5 Reasons to Live in Norfolk County

#1 Lots to do in Norfolk County

Norfolk County is an emerging region for wineries with a goal to become Canada‘s next official wine region. Some afternoon outings include lavender farms, corn mazes, rodeos, zip lining, bird watching, craft breweries plus lots of local canoeing, kayaking and windsurfing opportunities.

Golfers enjoy a variety of over a dozen 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. All of the 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, a huge plus if you are choosing a cottage this way. 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.

#2 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.

#3 Lake Erie - Great lake, Great life.

Most southerly and warmest of all the Great Lakes, 21 to 24 Celsius in the summer results in 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 carribean 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)

#4 Real Estate Value
Whether your preference is for your full time or part time home Norfolk offers many rural and urban opportunities. 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.

Large farms, hobby farms and wood lots aplenty. There are many seasonal opportunities with boat dockage and for less than you would pay for a cottage up North you can get 20 to 50 acres of privacy with hundreds of feet of waterfront. With easy year round access and a longer spring and fall season you will get much more use of your cottage. Many people use their Cottage while they are working and make it their full time home when they retire.

#5 Location, Location, Location
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.

The Norfolk General Hospital is a full service Hospital located in Simcoe.