Erieau is a beautiful charming village peninsula located in the Chatham-Kent region of Ontario. With a population of just 363 residents, the place is immensely popular for its beaches and great fishing spots. Whether you are visiting the Erieau either in summer or winter you are sure to have a great time there.
If you are tight on budget and want to explore a cool Ontario Beach gateway then you definitely need to check out ‘Erieau’.
Erieau Beach
Erieau Beach is truly a hidden gem in Ontario, near Erie Lake. It is quite popular for its long stretch of white sand. During the summer, the beach attracts hundreds of tourists who love to be in the water.
The water here is shallow and calm making it a perfect place to enjoy in water even if you are not a good swimmer at all.
It has all the basic amenities like Public washrooms, a Large parking lot, and a Beach volleyball court. Besides that, it also has a kid’s playground with a lot of swings so that you can relax freely without worrying about your kids.
If you are visiting Erieau Beach for the very first time then you will be surprised to see how big Lake Erie really is! It’s also a dog-friendly beach but make sure your dog has a leash on all the time.
Erieau Ontario Population
As per the latest Census data from Statistics of Canada (2021), Erieau only has a population of around 363 residents which makes it one of the least habitable in Ontario. Being so close to Lake Erie, it attracts thousands of nature and outdoor enthusiasts from all over Canada.
Best Things to Do In Erieau Ontario
Erie may seem to be a small village, still it has so many amazing and fun things to do. Whether you want to go for an outdoor adventure or simply want to relax at the beach, Erie has something for everyone.
Have a Sunbath at Erieau Beach
Without any doubt, Erieau has some of the most beautiful beaches in the entire Ontario, which in turn makes it a perfect location to have a sunbath and relax in nature. If you are visiting the beach with your kids then you can build a castle and have some fun with them.
You can also go on to try some water recreational activities like swimming, kayaking, and board surfing. Keep in mind, that there is no lifeguard on the public beach which means you are swimming at your own risk.
Go for Fishing at Rondeau Bay
Do you love Fishing? Even if you don’t, still you need to pay a visit to Rondeau Bay. The place has an abundance of fish, which means if you are a newbie or don’t know anything about fishing, still there is a chance that you will catch at least one on your own.
Remember, that you do need to have a valid legal fishing license if you want to fish in Ontario, otherwise, you might have to face hefty fines.
Explore the McGeachy Pond Conservation Area
McGeachy Pond Conservation Area is a great place to escape the bustle of everyday life. The place also has an observation platform that offers a mesmerizing view of the pond & Erie Lake. Plus, it’s also a perfect spot to take a bunch of pictures to post on social media profiles.
The area remains open throughout the year and is absolutely free to visit and explore. Plus there are no parking fees which makes it worth adding to your bucket list.
If somehow you are visiting the place during the fall, then will be able to catch the stunning migration of Monarch Butterflies as McGeachy is a perfect place for their migration.
Go for Picnic in the Park
Going for a Picnic with your friends and family is one of the best things that you can do while being in Erieau. Listening to the soothing sound of birds chirping while having your favorite snack is a perfect way to enjoy and relax.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your blanket, pack your favorite meal, and find a shady spot in the Erieau Waterfront Park and you are all set to have a great time in nature.
Master the Art of Sailing
Almost every year, during the summer camp, Erieau Yacht Club teaches the kids how to swim as well as sail in the water. If you have a kid whose age is between 5-18 then they can learn swimming and sailing at the EYC.
They begin their program, every year around June which can last up to 5 weeks from the date of commencement. To know more about the program and fee structure you need to check out the website of Erieau Yacht Club.
Try Local Brews at Bayside Brewing Co.
Trying out some local brew at Bayside Brewing is truly a refreshing experience. It is known for its diverse collection of craft beers which make it unique from other breweries in town.
You can enjoy the cozy atmosphere of the bayside, along with a fresh drink from the brewery’s taproom.
Visit the Rondeau West Front Range Lighthouse
If you are a history buff then you need to check out the Erieau Lighthouse which was built back in 1883. It’s a historic monument that used to guide the ship so that they could safely navigate their way.
If you climb to the top of the lighthouse then you will be amazed by the panoramic view of Lake Erie.
Explore the Rondeau Provincial Park
Rondeau Provincial Park is another beautiful place that is known for its forests, wetlands, and sandy beaches along Lake Erie. Not to mention, the park is also a paradise for birdwatchers, being home to over 360 species of birds, the park is really a great place to watch the feathered friends in their natural habitat.
Lastly, if you want to stay overnight in the park and enjoy the starry sky, then you will be glad to know that camping is allowed in Rondeau Park.
Take a Boat Tour
Experiencing the beauty of Lake Erie with a guided boat tour is totally a different and unique experience. Several companies in Erie offer guided tours, sunset cruises, and fishing charters, offering a unique way to explore and see the real beauty of Erie Ontario.
So hop on a boat and enjoy a guided tour with a scenic & stunning view of Lake Erie.
Go Kayaking or Canoeing
If you are visiting Erieau for the first time, then you need to try some of the water recreational activities like Kayaking and Canoeing. It has plenty of rental stores where you can easily rent out water sports equipment as per your needs.
During our stay at Erieau, we chose to kayak in Rondeau Bay, as it has more calmer water compared to Lake Erie.
If you are curious and want to paddle the channel then be aware of the large boats crossing as they make strong waves that can easily tilt your kayak.
Explore Erie Shores Golf & Country Club
Are you a golf enthusiast? Even if you are not, still you can pay a visit to Erie Shores Golf & Country Club and learn how to play golf. It’s a well-maintained 18-hole golf course along with the stunning views of the lake Erie.
After a round of golf, you can relax and enjoy a delicious meal at the clubhouse.
Explore the Local Village Markets
You can also visit and explore the local village market of Erieau, to pick up fresh produce fruits and vegetables at the best price. However, the village has a limited market but still, they are totally worth visiting. Here’s our top recommendation.
- Wallaceburg Farmers Market: About a 30-minute drive from Erieau, the Wallaceburg Farmers Market is a perfect place to find fresh produce, baked goods, and other local products in the town. Not only that, you can also expect to find unique souvenirs and handmade crafts being sold by local vendors.
- Chatham Farmers Market: The Chatham Farmers Market, is another popular market that has a variety of vendors selling everything from fresh produce fruits & vegetables to handmade crafts.
Indulge in Ice Cream Delights
Can you imagine enjoying on the beach without ice cream? If not then ErieView Ice Cream is a place to quench your thirst for Ice Cream. The shop is popular for its classic cones of Ice creams with a variety of options to choose from.
Plus, the long stretch of sidewalk from shop to the Erieau Beach is a perfect way to burn off your Ice cream calories.
Go for Shopping
Located about a 20-minute drive, Blenheim is a place where you will find everything from home decor to fancy clothes both for men and women. You can also explore the Mindful Market which mainly sells the things that have been grown locally in the region.
Besides that, you can also shop for organically produced food, beauty products, and a lot of other things in the market.
Tour the Greenview Zoo
If you are traveling with your kids, then you can’t afford to miss the Greenview Park & Zoo. It’s a perfect place for your kids to learn about the different varieties of exotic animals.
The zoo also provides educational and feeding sessions where visitors are allowed to interact with the animals in a safe and controlled environment.
Catch a Performance at the Erieau Community Centre
Catching a live performance at the Erieau Community Centre is a wonderful way to enjoy local entertainment. The community hosts a variety of events, including concerts, plays, and other live performances throughout the year to keep the residents of Erieau entertained.
Attend the Erieau Fall Festival
If you’re visiting the Erieau during the fall, then don’t you dare to miss the Erieau Fall Festival. The event features live music, delicious food vendors, and a lot of fun activities.
You can try out samples of seasonal treats, stroll around the vendor booths, and also participate in the various games at the festival.
Take a Day Trip to Chatham
Just a short drive away, Chatham is another charming city located near Erieau. It has several known tourist attractions along with so many activities to do. If you are a history buff then you can explore the Chatham-Kent Museum, as it has so many old artifacts put on display that help you to know more about the region’s history.
Thames Art Gallery, Rondeau Provincial Park, and Chatham Capitol Theatre are also the best places that you can visit while being in Chatham.
Wheatley Provincial Park
Located just opposite of Rondeau Bay, there is another tourist destination that attracts hundreds of tourists every summer season. The park is known for its peaceful and calm surroundings where you can relax and connect with nature.
The park also has a sandy beach which makes it a perfect spot for swimming and sunbathing during the warm summer days.
Stargaze at Erieau Beach
Stargazing on a dark night at Erieau Beach is truly a magical experience for anyone who has an interest in space science. It’s one of the best things to do as you are thousands of miles away from the city’s light pollution. If you’re lucky enough then you might be able to spot a constellation or a shooting star in the sky.
Remember that there is no public telescope at the beach to watch the stars.
Best Restaurants in Erieau Ontario
Erieau has some of the best family-owned restaurants that are just half a mile away from the Beach. Here’s our top recommendation that you can choose to visit and have a delicious meal.
- Molly & OJ’s Restaurant & Tavern: This family-run restaurant has been in Erieau for generations. They are known for serving fresh local fish and meats, along with their Lake Erie Perch, the most popular dish of the village. The restaurants also have a pub side with a casual atmosphere and a fine dining room that you can book for special occasions.
- Bayside Brewing Co.: It is a great place to relax and enjoy a delicious meal along with the refreshing craft beer brewed by its local winery. Wood-fired pizzas and seafood are two special reasons why they are so renowned in the town.
- Erieau Eau Buoy Variety: Located at 1005 Vidler Ave, Erieau, it’s a great place to have your morning feast with a yummy coffee. Besides that, you can also enjoy the classic Canadian dinner at a reasonable price.
- Mariners Cone and Shake: Who doesn’t like to have an ice cream on a sunny beach day? So walk a half mile and grab your favorite Ice cream from the Mariners Cone and Shake.
Where to Stay in Erieau Ontario
Being a small village, Erieau mostly has many budget-friendly accommodation options. You can either rent a cottage or camp at a nearby location.
Erieau Ontario Motels, Cabins & Camping
Being a tourist destination, Arya has a lot of affordable options like B&B rooms, cabin cottages, RVs, trailer sites, and motels.
- Erie-O Motel and Marina: It’s a comfortable motel located on the waterfront of Rondeau Bay, is a perfect place to enjoy the stunning views of Lake Erie and Rondeau Bay. Location – 840 Ross Lane, Erieau, ON N0P 1N0, Canada
- Willow Barrel Retreat Cottage & Suite Rentals: It’s an affordable place to stay in Erieau if you are tight on budget. It’s a comfortable cottage that also rents kayaks, canoes, bicycles, and other water sports equipment to visitors. Location – 17655 Erieau Rd, Blenheim, ON N0P 1A0, Canada
- Bayside Camp: It’s a popular camping destination, located along the scenic shores of Lake Erie. Visitors can also enjoy water activities like swimming, fishing, and boating while staying in Bayside camp. Location – 820 Ross Lane, Erieau, ON N0P 1N0, Canada
Is Erieau Worth Visiting?
Yes, Erieau is definitely worth visiting and exploring. The place has so many beautiful beaches along the shore of Lake Erie, making it an ideal place to enjoy swimming, board surfing, and other water activities.
During summer, it attracts hundreds and thousands of tourists but still, it remains less crowded compared to other popular beaches of Southwestern, Ontario. So, if you are looking for a less crowded tourist place to visit in your summer break then you need to visit and explore the natural beauty of Erieau Ontario.
Are dogs allowed at Erieau Beach?
Erieau Beach is a dog-friendly beach which means you can take your dog to the beach but make sure it has a leash on at all times while it remains on Erieau Beach. Don’t forget to clean up your furry friends so that everyone can have a pleasant experience.
How to Get to Erieau
Erieau, Ontario is a charming little village located on a peninsula. Depending on where you’re coming from, you have several options to get to Erieau. Here’s a detailed guide on how to get to Erieau by car, public transport, or plane:
Travel by Car
Driving to Erieau is the most convenient option, especially if you are coming from a nearby city like Windsor or London, Ontario. If you are coming from a distant city like Toronto although the journey will be longer, but you will love the scenic driving experience. Here are further details depending on your starting point:
- From Windsor, Ontario (97 kilometers): Take Highway 401 eastbound to exit 42 towards Tilbury/Leamington. Then, follow Highway 40 westbound to exit 100 towards Erieau/Wheatley. Continue onto Highway 62 west for about 18 kilometers to Erieau.
- From London, Ontario (180 kilometers): Take Highway 401 eastbound to exit 78 towards Tilbury/Leamington. Then, follow Highway 40 westbound to exit 100 towards Erieau/Wheatley. Continue onto Highway 62 west for about 18 kilometers to Erieau.
- From Toronto, Ontario (304 kilometers): Take the Queen Elizabeth Way (QEW) westbound to Highway 401 eastbound. Follow Highway 401 eastbound to exit 78 towards Tilbury/Leamington. Then, follow Highway 40 westbound to exit 100 towards Erieau/Wheatley. Continue onto Highway 62 west for about 18 kilometers to Erieau.
Travel by Public Transport
Erieau has a very limited public transportation option. However, you can still reach the Erieau if you take a combination of both bus and train.
Directly via Train
If you are coming from Toronto, then you can directly book a train from Toronto to Chatham Terminal. Once you have arrived at Chatham then you need to board the seasonal bus service that only takes about 40 minutes to reach Ereiau Ontario.
Keep in mind, that the seasonal bus service operates only from June to September, check out their website to know more about it.
Combination of both Bus and Train
This is the cheapest yet most time-consuming way to reach Erieau using the Public transportation option.
To get to Erieau, firstly you need to take a bus from Toronto to London Ontario which will take around 3 hours to complete the whole journey. After that, you need to take a train ride from London to Chatham. Lastly, you need to board the seasonal bus service from Chatham to reach Ereiau Ontario.
Travel by Plane
As there is no airport in Erieau itself and the closest major airport is the Windsor International Airport (YQG). So you need to book the tickets for Windsor and upon arriving at the airport, you need to take a taxi, rideshare, or public transportation (with transfers) to reach Erieau.
Key Summary
- Driving is the most convenient option, especially if you plan to explore other areas around Erieau. Remember that it will cost you a lot compared to public transportation.
- Public transport requires more planning and may have longer travel times so make you plan accordingly.
- If you choose to fly, be prepared for additional travel time and costs associated with getting from the airport to Erieau, as there is no direct transportation service available from the airport to Erieau.
Final Thoughts: Erieau Ontario
Erieau is a perfect natural gateway to spend some quality time with your friends and family. With so many popular places to explore, from hiking the Erieau Marsh Trail to Stargazing at Erieau Beach, it’s worth adding to your bucket list of places to visit in 2024.
So, if you are looking for a less crowded place to visit then you definitely need to check out the Erieau, as it’s truly a hidden gem in Southwestern Ontario.
