurance: When travelling abroad, I purchase my medical insurance through Advisor Max, as well as my cancellation and trip-interruption insurance. Advisor Max is also the ideal company for visitors to Ontario, or any part of Canada, to purchase their travel insurance.
