You are in Ontario, Canada and want to indulge in some interesting activities like boating, hiking, or fishing. Right? So what’s the problem? The city of Ontario has a lot to offer. And there are many lovely parks and beaches to relax and have fun. So, this time I’ll talk about one such family-friendly park- the Port Burwell Provincial Park. I am sure you must have heard about it. If not, no problem, I’ll tell you everything about this amazing park.

Port Burwell Provincial Park, more commonly known as the “Jewel of Erie’s North Shore,” provides some of the best opportunities for exploring nature. It wouldn’t be wrong if I say it is a haven for witnessing the remarkable spring migrations of songbirds, bumblebees, and insects, migrating birds and various species of butterflies.

Oh yes, before I proceed further, I must tell you Port Burwell Park is found in the Port Burwell neighbourhood, which is part of the Municipality of Bayham, just towards the west of Big Otter Creek.

So, What Are You Interested In?

I mean I am very moody. Some days I want to go hiking, another day I may wish to swim, sometimes I prefer simply relaxing in natural surroundings and watching birds. That’s why, I always prefer to visit places where I can enjoy most recreational activities whenever I want to. This is what I like most about this park. You can go for cycling, fishing, boating, swimming, or hiking there. Let’s talk about it in detail.

• Bird-Watching– Please don’t tell me that bird-watching is boring, I really love it. If you also like it let me tell you that 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.

• Boating– If you want to go 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.
• 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, I suggest you rent a boat. Perch, pickerel, trout, and salmon are just a few notable sporting fish species found in the lake.
• 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. So, go hiking!
• 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.
• Camping– The park’s three campsites are nestled away in an established woodland close to the lake. The campsites are well-planned, conveniently situated, roomy, and private, and many of them have grass surfaces. 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 requirement.

I think I should also give a few details about the trails available there-

1. The Ravine Creek Trail

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

2. The Beach Trail

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

Check Out the Amenities Available on the Park

We'd like to thank all our visitors for a wonderful season here at Port Burwell Provincial Park. With the changing of the seasons our social media will be going dormant until next spring. If you have any questions please reach out to us via phone at (519)-874-4691. pic.twitter.com/8isSqGietX

— Port Burwell PP (@PortBurwellPP) September 22, 2023

There is a wheelchair for the beach that may be rented. You will also notice the 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.

If you don’t get satisfied unless you see some shops around, you will spot these too. 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. Moreover, The comfort stations of the Alzira, Leander, and Iroquois Campgrounds all provide laundry facilities.

Now what about pets? I will tell you this. 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.
• Pets are not permitted at any time in the pool area, on the beach, or in any other delineated prohibited area.

Some Rules to Follow in Port Burwell Park

If you remember the following points while chilling there, you won’t face any difficulties. And this is what I want- My readers should enjoy the spot without any hassle. So have a look at some of the important rules-

• 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.
• 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.
• Camping Equipment– You should bring limited camping gear. 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.
• 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. 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.
• 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 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.

With this, I conclude this guide to Port Burwell Provincial Park. Even though it is not an insanely popular destination, it is well worth a visit, because it is the best-kept secret for adventurous people who want to experience the marvels of nature in a smaller crowd.

Last Updated on April 8, 2024 by Pragya Chakrapani