There’s a common piece of advice given by people with grown children: enjoy time with your kids while you can. Unfortunately, busy summer schedules can make that bit of wise wisdom easier said than done. This summer, set aside two days where you clear the books and make for the lake! We’ve mapped out all kinds of excellent options for a two-day getaway that will allow you and your crew to pick your pleasures as you explore in and around some of Lake Erie’s most beloved port towns. You’ll spend one night in the charming Elgin County and the next in scenic Norfolk County, ensuring a perfect balance of relaxation and adventure.
Elgin County
Day One: Morning
Set out early in the morning with a few snacks packed for the ride to Port Stanley. Upon arrival, stretch your legs on Port Stanley’s Blue Flag Beach before enjoying a late lakeside breakfast or brunch. Art & Soul Café is an excellent choice for breakfast items like French toast, yogurt parfaits, and smoothies. Since Port Stanley is a popular summer destination, be sure to book your accommodations early to secure the best spots by the water!
Day One: Afternoon Pick Your Pleasure: History or Hike
If the folks in your family are eager to learn about how people got around in days gone by, you’ve come to the right place! Port Stanley Terminal Rail’s Scenic Train Ride invites guests to climb aboard for a sixty-minute train ride from Port Stanley to Whytes Park filled with fascinating railway history.
If marine history floats your boat, head east to Port Burwell to discover the HMCS Ojibwa’s hidden Cold War secrets, and the Port Burwell Marine Museum and Historic Lighthouse.
There are plenty of fantastic options if a hike wins the draw for your afternoon activity. Solitude Nature Reserve’s main trail is now accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, and walkers. Yarmouth Natural Heritage Area has 208 acres of forests, ponds, wetlands and streams, new walking trails, and a butterfly habitat. Port Burwell Provincial Park has two excellent hiking trails with stops along the way that explain local geology, flora, and fauna.
Day One: Evening Pick Your Pleasure: Camping, Glamping, or All The Creature Comforts
If you’re a family who craves camping adventures, book a site at Catfish Creek Conservation Authority’s Springwater Campground.
Trade the tent for a little extra comfort and settle into one of the region's charming inns or bed and breakfasts. Wake up to waterfront views at Inn On The Harbour or The Windjammer Inn in Port Stanley, enjoy the historic character of Kettle Creek Inn in Port Stanley, or escape to the peaceful elegance of Grey Gables Bed & Breakfast in Port Burwell.
Even if you're camping, plan on enjoying at least one meal out so you can leave the cooking gear at home.
- If you're spending the night in Port Stanley, head to GTs On The Beach for a relaxed lakeside dinner on the patio.
- For an elevated dining experience, visit Riva Italian Restaurant, where you'll find fresh pasta, seafood, and seasonal dishes crafted with locally sourced ingredients.
- Looking for something more casual? Grab one of the popular smash burgers at Port Stanley Brewing Co., or dig into a local favourite perch dinner at The Buccaneer Restaurant.
- If you're staying at The Windjammer Inn, be sure to reserve a spot for its famous Sunday brunch, a beloved Port Stanley tradition.
- An ice cream cone from Broderick’s Ice Cream Parlour while you watch the sunset is the perfect way to wrap up the day.
Day Two: Pick Your Pleasure: Foodie Fun or Family Float
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast where you’ve spent the night or at That Breakfast Place before setting out for some morning fun.
If you’d prefer a morning boat ride, book a gourmet picnic aboard one of Legends of Lake Erie’s boats.
Norfolk County
Day One: Morning
If time out on the water wins the vote, consider a kayak down Big Creek, also known as Canada’s Amazon.
Before heading to enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your campground or inn, swing into Port Ryerse’s Fork In The Road for a quintessential Ontario chip truck lunch.
Day One: Afternoon Pick Your Pleasure: History or Hike
If history is your family's thing, explore the Lynnwood Arts Centre in Simcoe or visit the Delhi Tobacco Museum & Heritage Centre in Delhi to discover the stories, artifacts, and agricultural traditions that helped shape Norfolk County. For a step back in time, head to Backus Heritage Conservation Area in Port Rowan, where a 19th-century heritage village, historic buildings, and scenic trails bring local history to life.
If the outdoors beckon, Turkey Point Provincial Park offers sandy beaches and diverse hiking trails with stunning views of Lake Erie. For another scenic adventure, the Lynn Valley Trail winds 10 kilometres through lush forests and farmland between Simcoe and Port Dover.
Day One: Evening Pick Your Pleasure: Camping, Glamping, or All The Creature Comforts
If you’re a family who craves camping adventures, book a site at Long Point Provincial Park. If you’d like a camping experience that’s a little cushier, consider glamping at Homegrown Hideaway or a Wilderness Suite or a Camping Pod at Long Point Eco-Adventures. Bayside Vacation Resort’s rustic little cottages in Long Point are another great option.
If your family prefers a luxury boutique experience, The Dover George in Port Dover is an exceptional choice. This boutique hotel and culinary event centre offers high-end, one-of-a-kind accommodations. With ultra-comfy beds, spa-style bathrooms, a gourmet continental breakfast, and a private garden, it is designed for relaxation. Prefer something more historic? Consider staying at Clonmel Castle in Port Dover, where you'll be treated royally with elegant accommodations and exceptional service in a restored castle, originally built in the 1920s.
Even if you’re camping, plan on dinner at a restaurant so that you can leave the cooking gear at home.
- If you’re staying around Long Point, hearty, family-friendly fare is always on the menu at Country Fork in nearby Port Rowan.
- If you're calling it a night near Port Dover, enjoy a meal at The Beach House or The Green Room, both popular spots for great food and a welcoming atmosphere.
Day Two: Pick Your Pleasure: Foodie Fun or Family Float
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast where you’ve spent the night or at The Beach Hut before setting out for some morning fun.
If the food lovers win the morning’s activity pick, head to the 15-acre patch at Blueberry Hill Estate for some early morning picking when blueberries are in season. Generations Marketplace’s family-friendly gardening workshops are another fun way to enjoy some food-focused family time together. Older tweens and teens may be interested in learning to make their own herbal teas using local wild plants at Homegrown Hideaway’s Wildcraft Tea experience.
If you love seeing how food goes from farm to table, make a stop at Cider Keg Farm Market. This family-run farm offers a taste of Norfolk County with fresh seasonal produce, locally made products, baked goods, and their famous apple cider. Take time to browse the market, learn about the farm, and enjoy the beautiful rural setting that has made it a favourite stop for visitors and locals alike.
Day Two: Evening
Plan a later alfresco dinner at Long Point Eco-Adventures' Marshview Patio and then settle in for some spectacular on-site stargazing. The Observatory Dome Experience is hosted by a trained tour guide who will show you some of the most prominent constellations in the night sky, and explain the stories behind them.
