Kitchener 
Port Stanley, a vibrant lakeside community centred around the pristine Lake Erie, offers a rich blend of outdoor fun and cultural activities.
Port Stanley invites you to indulge in water adventures, explore historical sites, and enjoy local cuisine. From Blue Flag beaches and scenic trails to summer theatre and charming markets, experience the perfect mix of relaxation and excitement.
Beach Fun & Water Adventures in Port Stanley
Summer fun in Port Stanley is centred around Lake Erie Beach. The town’s main beach has access to downtown, dining, and views is near accommodations and is filled with more activities on or off the waters. There will be chances for self-guided or guided water adventures, swimming in Blue Flag waters, shopping, and more. This area also has a wonderful array of vacation rentals, cabins, cottages, and accommodation options.
- The Main Port Stanley Beach is one of Ontario’s Blue Flag Beaches with impeccably clean swimming water. More of the park’s highlights include beach volleyball nets, beach restaurants, lifeguards, and a large picnic area.
- Port Stanley’s Little Beach makes for a quieter experience but still offers amenities like parking, washrooms, and picnic areas (however, no lifeguard).
- Choose between a few different water adventures with Legends of Lake Erie, which offers local boat tours. Their packages include a Lake Erie Picnic, Sunset Cruises, the Family Adventure, or the Cruise and Dine package.
- Embark on a self-guided water adventure with the nonmotorized boat rentals from Bridgeview Marina.
- Enjoy a sunrise over the water from Little Beach or a sunset from Main Beach.
Historical & Cultural Attractions
There is an incredible amount of history to explore around Port Stanley and the rest of Elgin County. And among the historical or cultural attractions are a few featured events taking place during the summer.
- Port Stanley Festival Theatre release a new summer season of shows each year. The local playhouse puts on live plays and musical theatre.
- The Whistlestop Trail connects St. Thomas to the north with Port Stanley. The trail is most easily explored by car or bike and involves a number of historical sites along the route.
- Embark on a scenic train ride with the Port Stanley Terminal Rail, the town’s longest-running tourist attraction! Aside from their regular trips open from spring to fall, the tourist train also hosts Music on the Rails during the summer, offering guests a live music experience on the train.
- Do not miss checking out the King George VI Lift Bridge and see how it operates as sailboats pass through Kettle Creek.
- By mid-August, it will start to feel like Halloween is right around the corner with the help of the Backus-Page House Museum outside Port Stanley. Join them for their featured ghost tour and paranormal investigation of St. Peter’s Church. And on any other day during the summer, the Museum is open for visitors to browse the grounds, artifacts, and authentic mercantile.
The Best Trails near Port Stanley
Some of those trails are right in Port Stanley or start in town. Exploring Port Stanley and the surrounding areas is a lot more fun on foot or by bike than in a car. There are also great trails with a variety of views.
- Travel the trail from the Port Stanley Main Beach and Hofhuis Park down the pier and to the Port Stanley Lighthouse and historical landmark for excellent views of Lake Erie.
- The Solitude Nature Reserve near Port Stanley will offer just that: solitude and a quiet escape from the often busy beaches of town. The main wooded trail is wheelchair/stroller accessible, and scenic picnic areas surround the park’s pond.
- Follow the Elgin Hiking Trail from the north side of Port Stanley and follow it for as far as you like, as it follows Kettle Creek to St. Thomas for 16 km, and continues for another 25!
The Best Summer Dining in Port Stanley
The restaurants, cafes, pubs, and ice cream parlours of Port Stanley offer a huge variety of cuisine among them. Find places on the sand at the Main Beach, or explore the town on foot or by bike to discover the great patios, drinks, ice cream, sweets, breakfast, or brunch opportunities.
- Cool off over the hotter summer days with Broderick’s Ice Cream Parlour or Dairy Goddess Ice Cream Shop.
- Find the closest dining to the main beach with spots right on the sand, including GTs On The Beach (seasonal), Mackie’s, or the Buccaneer Bar And Grill
- More dining can be found near the Little Beach, like Mainstreet Taqueria.
- Port Stanley is home to a number of great patios like those at Two Forks, Riva Italian Restaurant, or Pierside Pub.
- Great Lakes Farms not only offers café dining from their gorgeous patio, but also summer u-pick, and kids’ farm games.
- The Fire Hall Market is a year-round farmers’ market in Port Stanley where you’ll find numerous fresh picnic foods, and food truck vendors.
Where to Stay in Port Stanley
Whether you prefer to stay close to the beaches and water, the shopping and dining, a certain attraction, or away from it all, there are several options for places to stay across Port Stanley.
- Between VRBO and Air BnB, there are many private vacation rentals listings in Port Stanley. These include waterfront accommodations, cabins and cottages, large homes, and even a cabin on the water.
- Find a variety of charming inns within town including the Port Stanley Beach Hotel, The Windjammer Inn, Inn on the Harbour, Kettle Creek Inn.
