Vacation rentals in Long Point

Long Point, a 40-kilometre-long, sandy spit of land on the north shore of Lake Erie in Norfolk County, Ontario, draws birders and nature-spotters from all over North America. That’s because it forms part of Long Point Provincial Park, a designated UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Migrating birds descend here in awe-inspiring masses during spring and fall, and researchers have recorded the presence of more than 300 species, primarily songbirds and waterfowl.

But Long Point isn’t just for people with binoculars slung around their necks. The longest spit in Canada, Long Point boasts more than two kilometres of sandy beach on Lake Erie and offers visitors amazing views over the lake, especially at sunset. There are many beautiful swimming spots, including Monarch’s Rest and Turtle Dunes. The warm, calm waters of the lake make for safe and pleasant conditions for swimmers of all abilities, and the beach also provides a great launch point to explore Lake Erie by boat or kayak. Long Point is one of the few strips of Ontario lakeside to provide mats on the beach, making it more accessible for people using wheelchairs or strollers.

Summer in Long Point is full of sunny days and warm nights, ideal for enjoying all the outdoor activities on offer. In August, a jazz festival in nearby Port Dover draws musicians and music fans together for three days of music, wine, and food. The spring and fall months can offer a mix of pleasant sunny days as well as the chance of rain, so it’s a good idea to bring layers. In October, Waterford’s Pumpkin Fest celebrates the height of autumn with fireworks, a parade, and plenty of squash-related activities.

Backus Heritage Conservation Area

Take a short trip north to Backus Heritage Conservation Area, where you can wander in and around historic buildings or plunge into the woods and waters. The 15 well-preserved structures on the site include a 1798 grist mill that survived the War of 1812. You can also tour the Conservation Education Centre, which showcases the area’s natural features, take a guided nature hike, and then head to the lake for an afternoon of paddling, kayaking, and swimming.

Big Creek National Wildlife Area

A 10-minute drive will bring you to the Big Creek National Wildlife Area, where you can stroll along a two-kilometre trail through the wetlands, encountering the many species of birds, frogs, and turtles that live here. The trail guides you through grassy areas and past open water, then to the lookout tower, where you can enjoy views over all you’ve just explored. Spring and fall are ideal times for birders to catch all the migrating birds that make a stop here.

Turkey Point Provincial Park

At Turkey Point Provincial Park, a 30-minute drive away, three hiking trails wind through serene forests and past an old hatchery pond. The park is equally popular with mountain bikers and swimmers and kayakers, who both launch themselves into the lake from a protected beach and marina. Once you are done exploring, you can enjoy a meal and drink at the restaurants or winery nearby.