Long Point is a 40-kilometer-long sand spit on the north shore of Lake Erie in Norfolk County, Ontario. Long Point Beach is part of Long Point Provincial Park. At the same time, many kilometers of sandy beaches stretch along the shores of Lake Erie in Norfolk County. Long Point is also home to the Long Point National Wildlife Area, on a sandy peninsula near Port Rowan. The protected area is an important place for waterfowl and migratory birds: here, beach landscapes and birdlife come together.
Long Point and the beaches along Lake Erie
In the Long Point National Wildlife Area, the beaches in the Thoroughfare Unit and Long Point Unit are open for day use from mid-April to mid-September. Their availability depends on high-water conditions. So check the latest visitor information before your trip. The seasonal day use of these two beaches offers a clear guide when planning a visit to Lake Erie.
Trails with different destinations
Norfolk County has an extensive network of recreational trails and paths for pedestrians, cyclists, skateboarders, scooter users and people with mobility aids. Two routes are easy to distinguish by their destinations: the Lynn Valley Rail Trail runs from Simcoe to Port Dover. The 10-kilometer-long Lynn Valley Trail is a former railway line converted into a footpath. The Waterford Heritage Trail runs from Simcoe to Waterford and continues north to the County of Brant. Simcoe is therefore the shared starting point for the two routes described; their respective destinations give you a clear guide for choosing a trail.
On the Waterford Heritage Trail, the Black Bridge has a fully decked surface, protective railings and three lookout points. The trails through Backus Woods are in the Backus Heritage Conservation Area. The Attawandaron Cycling Route offers another thematic perspective, connected to the natural and Indigenous history of Norfolk County.
History to discover
Backhouse Mill was built in 1798 to grind grain into flour for the local community. In 1998, it was designated a National Historic Site of Canada—exactly 200 years after it was built. At the Backhouse Historic Site, hands-on activities, demonstrations of historic working methods and special events bring history to life. The Backhouse Grist Mill has a time-limited visitor notice: during the 2026 season, it is closed to tours due to structural safety concerns. Check this notice again before your trip.
The Port Dover Harbour Museum focuses on Port Dover’s commercial fishing heritage. The Norfolk War Memorial, Carillon Tower, offers a different distinctive feature: designated a county landmark, the structure is 60 feet tall and has 23 bells. Together, these places offer different ways to explore Norfolk County’s history—from a community’s fishing heritage to a precisely described landmark.
Local products and food culture
Food and local provisions offer another way to experience the region. At the Cider Keg Farm Market, you can buy seasonal fruit and vegetables, as well as locally made cider, meat products and baked goods. The range of discoveries thus extends from sandy beaches and nature trails to regional products. If you’re particularly interested in the connections between everyday life, work and food, you can make these themes another focus of your trip alongside the landscape and heritage.
Discover more destinations: Vittoria, Port Rowan, Algoma District, Kenora District, Peterborough County, Wellington County, Regional Municipality Of Halton, Kawartha Lakes Division
For the broader travel overview: Ontario.
