Year Round Cottage Rentals
Norfolk County
Norfolk County is located on the north shore of Lake Erie in Southwestern Ontario, with a population of 67,490 (2021).
Norfolk County is a nature lovers gem with over 25% forested cover. We are known for our Carolinian forests, a complex ecosystem resulting in a blend of species and habitats found nowhere else in Canada. Long point is a major spring and fall migratory stopover for birds including the tundra swans, monarch butterflies and dragonflies.
Driving south from Toronto airport we are 90 minutes, travelling south on the 401/403 for 45 minutes and then an easy relaxing 45 minutes past farmland and forests.
Things to Do
Norfolk County is an emerging region for wineries with a goal to become Canada‘s next official wine region. Other afternoon outings include lavender farms, corn mazes, rodeo, zip lining, bird watching, craft breweries plus lots of local canoeing, kayaking and windsurfing opportunities. Golfers enjoy a variety of golf courses.
Norfolk County has a series of converted rail trails through numerous habitats which are ideal for cycling and hiking in the spring, summer and fall and many are open year-round for cross country skiing/snowshoeing in the winter.
A strong arts community including live summer theatre in Port Dover and twice annually very talented artists from across Norfolk County open their studios to the public for a self guided weekend art tours. Communities have local music and art festivals, fall fairs and parades, so there is rarely a shortage of finding something to occupy your time.
Norfolk County does not shut down for the winter. Santa and his entourage even arrive via fishing tug to celebrate Port Dover's Christmas fest followed by the popular Polar Bear Dip on New Year's day.
Good Locally Sourced food
If you’re a foodie you will enjoy dozens of specialty food stores and restaurants including many fine dining options. Norfolk County is known as Ontario's garden for our fertile sandy soil, mild climate and a long growing season. We are an excellent source for concord grapes and Canada‘s number one growers of asparagus, sour cherries, ginseng, pumpkin, squash, strawberries, blueberries, Saskatoon berries and our sweet corn is sweeeeeet!
Farmers markets and dozens of farm retail markets gives us easy access to the freshest produce, free range eggs, locally raised small herd, antibiotic free beef, pork and poultry. Locals buy fresh caught and filleted perch and pickerel directly from the fishermen.
Great Lake, Great Life
Most southerly and warmest of all the Great Lakes, 21 to 24 Celsius in the summer means a longer boating and cottage season. For the fisherman, Lake Erie is the lake that keeps on giving. Spring for lake trout and rainbow trout, Summer for perch and pickerel (walleye) and some of the best small and largemouth bass fishing in Canada. In the fall the sportsman fishes for pike and musky and then ice fishing in the winter for pike and perch. FUN fact: We eat more fish from Lake Erie then all of the other great lakes combined.
The lake is very picturesque. Clear water combined with a sandy bottom gives it a Caribbean blue hue and photographers love the stunning sunrises, sunsets and amazing cloudscapes.
Long Point and Pottahawk island are popular spots for anchoring and spending the day enjoying the sandy beaches and sandbars. The Lake Erie Interclub, a challenging series of Lake Erie port-to-port races for cruising and racing auxiliary sailboats is a popular event. The series provides five days of fun and exciting sailboat racing, as the yachts race from port to port. In addition, the regatta provides ample time to experience the hospitalities of the participating clubs, as well as to discover the wonders of each port.
FUN fact: Lake Erie lake is 388 km long and 92 km wide with 1402 km of shoreline (including islands).
Real Estate
Thinking of buying Real Estate in Norfolk County? Whether your preference is for a full time or part time home, Norfolk offers many rural and urban choices.
Simcoe is popular for those seeking a larger Urban community with many newer neighbourhoods. Port Dover to Long Point attracts those seeking the lakeside lifestyle and is very popular with retirees seeking bungalows and condominiums. Other opportunities include large farms, hobby farms and seasonal properties with boat dockage.
With easy year round access and a longer spring and fall season you will get much more use of your cottage. Many people use or rent out their Cottage while they are working and make it their full time home when they retire.
​
For questions regarding Buying Real Estate in Norfolk County contact Cindy Pichette Broker, Gold Coast Real Estate Brokerage or call Cindy at 519-718-1428.