Erieau Ontario: Things To Do, Accommodation [2024]

Erieau is a beautiful charming village in the Chatham-Kent region of Ontario. With 363 residents, the place is known 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.

If you are tight on budget and want to explore a cool Ontario Beach gateway then you need to check out ‘Erieau’. I can bet it won’t disappoint you.

Erieau Beach

Erieau Beach is a beautiful natural gateway in Ontario, near Erie Lake. The place is quite popular for its long stretch of white sand beaches making it an ideal place to hang with your partner and friends. During the summer season, the beach attracts thousands of tourists which contributes the most to the Erieau economy.

The water at Erieau Beach 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 parking lot, and a Beach volleyball court. Besides that, it also has a kid’s playground with a lot of swings so that they can also have fun and you don’t have to worry about them. It’s also a dog-friendly beach but make sure your dog has a leash on all the time.

Erieau Ontario Population

According to the data, from Statistics of Canada (2021), Erieau only has a population of around 363 residents which makes it one of the least habitable places in the entire Ontario province. Being so close to Lake Erie, it attracts thousands of nature and outdoor enthusiasts from all over Canada who love to hike and explore nature.

Things to Do In Erieau Ontario

Erie may seem to be a small village, but it has so many adventurous and fun things to do. Whether you are an outdoor person or simply want to relax at the beach, the place will not disappoint you as it has something for everyone.

Have a Sunbath at Erieau Beach

Without any doubt, Erieau has some of the most beautiful beaches in the entire province of Ontario. It’s a perfect location to sunbathe and relax in nature. If you are visiting the beach with your kids, build a castle and have some fun with them.

You can also go on to try some water adventure 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. It’s better to stay away from the deep water if you are not a good swimmer.

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, if you are a newbie or don’t know anything about fishing, still there is a chance that you may catch at least one on your own.

Make sure you have a valid legal fishing license if you want to fish in Ontario, otherwise, you might have to face legal consequences or hefty fines.

Explore the McGeachy Pond Conservation Area

McGeachy Pond Conservation Area is a hidden gem in Erieau to escape the bustle of your everyday life. It has an observation platform known for offering a mesmerizing view of the pond & Erie Lake that’s so soothing to watch, especially at sunset. It’s also a great spot to take many pictures to post on social media profiles. The area remains open throughout the year and is absolutely free to visit and explore.

If you are visiting the place during the fall, you may be able to catch the migration of Monarch Butterflies to McGeachy as it’s a perfect place for their migration.

Go for Picnic in the Park

Going for a Picnic with your friends and family is also a great idea while exploring the Erieau. Listening to the soothing sound of birds chirping while enjoying your favorite snack with your best friend, what else do you need more to have more fun while being in nature?

So, what are you waiting for? Grab your blanket, pack your favorite meal, hop into a car, and find a shady spot in the Erieau Waterfront Park and you are all set to have a great time in Erieau.

Master the Art of Sailing

During the summer season, every year Erieau Yacht Club teaches the kids how to swim as well as sail in the water. If you have a kid (aged between 5-18) they can learn swimming and sailing at the EYC.

They begin their program, 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’s known for its diverse collection of craft beers which make it unique from other breweries in town. If you have a little bit of interest in beer, trust me you can’t afford to miss this unique yet exciting place in Erieau. Here, you will 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 and are curious to know about the history of places, then you can also check out the Erieau Lighthouse which was built back in 1883. It’s a historic monument that used to guide the ship so they wouldn’t sink and 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. It’s also a paradise for birdwatchers, being home to over 360 species, the park is a great place to watch the birds 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. Make sure you book the reservation well in advance to avoid any inconvenience.

Take a Boat Tour

Experiencing the beauty of Lake Erie with a guided boat tour is a different and unique experience that anyone can enjoy. 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 water recreational activities like Kayaking and Canoeing. There are plenty of rental stores in Erieau where you can easily rent out water sports equipment.

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 couple of golf rounds, you can relax and enjoy a delicious meal at the clubhouse.

Explore the Local Village Markets

Erieau has 2 local village markets where you can enjoy fresh produce fruits and vegetables at the best price. Here is a brief overview of the places:

• Wallaceburg Farmers Market: After a 30-minute drive from Erieau, the Wallaceburg Farmers Market is a great place to find fresh produce, baked goods, and other local products. 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. It’s a unique place to explore and you can buy anything from unique home decor to fresh local cuisines.

Ice Cream Delights

Can you imagine enjoying on the beach without ice cream? If not then ErieView Ice Cream is a place that you need to visit, here you can quench your thirst for Ice Cream. The shop is popular for its classic cones of Ice creams with a ton of options to choose from. The long stretch of sidewalk from shop to the Erieau Beach is a perfect way to burn off your Ice cream extra calories.

Go for Shopping

Located about a 20-minute drive, Blenheim is a walking haven for anyone who loves to shop, as the place has everything from home decor to fancy clothes both for men and women. Visitors 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, you must explore 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 can interact with the animals in a safe and controlled environment. It’s a great way to make your kids interested in mother nature and it’s creation.

Catch a Performance at the Erieau Community Centre

Catching a live performance at the Erieau Community Centre is a wonderful way to spend a night and enjoy local entertainment. The community hosts various 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 that has several known tourist attractions that you can explore while staying in the Erieau. 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 some of the best places that you can visit while being in Chatham.

Wheatley Provincial Park

Located just opposite Rondeau Bay, Wheatley Provincial Park is another tourist destination that attracts hundreds of tourists every summer season. It 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. 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. But you can bring one own your own.

Best Restaurants in Erieau Ontario

Erieau has some of the best family-owned restaurants that are just half a mile away from the Beach. These are places 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 famous dish of the restaurant.

• 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 people love to visit the place in the town.

• Erieau Eau Buoy Variety: 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.

Accommodation 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, It’s 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 if you are tight on budget. It’s a comfortable cottage that also rents kayaks, canoes, bicycles, and other water sports equipment to visitors making their stay more comfortable.
  • 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 worth visiting and exploring. The place has 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.

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 need to check out the Erieau, as it’s truly a hidden gem in Southwestern Ontario.