Categories: Travel

Ontario’s second-oldest park has a historical lighthouse trail to explore

Photo via @rondeau_pp on Instagram

Ontario’s second-oldest provincial park is not only home to beautiful beaches, but it’s also where history and nature meet. This beautiful escape from reality can only be found along Lake Erie. It’s surrounded by rare, centuries-old trees that are simply begging to be explored.

Located just about three hours west of Toronto is Rondeau Provincial Park. It has a home right on the Lake Erie side of the Rondeau peninsula.

Next stop in 2026: Rondeau Provincial Park

According to Ontario Parks, if you’re on the hunt for fun outdoor activities, this park is perfect for hiking, biking and rollerblading. Here, you’ll have the chance to explore seven different trails that range from a 1.5 km loop to an 8 km adventure one way.

Hiking adventures

The options feel almost endless at Rondeau Provincial Park. Here’s a breakdown of its thrilling trails:

Spice Bush Trail – 1.5km loop, 1 hour, easy: Winds through a southern hardwood forest of old-growth Tulip Tree, American Beech, and maple. Its forest floor blossoms with wildflowers in the spring. According to Ontario Parks, it explores the transition between Carolinian forest and marsh and is a great site for bird watching.
Black Oak Trail – 1.4 km loop, 1 hour, easy: Winds through a narrow strip of Pine-Oak Savanna. There are a number of meadows along the trail that bloom with Wood Lily, Wild Columbine, and Woodland Sunflower. Another spot that is perfect for bird watching.
Tulip Tree Trail – 1.2 km loop, 1 hour, easy: Travels through a mature Carolinian forest with the majority of it being boardwalk. You’ll even have the chance to see examples of Carolinian trees that are rare in Ontario. These include tulip trees, sassafras, and Shagbark Hickory. In May, this is also the best trail to see the endangered Prothonotary Warbler.
Marsh Trail – 7.2 km one way, 14.4 km return, 5-6 hours, easy: Trail starts on Water Street, adjacent to the Marsh Building, and runs along Rondeau Bay, through the extensive wetland area. “After the first 1km of your walk, you will come to a swallow nesting structure, an excellent addition to the ecological integrity of Rondeau,” shares Ontario Parks. “Many species of turtles, frogs, and birds are seen along this trail, and keep your eyes open for some of our Species at Risk like the Spotted Gar, Bald Eagle and Swamp Rose Mallow.”
Rondeau Road – 2 km one way, 40 minutes, easy: This part of the paved road is closed for most of the year to vehicle traffic. So it serves as the perfect location for biking, walking and rollerblading.
South Point Trail – 8 km, loop, 2.5 hours, easy: The South Point Trail follows an old roadway around the tip of the Rondeau peninsula. You will travel through an extensive Oak Savanna, along the Lake Erie Shoreline and then through the heart of Rondeau’s Carolinian Forest. According to Ontario Parks, the middle part of the trail is currently washed out.

Even cyclists can enjoy 38.5 km of trails while exploring the mature Carolinian forest. Cycle past 200-year-old trees and its rare Oak Savanna.

Though each trail has its own incredible advantages, if you’re a history buff, you’ll want to embark on the Harrison Trail. According to Ontario Parks, this trail was once a gravel roadway. It was made for access to the lighthouse that is found at the tip of the peninsula.

Walking history

Friends of Rondeau shared that the trail has a historical significance, considering Thomas Harrison walked it every night to illuminate the lighthouse.

But that’s not all that makes this park stand out. It’s also a world-renowned bird-watching destination. Its annual springtime “Festival of Flight” attracts birdwatchers from across Ontario and the United States, too.

When the weather is just right, and you’re ready to cool off, head to its beaches. Enjoy 11 km of its beautiful sandy coast.

But be aware! Tread lightly, and don’t move the driftwood.

According to Ontario Parks, “these beach and dune habitats are home to many species at risk, including the endangered Fowler’s Toad and Common Five-lined Skink.”

It’s time to be one with nature and explore all Ontario has to offer this spring.