Rondeau Provincial Park Day Trip
Just over 90 minutes from London, Rondeau Provincial Park is one of the easiest and most rewarding day trips you can take. Hop on the bus, settle in, and before you know it you're standing on 11 kilometres of sandy Lake Erie beach with warm, swimmable water stretching out in front of you.
Beach & Swimming
Rondeau's sandy shoreline is the real showstopper. With 11 beach access points spread along the Lake Erie side of the peninsula, you'll have no trouble finding your own stretch of sand. Prefer calmer water? The Rondeau Bay side offers a more sheltered spot for a dip.
Hiking & Trails
The park has 7 trails covering over 30 km, and they're all beautifully different. The Tulip Tree Trail (1.2 km) is an easy boardwalk loop through old-growth Carolinian forest — great for all ability levels, including wheelchairs and strollers. If you're looking for more of a challenge, the Harrison Trail runs 8 km to the tip of the peninsula, passing through oak woodland, savanna, and some of the oldest trees in the province. The Black Oak Trail and Warbler's Way are shorter options that are especially rewarding during bird migration season.
Visitor Centre & Discovery Programs
Stop by the Visitor Centre for interactive displays, live animal exhibits, and an indoor theatre. Throughout the warmer months, park naturalists run guided hikes, children's programs, campfire talks, and special events that bring the park's ecology to life.
Birding
Rondeau is a world-renowned birding destination and a designated Canadian Important Bird Area. Over 360 species have been spotted here, including the endangered Prothonotary Warbler. Spring and fall migration seasons turn the peninsula into a hotspot for warblers, thrushes, flycatchers, and Tundra Swans. Even casual observers will be amazed at what they can spot.
Carolinian Forest
This isn't your typical Ontario woodland. Rondeau protects the largest remaining area of old-growth Carolinian forest in Canada — think towering Tulip Trees, Sassafras up to 500 years old, and Shagbark Hickory. It's a rare southern ecosystem that most Ontarians never get to see, and it's right here on a sandy peninsula jutting into Lake Erie.
Pickup Locations
Rondeau Visitor Centre
Drop-off & Pick-up: Visitor Centre Parking Lot. Your home base for the day. Explore interactive exhibits and live animals inside, then step out to nearby trails, sandy Lake Erie beaches, and 30+ km of hiking.
Estimated arrival
Departure
How long is the bus ride from London to Rondeau Provincial Park?
The ride is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, making this one of the shortest Parkbus day trips from London. Sit back, relax, and let us handle the driving.
What should I bring?
Bring a swimsuit and towel if you want to hit the beach, comfortable walking shoes or hiking boots for the trails, sunscreen, a hat, water, snacks, and bug spray. A packed lunch is a good idea as food options inside the park are limited.
Are the trails suitable for beginners?
Absolutely. The Tulip Tree Trail is a 1.2 km boardwalk loop that's flat, accessible, and perfect for first-time hikers, families with strollers, or anyone looking for a relaxed walk through stunning old-growth forest. Several other trails in the park are also rated easy.
Can I swim at the park?
Yes! Rondeau has 11 km of sandy beach along Lake Erie with multiple access points. Lake Erie's south-facing beaches tend to be warm and inviting in summer. If you prefer calmer water, the Rondeau Bay side is more sheltered.
Is the Visitor Centre open during our trip?
The Visitor Centre typically operates during the warmer months with interactive exhibits, live animal displays, and an indoor theatre. Check the Ontario Parks website closer to your trip date for specific hours and programming.
Is there food available in the park?
There are limited food options within the park itself. We recommend packing your own lunch, snacks, and plenty of water. Rondeau Joe's Pub, located just outside the park gates on Rondeau Bay, is a popular spot if you're looking for a sit-down meal.
Do I need to pay a park entry fee?
Your Parkbus ticket covers your transportation. Park entry fees, if applicable, are typically included or will be communicated at the time of booking.
Is this trip good for families with kids?
Very much so. Between the sandy beaches, the accessible boardwalk trail, the Visitor Centre with live animals, and summer Discovery programs designed for kids, Rondeau is one of the most family-friendly parks in the province.
What makes Rondeau special compared to other Ontario parks?
Rondeau is Ontario's second-oldest provincial park, established in 1894. It sits on a rare crescentic sand spit — one of only two like it in all of North America. It protects the largest area of Carolinian forest in Canada and is a world-renowned birding destination with over 360 recorded species. For a short bus ride from London, you get access to ecosystems and landscapes that are truly unique in Ontario.
What if it rains?
The Visitor Centre is a great indoor option with its interactive exhibits and theatre. The forested trails are also quite pleasant in light rain, as the tree canopy provides good cover. We recommend bringing a light rain jacket just in case.
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