7 Excellent Things to do in Erieau on a Lake Erie Getaway
On a birding trip in southwestern Ontario, I visited the cutest village that I think is the perfect summer getaway destination! Erieau is a small town located on a small peninsula that juts into Lake Erie. I immediately fell in love with how walkable it was and how you can stay, eat and play all within a 20-minute walk.
So, I knew I had to share this gem and help you plan a getaway with a guide to things to do in Erieau. It’s ideal for vacationers looking for a relaxing waterfront getaway or those who love the outdoors and going hiking, paddling and birding. Plus, I’m sharing the cutest cottage that I stayed at.
If you’re looking for a summer vacation in Ontario that blends relaxation with outdoor exploration, then this guide to Erieau is for you!
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Go Birding along the Erieau Marsh Trail
With a handful of trails in Erieau, you can easily do them all in one day.
My favourite is the Erieau Marsh Trail! This roughly 2 km trail is flat and accessible. Along the path you’ll see a number of metal sculptures too.
The trail runs along the marsh and is an ideal spot to go birding in the spring and fall. Along the trail my friend and I spotted a number of different warblers singing in the trees and bushes. There were also a few gray catbirds and a swan nesting in the marsh.
There’s also an observation deck that has a ramp to soak in the views of the marsh. This is also a fun spot as you’ll be sharing it with a number of barn swallows.
Visit the Beach
The village is also home to a large sandy beach that’s a great spot to soak in the summer rays. Enjoy a dip in the water, some of the warmest water on Lake Erie.
It’s also a great spot for families as there’s a large playground. Or you can wander the shore like my friend and I did, in search of sea glass. We found a few pieces, but I also found some unique pottery fragments.
For those with mobility issues, you’ll find a mobility mat leading onto the beach. Plus, you can borrow an accessible chair to go in the water with.
Insider tip: It’s a lovely spot to watch the sunset too!
Grab Pizza & Beer
If you’re looking for one of the best restaurants in Erieau then head to Bayside Brewing Company!
This brewery, and pub, has both a cozy dining room as well as a large patio that overlooks Rondeau Bay. It’s the perfect spot to enjoy lunch or dinner and a pint after a day of exploring.
They have a diverse menu that has everything from a long list of appetizers to burgers and fish. But they are known for their incredible woodfired pizza.
I highly recommend the pizza; you won’t go wrong with any of them. My friend and I shared a classic Margherita and the Vegetarian. Both were delicious!
Even if you’re dining alone, you’ll find company in their resident red-winged blackbird. Cute, hungry and loud. But the staff ask that you don’t encourage them, so please don’t feed them.
Walk or Bike the Erieau Shore Trail
Another great trail to walk, or bike, is the Erieau Shore Trail. It’s another short, flat trail that’s located in the McGeachy Pond Conservation Area.
This park is free to visit and includes a mix of habitat. Stroll past marshland, shoreline, and through small pockets of forest along the trail.
My favourite feature of the trail is the observation tower. Climb to the top and you’ll be rewarded with epic views of Lake Erie, the marsh and surrounding area.
This is also a great birding trail in the spring. There were a number of yellow warblers and vireos twittering in the trees as we walked it.
Insider Tip: I’m excited to return in the fall as I learned that the trail is great for seeing the Monarch Butterfly migration.
Visit the Lighthouse
Who doesn’t love a lighthouse?!
If you’re walking along the beach, head to the very southern point and you’ll find a pier. At the end is the Rondeau West Front Range Lighthouse.
It’s a great spot to sit and watch the sunrise or enjoy a fun photo-op.
Enjoy Lake Erie Pickerel
Another great spot to eat in Erieau is Molly & OJ’s!
Located right in the heart of the village, I loved its stylish nautical themed dining room. And while the menu at Molly & OJ’s has everything from burgers to pastas, many items have a fish or seafood twist.
I ordered the Lake Erie Pickerel with the Cajun breading and it was so delicious! It came with vegetables and mash potatoes, the perfect dinner.
My friend ordered the Seafood Fettuccini and I could tell by the silence and the empty bowl at the end of the meal that she equally loved her dinner.
Day trip to Rondeau Provincial Park
A trip to Erieau isn’t complete without a day trip to Rondeau Provincial Park! This is one of the best parks in Ontario for birding!
Also located on a peninsula that juts into Lake Erie, this park is a short and scenic 20-minute drive from Erieau. It’s home to a number of hiking trails, a great little visitor’s centre, and the Festival of Flight.
The festival takes place every May, over the first two weeks and includes a number of activities. I highly recommend booking one of the guided hikes. They are great for first time visitors to the park, to learn where to go and get tips, as well as birders, to discover the different species that can be found in the park.
Beyond birding, the trails are great for those looking for short hikes. Or you can tackle the long one in the park, the Marsh Trail, which is roughly 14 km. It’s 6.8 km out and back.
But the park makes a great day trip from Erieau, whether you’re doing a hike or two, or want to have a picnic.
Where to Stay in Erieau
For a surprising small area, there are a number of places to stay in Erieau. You’ll find everything from motels, boutique stays and cute cottages.
Erie-O Motel
During my trip I stayed at the Erie-O Motel and absolutely fell in love with it!
The Erie-O Motel is located in the heart of the village, making it easy to walk to restaurants, the beach and trails. Plus, it’s right on Rondeau Bay, which led to two highlights for me–soaking in the stunning sunrises and sunsets over the water.
Choose from one of the traditional motel rooms or one of the colourful cottages that are right on the water. I stayed in one of the cottages and loved that it had space for my friend and I to spread out. It had a kitchen as well as dining and living space.
You can also take advantage of their private dock to slip in a canoe or kayak. Or enjoy a campfire. The owner and other people staying were so friendly.
It really has a warm welcoming vibe, like you’d expect in any charming little village.
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