Norfolk Tourism

Travel Norfolk

Close to home. Far from ordinary.

Where else can you explore a Unesco World Biosphere Reserve? Or discover the diverse beauty of Canada’s only Carolinian Forest? Where can you climb the sand hills that tower over Lake Erie, wander through a 22-acre botanical garden, or visit a raptor conservancy? Sure, Norfolk is known for its award-winning wineries and breweries. Not to mention eco-adventures, farmers’ markets, festivals, and beaches. It’s all here. In fact, the only thing Norfolk doesn’t have is crowds.

And the best part? We’re just a couple hours away from the GTA.

Norfolk County’s most popular tourist attractions are the beaches, ports, towns, and villages along Lake Erie, known as Ontario’s South Coast. These towns include Port Dover, Turkey Point, Long Point, Simcoe, Delhi, Waterford, and Port Rowan.

Fishing is another key attraction for tourists, as well as birding, hiking, camping, and cycling.

About Norfolk Tourism

Beaches, fishing and boating

Located on Lake Erie, there are three major beaches in Norfolk County: Turkey Point, Long Point and Port Dover. Long Point Bay offers excellent fishing for bass, pike, perch, walleye and other species. There are also many marinas and boat launches in Norfolk County, so boaters and sailors can access the lake.

Natural experiences

Long Point was designated as a Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations Scientific, Cultural and Educational Organization (UNESCO) in 1986. It is a world-renowned refuge and stopover for migrating birds in fall and spring, and waterfowl viewing is excellent in spring. Its delicate dunes and marshes teem with songbirds, spawning fish, turtles and frogs. About 25% of Norfolk County’s land is covered in Carolinian tree canopy, one of the most forested areas of southern Ontario. Recently, Norfolk County was awarded the status of Canada’s Forest Capital. There has been an increase of 2,500 acres of oak savannah and native prairie grass habitat – through efforts of the Nature Conservancy of Canada and Alternative Land Use Services (ALUS).

Local food from unique terroir

Norfolk County is known as Ontario’s Garden, due to its status as Canada’s leading grower of many types of fruit and vegetables. As a result, several chefs and restaurants in Norfolk County proudly use Norfolk County ingredients in their dishes, and promoted these offerings to culinary tourists. Norfolk County is a member of the Ontario Culinary Tourism Alliance, and a supporter of the FeastON program, whereby local restaurants are accredited in a thorough process that vets their procurement process.

Outdoor adventure

From kayak fishing on Long Point Bay to camping at two Provincial Parks, there are many recreation opportunities in Norfolk County. Long Point Conservation Authority operates several day-use parks and campgrounds, with Deer Creek and Waterford Ponds among the most popular. With hundreds of kilometres of paved back roads, Norfolk County is a magnet for cyclists and hosts the annual Le Tour de Norfolk cycling event. Mountain biking is popular at the Long Point Eco-Adventures property, which also boasts zip lines, wilderness suites and astronomy observatory. Trails in Norfolk County span from community to community, and are connected to the Trans Canada Trail. In winter, ice fishing, snowmobiling and cross-country skiing are very popular. There are also two dog parks with leash-free zones, 19 outdoor parks – some with baseball diamonds, pavilions, and tennis courts.

Indoor amenities

Norfolk County operates several recreation facilities, including six ice arenas, 13 community centres and halls, and an indoor aquatic facility. The Community Services Department offers many recreational programs for families and individuals. Norfolk County is home to an arts centre, five museums and a heritage interpretive centre. The Norfolk County Public Library has five branches across the municipality with state-of-the-art technology.