An Outdoor Wilderness Retreat Like No Other In Ontario

Long Point Eco-Adventures - Ontario's Great Outdoor Adventure

By Bryen Dunn

Long Point Eco-Adventures is a one of a kind, unique, outdoors wilderness retreat that’s located in Turkey Point, Norfolk County in Ontario. Originally a tobacco farm, two local former employees ended up purchasing the property and then reselling to the current owners, who opened it as its current incarnation in 2009. It’s ideally situated overlooking the Long Point Bay and Turkey Point Marsh, and not far from the shores of Lake Erie, making it the perfect outdoors playground for those visiting southwestern Ontario.

Site Manager, Adam VanPaassen, explains how Long Point came about. “In a local seminar, naturalist speaker Robin Tapley was giving a presentation on dark skies. Our area has extremely dark skies due to its distance from large city centres, as well as its proximity to Lake Erie. The owners, both keen mountain bikers, knew a potential observatory could be the start of something fun. After a few bike rides and some late-night stargazing, the dream of what has become Long Point Eco-Adventures was born.”

Some of the onsite or nearby adventures offered include a zipline and canopy tour through the Carolinian Forest, that provides an educational experience where the guides talk about nature and wildlife. Other activities include a visit to a beekeeper, cycling (road and mountain), Zodiak boat tours, kayaking, and fishing. Other than the zipline and observatory, one of the more popular offsite activities is the Big Creek Kayak Tour or the Trip to the Tip.

In terms of events, every July there’s a "Smugglers Run" trail race, with distances of six, 12 or 18km. As well, there’s a “Mushroom Foray” where guests go on a guided hike and learn about the different types of mushrooms, and afterwards the participants are treated to a dinner paired with wine from nearby Burning Kiln Winery.

“This particular event is our most popular annual event and sells out every year. It has also been recognized as one of Canada’s signature experiences,” states Lucas Crandall, Marketing.

“Being right next door to a Unesco World Biosphere Reserve, we believe it is our duty to educate visitors on the importance of respecting the environment. We also partner with Eco Stay. For every overnight stay, we make a donation to this organization which plants trees in return.

During the transition of this property from unused farmland to what it is now, many steps were taken to produce as many natural features as possible. We also allow keen employees to complete projects on site such as erosion control management, snake hibernaculum building, addition of bird houses or duck boxes, and many more,” explains Crandall.

Long Point Eco-Adventures provides luxury glamping accommodations which are not only unique to the Long Point area, but to Ontario. The design is purely Canadian with inspiration taken from one of the owners’ experience in Africa climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. There are a variety of overnight accommodation options available, from Wilderness Suites, complete with a king or queen bed, private flush toilet and outdoor hot shower, activities concierge, and fridge. Rates range from $199 to $299 per night double occupancy based on season. Wilderness Pods are slightly smaller and offer shared shower facilities, ranging from $185 to $285, while Camping Pods are more rustic, with no electricity and shared outhouses, ranging from $95 to $135. All accommodations include a full hot buffet breakfast.

There’s also the Mabee Marsh Cabin that’s available year-round, located on the bluffs of the Turkey Point Marsh, overlooking the inner bay of Lake Erie. It has four bedrooms and can accommodate up to 11 guests, complete with a full bathroom, fireplace, kitchen, living, and dining areas. As well, a variety of two-night vacation packages can be booked which include your overnight accommodations, most meals, and a selection of outdoor activities. Choose from Weekend Warrior, Quintessential Escape, Romance Under the Stars, or Lumberjacks Unite Group Vacay. Prices vary depending on the accommodation option chosen.

Long Point Eco-Adventures is also close to local wineries, breweries, and even a cidery, to refresh after a fun-filled day of outdoor pursuits. The property is ideal for couples, families, outdoor enthusiasts, and corporate/educational retreats. This year also sees the addition of a full restaurant and brewery, and in the summer months there’s a public shuttle along the Lakeshore that connects to all the beach towns and tourist destinations. Glamping at its best, with adventure... and relaxation! ~

Long Point Eco-Adventures 1730 Front Road St. Williams, Ontario 1-877-743-8687 www.lpfun.ca