Niagara Falls 
Port Colborne is known for many things when it comes to being a tourist destination. The Lake Erie and Niagara region town is one of the quieter places in the region for a summer getaway.
Credit: Port Colborne/Flickr
But above all, the reason to stay a day or weekend in Port Colborne is the area’s beach town vibe. During the summers, Port Colborne is a bustling place thanks to its beautiful swimming beaches, rich culture and history, and several places to stay.
Beach bum or not, Port Colborne has something for all vacation and getaway types. Turn your Port Colborne summer getaway into a memorable family vacation, a relaxing escape for two, or a group getaway with more friends and family.
The Beach, the Canal and Water Adventures
The Port Colborne public beaches are some of Ontario’s and Lake Erie’s most beautiful and accessible beaches. Each is quite large and long, with stretches of soft sand. Plus, Port Colborne is where the Welland Canal joins with Lake Erie, offering spectacular ship viewing opportunities.
- Nickel Beach is a popular spot for windsurfing, swimming, and beach picnics. The park offers amenities like washrooms and beach volleyball courts. Get out on the water at Nickel Beach with the newer attraction: Splashtown Niagara, an inflatable waterpark.
- Cedar Bay Beach has plenty of space for swimming, floating, and lazing on the beach. Plus, this Lake Erie beach also offers amenities like beach volleyball courts, tennis courts, picnic pavilions, and washrooms.
- The Waterfront boardwalk and Sugarloaf Marina are some of the most scenic places to get waterfront views or photos in Port Colborne.
- Lock 8 Gateway Park features an elevated viewing platform, flower gardens, fountains, and a picnic pavilion perfect for watching ships navigate the Welland Canal’s southernmost lock.
- Take a unique beach tour with HorsePlay Niagara. Their summer horseback rides bring your trail ride right to the shores of the lake.
- Not all of the water fun around Port Colborne needs to take place on Lake Erie; west of Port Colborne is the Wainfleet Wetlands Conservation Area, where canoers and kayakers can explore the quarry.
The Best Trails around Port Colborne
- One of the best walking trails in Port Colborne is on The Island and Lock 8 Gateway Park. Follow the water north to find the trails around the Derek Point Memorial Garden.
- Explore the 2.8km trail around the quarry of the Wainfleet Wetlands Conservation Area, where there are excellent birding and nature photography opportunities.
- The Mud Lake Conservation Area is opposite the Old Welland Canal north of Port Colborne. Choose between three main trails. The Blue Heron Trail is the longest at 3.1km and loops around the entire site.
Historical & Cultural Attractions in Port Colborne
A walk or bike ride around Port Colborne will reveal the beachside town’s many historic buildings, public art, and historical monuments. Plus, there are local attractions to visit and learn about the arts or town history.
- Port Colborne Historical & Marine Museum is open all summer. Explore the heritage buildings and local artifacts before stopping by Arabella’s Tea Room. They also offer guided tours every Friday during the summer.
- The Incredible Shrinking Mill is a fascinating optical illusion created by the interplay of light, water, and landscape. As you travel east on Lakeshore Road, the mill appears close, framed by Sugarloaf Hill and trees. However, as you travel towards it, the mill seems to shrink and recede.
- Catch summer entertainment from the Lighthouse Festival Theatre with locations in Port Colborne and Port Dover.
I have never heard of Port Colborne’s shrinking mill business, so I thought this was some video editing trick but alas, it is a real thing https://t.co/4eK6FZOMUh pic.twitter.com/5R5VKrtTft
— Elamin Abdelmahmoud (@elamin88) May 17, 2020
Summer Dining in Port Colborne
To find great local eats in Port Colborne, follow the Canal! The west side of the canal and Lock 8 Gateway Park are where you’ll find family restaurants, cafes, takeout for the beach, patios, local drinks, and international cuisine.
- Find the best summer patios for your getaway with restaurants like The Garden Houzz, Whiskey & Walleye, or The Smokin’ Buddha.
- Shop the sweeter side of Port Colborne with bakeries and shops like The Pie Guys Bakery & Cafe, Candy Safari, or Danny’s Ice Cream Hut.
- Between Welland, Port Colborne, and Crystal Beach are three local breweries to try: Brimstone Brewing, Breakwall Brewing Company, and Bridgewater Brewery. NB Distillers near Welland are also open for pre-booked tasting sessions.
Summer Events
Help the town of Port Colborne to celebrate each summer! Every August, Port Colborne pays tribute to their marine heritage and history, and all summer, the local arts and culture are celebrated on a weekly basis.
- Port Colborne’s Annual Canal Days & Heritage Festival takes place every August long weekend courtesy of the local museum. Celebrate local history with family-friendly activities, live entertainment, and historical displays.
- Shop local this summer with the Saturday Summer Farmers’ Market held in downtown Port Colborne.
- There are many chances for live entertainment in Port Colborne this season like the Summer Community Concert Series, or the Sugarloaf Marina Pavilion Concerts hosted by Whiskey & Walleye.
Where to Stay in Port Colborne
There are seemingly over 100 options for places to stay around Port Colborne. This includes a huge variety of types of accommodations, too!
- Stay within the heart of it all in Port Colborne with locations like the Belmont Port Colborne, Canal Side Restaurant & Inn, or Talwood Manor Bed and Breakfast.
- The outskirts of Port Colborne have a lot to offer, including peace, quiet, and tranquillity away from the main streets. These include the South Coast Guest House, or Sun Retreats at Sherkston Shores.
- Whether you want to be near the beach, the canal, or the restaurants, these private vacation rentals offer it all. Find several Port Colborne options with VRBO and Airbnb.
