Port Burwell Provincial Park- 7 Things to Know Before Visiting

Port Burwell Provincial Park, more commonly known as the “Jewel of Erie’s North Shore,” provides some of the best opportunities for seeing the spring migrations of songbirds, bumble bees, and insects as well as the fall migrations of birds and other species of butterflies. Because of its varied ecology, this park provides both migratory species and other long-term inhabitants with essential habitats.

Port Burwell Park may be found in the Port Burwell neighbourhood, which is part of the Municipality of Bayham, just west of Big Otter Creek. A site is a separate entity in the Ontario Parks system of provincial parks.

1. Recreational Opportunities

1.1. Bicycle Riding

Due to the campgrounds’ plateau location and the solid surfaces on all routes, it is a beautiful place to go cycling. However, there are no designated cycling routes. It is hence advised to use caution and to wear a helmet because of how crowded the roadways are.

1.2. Bird Watching

One of the most excellent places to view spring and autumn migration is at Port Burwell’s lakefront. The migration of vultures, hawks, and eagles in the fall is arguably the most spectacular aspect. Monarch butterflies, blue jays, and dragonflies all have stunning migrations that you can see.

Because Lake Erie prevents these seasonal migrations, they concentrate on and move along the coastline in the spring and fall. The park is a well-kept secret among birdwatchers.

The availability of sufficient birds is good due to its favourable location between the well-known birding regions of Long Point, Rondeau, and Point Pelee.

1.3. Boating

There are boat launching and docking facilities adjacent to the park and access to Lake Erie through Big Otter Creek. It opens directly onto an exposed region of Lake Erie, so boaters should proceed cautiously.

Waters in Lake Erie are typically harsh, but experienced windsurfers should relish them.

1.4. Fishing

Even though fishing is excellent in this region of Lake Erie, there aren’t many opportunities to fish across Big Otter Creek as it meets the lake. Therefore a boat is suggested.

Perch, pickerel, trout, and salmon are just a few notable sporting fish species found in the lake.

1.5. Swimming

The beach is one of the attractions for the bulk of park visitors. The southern latitude causes the water to be shallow, sand-covered, and reasonably warm. However, no lifeguards are patrolling the beach.

1.6. Hiking

There are two hiking routes in Port Burwell National Park: the Ravine Creek Trail, which is approximately a kilometre long and traverses a ravine and some trees, and the Beach Trail, which is about two kilometres overall and links the campground to the beach.

2. Hiking

2.1. The Ravine Creek Trail

• Distance – 1km
• Difficulty Level – Easy
• Time – 45 minutes

2.2. The Beach Trail

• Distance – 2km
• Difficulty Level – Easy
• Time – 60 minutes

3.1. Camping In Car

The cooler seasons of spring and fall make them ideal times to go camping in this area. The park’s three campsites are nestled away in an established woodland close to the lake. The campsites are well-planned, conveniently situated, roomy, private, and many of them have grass surfaces.

A fantastic recreational area with an amphitheatre, children’s playground, volleyball and badminton courts, horseshoe pits, a ball diamond, and a basketball foul shooting court is ideally located in the city’s center.

3.2. Camping In Group

There are two group camping areas, each holding between 20 and 80 and between 30 and 100 people. When reserving a group campground, 20 persons is the minimum. Nearby are water faucets and flush toilets. The beach and restroom facilities are conveniently adjacent to the locations.

4. About Lake Erie

The name Lake Erie is derived from the Iroquoian word “erielhonan,” which means “long tail.” It is named the “deepest part” of the lake since over 40 km of its sandy shore spreads like a peninsula. Here, there are sweeping sand cliffs that were left behind from the glacial retreat predominate.

Erie is the shallowest and most southerly of the Great Lakes and has a diverse ecosystem. Because of its shallow depth, it is the warmest Great Lake and a well-liked summertime tourist spot for travellers and migrating species.

Lake Erie, which is also the site of one of the world’s largest and wealthiest freshwater economic and sport fisheries, supports many other sectors.

Why Is It So Important?

Erie has the most biological variety and economy of any Great Lake because of its warm, shallow waters. In addition to this incredible biodiversity, the Lake Erie watershed serves as a source of drinking water for more than 11 million inhabitants.

Additionally, the bulk of the lake’s water drains into Lake Ontario through the Niagara River before continuing north. Thanks to the great force of Niagara Falls, millions of Americans and Canadians are provided with hydroelectric electricity.

5. Facilities

5.1. Restroom Facilities In Port Burwell Park

• There is a wheelchair for the beach that may be rented. It doesn’t have an engine, yet it still functions in most dry beach environments. There are accessible showers, flush toilets, and laundry facilities available.
• All three campsites have Comfort Zones strategically placed throughout.
• A picnic shelter, restrooms, barbecues, covered spots, and easy access to the beach are just a few facilities available at the day-use area’s expansive picnic sites. With a fantastic beach and warm, shallow water of Lake Erie to swim in, this park is an excellent site for family reunions or group bs, thanks to the renovated amenities that are kept in good condition.

5.2. Shops and Other Facilities

• The comfort stations of the Alzira, Leander, and Iroquois Campgrounds all provide laundry facilities.
• The day-use and campsite gates each have a park shop. Basic camping necessities, hard-scooped ice cream, candy, apparel, and souvenirs are all readily accessible.

5.3. Beach Facilities

• The eastern entrance of the day-use parking lot leads to Dog Beach. Dogs must be kept on a leash at all times, except in the authorized off-leash area, which is situated east of the dog beach.
• A picnic shelter may be reserved in the center of the day-use area, close to the beach and sea—an excellent way of spending the day with lots of family and friends.
• The park does not have a boat launch, although one is nearby.

6. Are Pets Allowed?

Pets are permitted but you have to keep the following points in mind-

• To protect the animals and other park visitors, your dog must be kept under control at all times and be on a leash no longer than 2 meters.
• It would be best if you used precautions to keep your pet from endangering or disturbing any flora or wildlife. Additionally, you must be careful that your pet doesn’t hinder other tourists from enjoying the moment.
• Pets are not permitted at any time in the pool area, on the beach, or in any other delineated prohibited area.

7. Rules For Port Burwell Park

7.1. Parking

• Every car must be parked in a designated spot and have a current park permit visible.
• Your dashboard must visibly show your current park permit.

7.2. Camping Permit

• You must vacate your indoor campsite or campground campsite by 2:00 p.m. on the date your permit expires so that others may use it. to guarantee that all park guests have an equal opportunity to enjoy our campsites and reduce the environmental impact.
• At a campground campsite, the maximum stay is 23 nights straight, whereas an inner campsite is limited to 16 nights straight.

7.3. Camping Equipment

• The amount of camping gear that could be brought would need to be limited, or campsites would deteriorate, get bigger, and eventually demolish the vegetation.
• The number of people who can stay on a campsite at a campground is six, but the number of people who can stay on a campsite indoors is nine.

7.4. Camp Fire And Fire Works

• The fireplaces that are to be used are demarcated by park staff for safety reasons.
• Limiting burning to certain regions dramatically reduces the risk of forest fires.
• To prevent forest fires, a park superintendent has the power to declare a fire hazard and issue a fire ban. No one is permitted to have a fire at any time when a fire ban is in force unless the park superintendent officially indicates otherwise.
• Provincial parks never allow the use of fireworks or their keeping. They endanger lives and disturb wildlife and visitors who wish to enjoy the park calmly.

7.5. Consumption Of Alcoholic Beverages On Campsites

• You must be 19 years of age or older on a campsite with a permit to own or consume alcoholic beverages (beer, wine, or spirits).
• The driver should keep their alcoholic beverages in a safe place while driving.
• The alcohol must be kept either out of sight and out of reach of other passengers in the vehicle or in an unopened, intact, sealed container.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Where is Port Burwell Beach located?

Port Burwell Beach is located along the shore of Lake Erie, about 2 hours away from Toronto.

2. What is Port Burwell known for?

Along with the pristine, sandy beach, the area offers camping, hiking trails, a cold-war submarine, a marine museum, a historic lighthouse and two marinas.

3. What is the best time to visit Port Burwell Park?

One of the best times to go is during the dramatic fall migration of hawks, vultures, and eagles. Port Burwell Park in southwest Ontario is a true hidden gem and a birdwatcher’s paradise.

With this, we conclude our guide to Port Burwell Provincial Park. Even though it is not an insanely popular destination, it is well worth a visit! Do keep in mind the 7 important things listed above before planning your trip to Port Burwell Park as they will surely ensure that you face no hassles on your trip! Have a nice vacation!

Click here to read about “17 Best Quebec City Hotels“