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Port Burwell

Port Burwell Provincial Park

Biking

No dedicated cycling trails. The campgrounds are located on a plateau and all campground roads are hard surfaced making it an excellent place to ride bicycles. Roads are busy, so caution is always advised and helmets should be worn.

Birding

Port Burwell is one of the best locations along the Lake Erie shoreline to see spring and fall migration. Perhaps the most thrilling aspect is the fall migration of hawks, vultures, and eagles. You can also witness Monarch Butterflies, Blue Jays and dragonflies on their spectacular migration. More than 85 species of migratory birds have been spotted here in the spring and our bird check list includes 232 species. Lake Erie presents a barrier to these seasonal movements so the flow of migrants concentrates at and moves along the shoreline in both the spring and fall. The park is an undiscovered birder’s paradise. It is located centrally between the renowned birding areas of Long Point, Rondeau and Point Pelee so the quantity and quality of birding is excellent.

Boating

Boat launching and docking facilities are located near the park with access to Lake Erie available through the Big Otter Creek. It immediately opens into an unprotected section of Lake Erie so boaters should be cautious. The often choppy waters of Lake Erie are excellent for experienced wind surfers.

Discovery Program

Join Discovery staff at an Exploration Station during the months of July and August. Bring along your Discovery Activity Book (or pick one up at the Exploration Station), and use the equipment and materials provided to explore the park, observe plants and animals, and discover the wonders of nature. Be sure to share your observations with park staff! For more information keep an eye out for weekly calendar of events posted throughout the park.

Fishing

Angling is excellent in this part of Lake Erie but a boat is recommended, as there are limited fishing opportunities along Big Otter Creek as it enters the lake. Perch, pickerel (walleye), trout and salmon are just a few of the popular sport fish species found in the lake.

Hiking

Ravine Creek Trail 1 km, 45 minutes, easy
This interpretive trail, which features a self-guided brochure, travels through a ravine and woodlot. Eleven stops along the way explain local geology, flora and fauna.

Beach Trail 2 km return, 1 hour, easy
The trail leads from the campground to the beach. A lookout point provides an excellent view of Lake Erie and the beach below. The trail traverses a 20 m bluff.

Swimming

The beach is one of the high points for most park visitors. The water is shallow, sandy and due to our southerly latitude, very warm.

Washrooms are available throughout the day use area.

Please note: there are no lifeguards posted at the beach.

Winter Activities

Although gated in the winter you can walk in and take the opportunity to cross-country ski or hike in this quiet rural area of Southwestern Ontario.