Norfolk County: Beaches, Trails and History
Accommodation in Norfolk County
Norfolk County on the north shore of Lake Erie brings together sandy beaches, trails and historic discoveries. Long Point stands out in the landscape: the 40 km-long sand spit is in Norfolk County, Ontario, and is part of an extensive shoreline. If you’d like to combine different interests on your holiday, you’ll find options here for beach days, walking or cycling excursions, and visits focused on history.
Long Point and the Shoreline
Norfolk County has many kilometres of sandy beaches on Lake Erie. Long Point is a sandy beach on the lake and is also part of Long Point Provincial Park. Long Point National Wildlife Area is also located on Long Point, on a sandy peninsula near Port Rowan. The area is important for waterfowl and migratory birds, giving the county’s natural environment a distinctive presence. The beach landscape and birdlife are separate reasons to explore this part of Ontario.
The beaches in the Thoroughfare Unit and Long Point Unit of Long Point National Wildlife Area are open for day use from mid-April to mid-September. If this visit is important to your trip, take this seasonal window into account when planning. This information applies to these two beaches and their day use.
Trails for Different Ways of Getting Around
An extensive network of recreational trails and routes for pedestrians, cyclists, skateboarders, scooter users and people using mobility aids offers more ways to explore Norfolk County. The Lynn Valley Rail Trail runs from Simcoe to Port Dover. The Lynn Valley Trail is a 10 km-long former rail line converted into a walking trail. If you’re interested in an active stay, you can use this trail as a practical starting point for planning your trip.
The Waterford Heritage Trail runs from Simcoe to Waterford and continues north to the County of Brant. The Black Bridge is on the trail: its surface is fully planked, it has guardrails and three viewing points. The trails through Backus Woods are in the Backus Heritage Conservation Area. The Attawandaron Cycling Route connects visitors with nature and the Indigenous history of Norfolk County. These different trails offer several ways to include nature and history in your choice of excursions.
History, Craft and Local Food
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. At the Backhouse Historic Site, guided tours, hands-on activities, demonstrations of historic working methods and special events bring history to life. Please note for the 2026 season: Backhouse Grist Mill is closed to tours due to structural safety concerns.
The Port Dover Harbour Museum offers another historical perspective, focusing on Port Dover’s commercial fishing heritage. The Norfolk War Memorial, Carillon Tower is 60 feet tall and has 23 bells. The permanent exhibition “Feeding the Gangs: Culinary Arts on the Farm” explores the planning, skill and effort required to feed 20 young men during the tobacco harvest. The county’s history thus encompasses everything from mills and fishing to providing food during the harvest.
Regional food is another possible discovery: Cider Keg Farm Market sells seasonal fruit and vegetables, locally made cider, meat products and baked goods. As you look for a vacation rental, you might first consider whether you’d like to focus your stay on the shoreline, trails, historical topics or local products. These interests can help you shape your trip around what you enjoy.
For more guidance on Norfolk County, you’ll also find local pages for Vittoria and Port Rowan.
For the broader travel overview: Ontario.
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