Norfolk County runs along the north shore of Lake Erie, with Long Point, Turkey Point and Port Dover on the lake. This guide rebuilds our earlier draft from the County’s current pages: beaches, marinas, trails, the Friday the 13th event and County contacts. We name no wineries or restaurants, because the County pages we use do not list them.
Facts box
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| County Administration Building | 50 Colborne Street South, Simcoe (Talbot Street entrance) |
| ServiceNorfolk | 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK, extension 0; Monday to Friday, 8:30 am to 4:30 pm |
| After-hours emergencies (roads, sewer, water, parks, facilities) | 1-877-298-5888 |
| After-hours by-law enforcement | OPP non-emergency line, 1-888-310-1122 |
| Census (2021) | Norfolk County: 67,490 people, up 5.4% from 64,044 in 2016; 30,085 private dwellings, 27,594 occupied by usual residents |
| Next Friday the 13th listed | November 13, 2026 |
Quick answer
The County says it has many kilometres of sandy beach on Lake Erie and recommends its two provincial parks, Turkey Point and Long Point, for the beach. For other beaches, read the parking signs and respect private property. Port Dover Beach has its own rules, set by By-law 2023-46.
Beaches
- Long Point. Part of Long Point Provincial Park, on a 40 km sand spit recognized by the United Nations as a biosphere reserve. The County says high water can significantly reduce the beach. It lists eight public beach access points off Woodstock Avenue, Abilgail Becker Parkway, Beach Avenue and Sandy Lane, and offers a PDF map. See our Long Point Provincial Park guide.
- Turkey Point. A long, shallow beach with many sand bars, described as suited to families. It extends into the Turkey Point cottage areas, so the County asks visitors to follow parking signs and respect others’ privacy. See Turkey Point.
- Port Dover. The County owns a small part of the beach and most is private. No lifeguard is on duty. The beach is open daily from dawn to dusk. Fires, dogs (except clearly identifiable service dogs), glass containers, smoking and vaping, barbecues, tents of any kind, large umbrellas and the consumption, serving or sale of alcohol are not permitted. See Port Dover beach.
The County’s tips: visit in off-peak times such as weekdays, arrive early, read all parking signage to avoid a ticket, be aware of weather, pack out what you bring in and have a backup plan if parking is full.
Marinas
Norfolk County owns and operates two marinas. Port Dover Harbour Marina has 458 slips. Port Rowan Harbour Marina has 40 slips, two transient docks and a public launching ramp. The County also publishes live-stream webcams for its marinas.
Trails
The County describes an extensive system of recreational trails and pathways. Its online trail map shows birding trails, canoe and kayak routes and walking and cycling routes. Printable maps cover the Norfolk Rail Trails, Backus Woods, Brooks Conservation Area, the Delhi Rail Trail (Delhi to Simcoe), Hay Creek, the Lynn Valley Rail Trail (Simcoe to Port Dover), the Norfolk Sunrise Trail through Simcoe and the Waterford Heritage Trail from Simcoe to Waterford and north to the County of Brant. Trail etiquette includes daytime use only, no motorized vehicles, no camping or fires and dogs on leash.
Museums
The County’s museums page points visitors to its three museums, the Norfolk County Archives, the historic Alligator Tug and the Carillon Tower, Norfolk’s war memorial, and links to a separate Heritage & Culture website. The trails page also points to the Port Rowan Wetlands on Hunter Drive North in Port Rowan, within the Long Point World Biosphere Reserve.
Port Dover Friday the 13th
The County says that for more than 40 years bikers have travelled to Port Dover on Friday the 13th. The Kinsmen Club of Port Dover and the Port Dover Board of Trade run the event, and the County helps keep people and property safe. Motorcycle parking is allowed only in certain areas, and temporary street closures with tow-away zones apply. Upcoming dates listed are February 13, March 13 and November 13, 2026. Read our Friday the 13th guide.
FAQ
Which Norfolk County beaches does the County recommend?
Its two provincial parks, Turkey Point and Long Point. Checked November 4 2026.
Can I bring a dog to Port Dover Beach?
No, except clearly identifiable service dogs. Checked November 4 2026.
Does Norfolk County run any marinas?
Yes, Port Dover Harbour Marina and Port Rowan Harbour Marina. Checked November 4 2026.
Cottages on the water
Browse cottages in Norfolk County and Long Point or the whole Lake Erie Shores region.
Township Rules Check
Thinking of renting out a cottage here? Run the Township Rules Check. Norfolk County is not in our rules dataset yet, so we state no short-term rental rule for it. Confirm with the County before you list.
Claims table
| # | Claim | Source URL | Checked |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Census (2021): Norfolk County 67,490 people, up 5.4% from 64,044 in 2016; 30,085 private dwellings, 27,594 occupied by usual residents | https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/t1/tbl1/en/tv.action?pid=9810000201 | 2026-11-04 |
| 2 | ServiceNorfolk 519-426-5870 or 226-NORFOLK ext. 0; County Administration Building, Talbot Street entrance, 50 Colborne Street S, Simcoe; after-hours 1-877-298-5888; OPP non-emergency 1-888-310-1122; business hours Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:30 pm | https://www.norfolkcounty.ca/contact/ | 2026-11-04 |
| 3 | Many kilometres of sandy beach; two provincial parks Turkey Point and Long Point; read parking signage; Long Point on 40 km sand spit, UN biosphere reserve, high water reduces beach, eight access points, PDF map; Turkey Point long shallow beach with sand bars, extends into cottage areas | https://www.norfolkcounty.ca/recreation-culture-and-events/beaches/ | 2026-11-04 |
| 4 | Port Dover: County owns a small portion, no lifeguard; open dawn to dusk; By-law 2023-46; prohibited list (fires, dogs except service dogs, glass, littering, smoking and vaping, BBQs, tents, large umbrellas, alcohol, trespassing dusk to dawn); beach tips | https://www.norfolkcounty.ca/recreation-culture-and-events/beaches/ | 2026-11-04 |
| 5 | County owns Port Dover Harbour Marina (458 slips) and Port Rowan Harbour Marina (40 slips, two transient docks, public launching ramp); webcams | https://www.norfolkcounty.ca/recreation-culture-and-events/marinas/ | 2026-11-04 |
| 6 | Trails and pathways; online trail map; printable maps (Rail Trails, Backus Woods, Brooks, Delhi Rail Trail, Hay Creek, Lynn Valley Rail Trail, Norfolk Sunrise, Waterford Heritage); etiquette incl. daytime use only, no motorized vehicles, no camping or fires, dogs on leash; Sunrise Trail through Simcoe; Waterford Heritage Trail Simcoe to Waterford and Brant; Port Rowan Wetlands, Hunter Drive North | https://www.norfolkcounty.ca/recreation-culture-and-events/trails-and-pathways/ | 2026-11-04 |
| 7 | "Visit our three museums" (not named on the page), Norfolk County Archives, Alligator Tug, Carillon Tower war memorial; Heritage & Culture website | https://www.norfolkcounty.ca/recreation-culture-and-events/museums-heritage-and-culture/ | 2026-11-04 |
| 8 | Port Dover Friday the 13th: more than 40 years; run by the Kinsmen Club of Port Dover and Port Dover Board of Trade; motorcycle parking in certain areas; street closures and tow away zones; upcoming dates February 13, March 13, November 13 2026 | https://www.norfolkcounty.ca/recreation-culture-and-events/friday-the-13th/ | 2026-11-04 |
Photo: Declan P, on Unsplash (Unsplash License).