Overview

This is the southern most region in Canada. Jutting like an arrowhead, it digs its way into American latitudes leading to abundant confusion on the part of Americans who often disbelieve that they must leave Detroit southward if they wish to go to Canada!

The Lake Erie coastline is very flat on the western rim, rising to bluffs and rolling sand dunes at Long Point and ending in the colossal Niagara gorge where it pours into Lake Ontario. The region is the flattest in Ontario, but is rolling in places and cut by many rivers.

The summer heat provides the fuel for some of Canada's most impressive Thunderstorm activity especially in the Windsor to London corridor. Be careful if you venture out into the open lakes; both Erie and Huron are big and dangerous.

The region divides up into three zones. Southwestern Ontario comprising Essex, Kent and Lambton Counties. The Lower Bruce covering Grey and parts of Bruce county, and the North shore of Lake Erie covering land from London to Niagara Falls

Provincial Parks

Numerous parks provide plenty of camping in a variety of settings.

1. The Pinery
2. Point Pelee National Park
3. Wheatley
4. Rondeau
5. John E. Pearce
6. Port Bruce
7. Port Burwell
8. Long Point
9. Turkey Point

General Information regarding parks

This is a contact list for the parks. The "Camp Sites" column lists the total available for the park. The "Pull Through" list indicates the fraction that can accomodate trailers. The reservation phone numbers may indicate the regional office in some cases.

These descriptions are linked to the park icons on the map. Clicking on one will bring you to the appropriate park description.

The Pinery

A favourite spot for summer parties. This park is located near the community of Grand Bend It is somewhat out of the way for diving, except for the Kettle Point site.

Point Pelee National Park

This park provides access to the only shore dive wreck in the region. It is Canada's most southern point and is definitely worth the visit. There is no camping in the park, but there are numerous places to chose from around the area. The park is a must visit for several reasons. This lance-like formation juts out into Lake Erie and has impaled a staggering variety of ships on her shoals. The wreck of the Conemaugh lies just off the tip, it struck the point so hard that her propeller blades were snapped off.

Wheatley Provincial Park

Several creeks provide canoeing within the park, and plenty of beach access is available on the lake. Quiet and out of the way.

Rondeau Provincial Park

The second of the three sandspits of Ontario contains the largest remaining stand of Ontario's hardwood forest. Over 200 campgrounds and 12 kilometres of beach give you plenty of room. Easy access to the Rondeau wrecks from this area.

John E. Pearce Provincial Park

No camping is available here, but you can see the sand and clay bluffs that run along a part of the lake shore.

Port Bruce Provincial Park

A neighbouring park to Pearce, no camping is available.

Port Burwell Provincial Park

The nearest park outside Long Point, it features woodlands, meadows, wetlands and dunes. over 200 campsites, and comfort stations with showers are available.

Long Point Provincial Park

Plenty of camping and comfort stations here. The sand and gravel beaches and wetlands make it excellent for bird watching. It is the longest sandspit in Ontario and hides dozens of sunken vessels off her sandy shores.

Turkey Point Provincial Park

Located along lake Erie bluffs, there is almost 2km of beaches, 195 campsites and comfort stations.

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