Rondeau Provincial Park
Rondeau Provincial Park is the second oldest provincial park in Ontario. It was established in 1894 and is situated on an 8 km long stretch of sandspit extending into Lake Erie, about 40 km from Chatham-Kent.
Rondeau Provincial Park provides guests the opportunity to witness one of the largest area of old growth Carolinian forest in Canada. It also features a long sandy beach, large marshland where wildlife and birds are plentiful, and convenient campgrounds and park amenities.
Rondeau Bay translates from the French words meaning “round water,” which describes the horseshoe shape of the natural harbour sheltered by the peninsula. This protected area is a stopover point for many migrating butterflies and birds and home to many resident birds such as the prothonotary warbler and other rare and endangered species. It has been designated as a Canadian Important Bird Area.
We recommend visiting the Ontario Parks’ website for up-to-date information and details on Rondeau Provincial Park. For information about other places of interest to explore nearby, keep scrolling to see what Destination Ontario recommends.
Accessibility Features
Support persons welcome
Service animals welcome
Accessible washroom
Accessible recreation trails
Wheelchair and/or mobility devices available
More about Rondeau Provincial Park
Rondeau Provincial Park features a total of 11 km of sandy beach areas where swimmers and outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy the natural beauty of the beach, water and surrounding area.
Rondeau Provincial Park has many other activities and amenities available, including 7 distinct trails to enjoy running, hiking, mountain biking, cycling or rollerblading.
Black Oak Trail is a 1.4 km trail through a narrow strip of pine-oak savannah. The meadows along the way bloom with lovely wildflowers such as wild columbine, woodland sunflower and wood lily. This trail is especially great for birdwatching during peak migration periods in both spring and autumn.
The 8 km Harrison Trail follows an old gravel roadway through the old growth Carolinian Forest in the heart of the park to the lighthouse at the end of the peninsula. The trail is named after a former lighthouse keeper, Thomas Harrison, who walked the route daily to tend to the station.
The newest trail in Rondeau is Warbler’s Way, created to celebrate the park’s 125th anniversary in 2019. The 0.5 km trail lives up to its name with fantastic views for watching migrating warblers and other birds like orioles and vireos. The trail also provides easy access for plant identifiers looking to see bloodroot and black walnut. You’ll also see many man-made piles, which are habitats for the park’s reptile residents.
The popular Spicebush Trail offers 1.5 km of amazing wildflower viewing. Look for mayapples, solomon’s seal, maidenhair ferns and broad beech.
Other nature walks include the Tulip Tree Trail, Southpoint Trail and Marsh Trail, with more great flora and fauna viewing opportunities. Winter activities at the park include snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and ice-fishing.
The park offers a mix of campsites with electric RV hookups, as well as tenting sites, all with easy access to convenient comfort stations. There are boat launches, wheelchair accessible areas, showers, fire pits and grills, playgrounds, picnic shelters, easy access parking areas, boat docks, laundry facilities, garbage and recycling stations. Learn more about the historic park at the visitor centre.
Last updated: August 18, 2023