Top 5 Towns to Explore Around Lake Erie

Though it is not possible right now with winter and covid, I'm inspired to share the top 5 trips from Toronto around Lake Erie that I explored in times when we roamed the earth relatively carefree! You can plan a day trip to any of these lovely locations or roam as many days as your heart desires. Hoping once it is safe to do so, we can enjoy and admire all the beautiful places around us.

Port Dover

The afternoon in Port Dover was fabulously enjoyed, soaking in the sun and paddling in the warm waters at the Port Dover beach. Had a relaxing stroll by the pier leading to the handsome white washed lighthouse with its greenish hat. Relished the Perch fish and chips at The Beach House which has a stunning view of lake Erie that includes imported palm trees!!!!

The downtown is picturesque with its line of boutique stores, my highlight being The Dover Cheese Shop which carries local and international cheese, olive oils and vinaigrettes!

Later on we sat by the pier, (you can grab a warm drink from cuppa refills right there) and watched the traffic of fishing and tourist boats come and go.

PicHarbour museum, Arbortown mini golf course, boat cruises are there to explore as well in Port Dover. If you want to explore wineries, I have heard a lot about Bonnieheath Estate Lavender and Winery which I plan to visit on my return trip to Port Dover! Just hope these businesses survive the Covid brunt!

Sparta

Ah the hidden gem! A community established by a fleeing Quaker from the United States, once a thriving village during the 1870s, now is a small settlement holding on to signs of its days gone by in the still standing buildings of the olden times. Arrive in Sparta and walk around the Sparta line, exploring the local store. Anything Used and Sparta Country Candles is a gift shop who carry their own brand of Candles, loved their lavendar fragrance and they sell refills too! They have a nice assortment of fragrances to choose from. There are art galleries, studios and a day spa!

There are a couple of good places to choose from in terms of eating. We had lunch at The Sparta House Tea Room, serving food from the traditional English palette including high tea. Loved the freshly made chicken and vegetable pot pie!

My highlight in Sparta was to visit Winter Wheat! An artist's cove, highlighting folk art! It has a display of the artist's work in a garden of tall trees adjacent to its gift shop. Unfortunately they are closed until further notice! It was a rare find, an amazing display of creativity! I hope they recover and reopen!

Port Stanley

For me, the main attraction was the beach, beach beach!!! To find a sandy beach so nicely spread and inviting within a 2 hours drive from Toronto is indeed a gem like that of Wasaga beach or Sauble beach. It has the Blue Flag status which signifies its adherence to strict water quality and safety, add to it the charming line of colorful beach homes along the main beach, the mat path to make the beach more accessible and the choice of restaurants. After chilling on the beach we had lunch at GTs on the Beach patio, and strolled down main street peeking into the boutique stores before heading home. Art Emporium and Boathouse Gallery is a must check out to admire works of regional artists. It's a gift boutique and there are a variety of treasures to choose from!

Point Pelee

What an exciting feeling to stand at the southernmost tip of Canada and enjoy the breathtaking view of lake Erie! That's Point Pelee, the second smallest national park of Canada. Having the option of driving up to the visitor center and taking the shuttle to the point was so helpful considering my limitations. The waves from two sides of the point meeting and splashing on the shores, the aqua palette of the water all makes this place so worth exploring. The park has a boardwalk and several beaches to explore too!

Leamington

Leamington is a 25 minutes drive up and west of Point Pelee where Seacliff Park beach is an amazing place to enjoy! Another 15 minutes drive west is Kingsvville with its choice of restaurants where we had brunch at Beach House Grill. Recommend their delicious chicken and waffles! Drive another 30 minutes west and you will arrive at picturesque Amherstburg.

Situated near the mouth of Detroit river in southwestern Ontario, it's attractions include Fort Madlan, Amherstburg freedom Museum, Park House Museum.

Reached there pretty late in the day to check out any of those, however I did very much enjoy strolling in the King’s Navy Yard Park along the Detroit river shore with its pretty gardens and homage to the fallen soldiers of past wars.

Across you can see the Bois Blanc or BobLo island which is a part of Amhurstburg, accessible by a short ferry ride if you want to explore. Next step can be Windsor Ontario, just half an hour away with its Riverside (loved the sculpture park and peace fountain), historic buildings, casinos and more!

I hope you get the chance to explore these towns, be sure to drop me a line if you do :)