What To Do In Port Burwell, Ontario: A Tiny Town With Oversized Attractions

Experience small-town splendour with these fun things to do in Port Burwell, Ontario. From submarines and lighthouses to hikes and beaches, Port Burwell has it all.

Like many people exploring the wonders of southwestern Ontario, I thought that rolling through Port Burwell, Ontario on my way down to Amherstburg was going to be a ‘blink and you miss it’ experience.

I could not have been more wrong.

This charming and vibrant community situated along the beautiful shores of Lake Erie ended up being a town so jam-packed with attractions that I ended up spending a weekend in the town and wishing that I had even more time to spare.

I was expecting a list of things to do in Port Burwell to be limited to the beautiful Port Burwell Provincial Park and, maybe, a great bakery or general store with decent ice cream. But what I discovered was a village with rich history, stunning beaches, picturesque scenery, and outsized attractions almost unheard of in a town of fewer than 900 people.

From a historic lighthouse and marine museum, wonderful restaurants and shops, and a massive military submarine that most visitors (including myself) look at and say “Why here?” Port Burwell is a town worth adding to your southern Ontario road trip.

About Port Burwell, Ontario

Often referred to as “the Jewel of Lake Erie’s North Shore,” Port Burwell is a special place

The history of Port Burwell dates back to the early 19th century when the area was first settled by European immigrants. The town’s strategic location along the shores of Lake Erie made it an important center of commerce and trade, with goods such as timber, grain, and fish being shipped to ports across the Great Lakes.

In the mid-1800s, Port Burwell became a major center for shipbuilding, with several shipyards operating along the town’s waterfront. The construction of the Erie and Welland canals also contributed to the town’s growth and prosperity, as it allowed for easier transportation of goods and resources.

During the 20th century, Port Burwell’s economy shifted towards tourism, with the development of the town’s beautiful blue flag beaches and the stunning Port Burwell Provincial Park. Today, Port Burwell is a popular summer destination for visitors from across Ontario and beyond, who come to enjoy the area’s scenic beauty and rich history.

The town sits in beautiful Norfolk County, one of Ontario’s emerging wine regions and home to attractions such as Long Point Eco Park and is one of our favourite places for a weekend getaway in Ontario.

Things To Do In Port Burwell

With crystal clear and shallow waters, Port Burwell draws visitors from across Ontario looking for the province’s best beaches. The nearby provincial park also draws nature lovers interested in kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. But there’s far more to this town than just the water.

Here are a few of the top things to see in Port Burwell.

Port Burwell Provincial Park

Port Burwell Provincial Park is home to a beautiful and unspoiled beach on the shores of Lake Erie. The beach and park is a perfect spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying water activities such as kayaking and paddleboarding.

With crystal clear and shallow waters, Port Burwell Provincial Park is especially popular for families and those visiting with young children.

In addition to the beach, Port Burwell Provincial Park has some fantastic attractions and activities for visitors. There are picnic areas and playgrounds for families, as well as nature trails for hiking and cycling. Port Burwell Provincial Park is also home to several campgrounds, making it an ideal destination for a weekend getaway or a longer camping stay.

Port Burwell Provincial Park is known for its rich biodiversity, with a variety of plants and animals calling the park home. Birdwatchers will love the opportunity to spot a range of species, including bald eagles, sandhill cranes, and blue herons

Port Burwell Submarine

The tiny town of Port Burwell is the last place where most people would expect to find a massive military submarine. But at the Port Burwell Marine Museum and Historic Lighthouse, there’s one on display.

The Port Burwell submarine, officially known as the HMCS Ojibwa, was built in 1964 and served in the Royal Canadian Navy until its retirement in 1998. The submarine was part of the Canadian Navy’s Cold War-era fleet and was used primarily for intelligence-gathering missions.

After its retirement, the HMCS Ojibwa was decommissioned and eventually donated to the town of Port Burwell in 2010. The submarine was then towed to its current location on the shores of Lake Erie, where it was opened to the public as a museum.

Today, visitors to the HMCS Ojibwa Submarine Museum can climb aboard and explore the submarine’s various compartments, including the control room, torpedo room, and living quarters.

If you love this kind of attraction, you may also want to make a trip to Hamilton, Ontario where you can board the historic HMCS Haida.

Port Burwell Marine Museum and Historic Lighthouse

While you’re there don’t miss the Port Burwell Lighthouse. The lighthouse, towering over the landscape of the town and sitting just above the Port Burwell submarine, is a historic landmark. The lighthouse was built in 1840 and was originally used to guide ships safely into the harbour. It was the first lighthouse on Lake Erie and one of the first in the province of Ontario.

Today, the Port Burwell Lighthouse no longer guides ships to safety on Lake Erie. However, it remains a beloved landmark and popular tourist attraction in the town of Port Burwell. Visitors can climb to the top of the lighthouse for panoramic views of Lake Erie and the surrounding area.

The Port Burwell lighthouse also houses the Port Burwell Marine Museum, which features exhibits on the town’s maritime history and a collection of artifacts and memorabilia related to the lighthouse and the surrounding area.

Backus Heritage Conservation Area

Backus Heritage Conservation Area is a must-visit for things to do in Port Burwell, especially if you’re a nature-lover.

This conservation area is known for its stunning natural beauty, rich history, and wide range of recreational activities such as camping, fishing, hiking, and swimming.

Backus Heritage Conservation Area covers an enormous 2000 acres of land, that runs the gamut of forests, wetlands, and meadows. It’s one of the province’s most popular spots for birdwatching.

In addition to its natural beauty, Backus Heritage Conservation Area is also home to several historic sites and buildings. The area was once home to the Backus family, one of the earliest settlers in the region. Today, visitors can explore the Backus Homestead, a restored 1850s farmhouse that offers a glimpse into life in rural Ontario during the mid-19th century.

Another unique feature of Backus Heritage Conservation Area is its focus on sustainable agriculture. The conservation area is home to several organic farms and is committed to promoting sustainable farming practices. Visitors can learn about organic farming methods and even purchase fresh, locally-grown produce from the on-site farm market.

Norfolk Winery Tour

As I mentioned earlier, Port Burwell is at the heart of Norfolk County, one of Ontario’s up-and-coming wine regions. There are several great wineries within easy reach of the town, and if you’re staying locally, including at the provincial park, a winery tour offers one of the best things to do in Port Burwell.

Make a visit to one of my favourite Ontario Wineries, Burning Kiln, which is just 40 minutes from town. Or enjoy some tastings at Tour the Quai du Vin Estate Winery, a local winery offering tastings and tours that are known for producing award-winning wines from locally-grown grapes.

Hounds of Erie Winery is another Port Burwell winery located less than 20 minutes from town. This small winery is dog-friendly and sits on 23 acres of beautiful Norfolk County farmland. They’re not just known for their local wines but have developed a following for their ciders as well. You can find out more about the best Ontario cideries here.

If you’re looking to tour the wineries in Norfolk County but don’t want to drive yourself, you can also reach out to the wine tours at Ride the Bine for a curated trip through the region’s amazing wineries.

Enjoy Your Time In Port Burwell, Ontario

Port Burwell is a special pace. Boasting gorgeous scenery and unspoiled beaches, as well as the magnificent Port Burwell Provincial Park, there are more things to do in Port Burwell than most visitors expect.

With Blue Flag beaches and great restaurants like Beach Pattie’s burger joint on Wellington and Big Joe’s Q on Robinson, you’ll have experiences for all of your senses.

Do you have a favourite attraction or restaurant in Ontario? Head over to the Ultimate Ontario Facebook Community and join the conversation! You’ll find an amazing group of people passionate about Ontario and who love to share their local secrets.