Port Dover Vacation Rentals

Port Dover vacation rentals are mostly comprised of spacious houses and cabins. Many of these rentals are on the shoreline of Lake Erie, and include decks with views across the water. Here's some more information about how to spend your vacation in this beautiful lakeside town.

Enjoy Local Delicacies

Head to Knechtel's, a shop and restaurant near the beach in Port Dover that only stocks locally-produced items. Buy some delicious homemade bread, local cheese, and sun-ripened tomatoes for a delicious picnic on the beach. They also stock a range of sauces, local meats, and craft beers and ciders. Browse for your favorite items for dinner back at your cottage. Many Port Dover cottage rentals have features such as decks with barbecue grills.

The Arbor is located straight across the road from the main beach, and is a typical beachside takeout. Pop over for some delicious fries or a cookie dough ice cream with chocolate pieces whenever the urge for a quick snack hits you on the beach. They also offer a wide range of options such as hamburgers, waffles, and ribs.

Port Dover's Heritage

The Port Dover Harbour Museum is a unique building in that the second floor includes the front half of a ship. The museum houses a number of interactive exhibits covering the history of Port Dover, the shipwrecks of Lake Erie, and the importance of fishing to the town. There is a large collection of photographs taken over the last 100 years, showing the changes in the Port Dover area.

Visit the Port Dover Lighthouse, a historic landmark. The original lighthouse burnt down in 1843, and its replacement stands today. At the base of the lighthouse, you will find a small room with some artifacts and displays describing the lighthouse's history. Climb to the top to enjoy views of the lake and town.

Fun for the Whole Family

Arbortown Mini-golf is a fun day out for the whole family, with challenging obstacles for the adults and easier options for the kids. The facility is well-maintained, and there's a small cafe attached where you can grab a cool drink and snack after your round.

Go fishing with the kids at one of the calm, safe bays and creeks around Port Dover. You can buy or rent equipment in town if you haven't brought your own. Fishing cruises are a great option for older children who would like to test their fishing skills.

Going Out in Port Dover

The Lighthouse Festival Theatre offers evening shows throughout the summer. The bigger shows tend to sell out very quickly so book ahead. The majority of performances are by local artists and theater groups, with some national shows also making stops there. A variety of shows are performed, from comedy to live music and dramatic productions.

Check out the Norfolk Tavern for a fun night out. They host live bands almost every night and there's sure to be a song that will get you out on the dance floor. There's a wide range of drinks on its menu and the food is excellent. If you prefer playing a bit of pool, head over to Angelo's just down the road, which also offers live music and karaoke.

Adventures Around Port Dover

In the heart of Port Dover, you'll find a tiny winery called Smoke and Gamble Cellars. They are known for creating finely-aged wines with rich, fruity notes. Spend a few hours on the deck overlooking the manicured lawns as you enjoy a glass. The wine is made from ripe dried, frozen grapes that are brought to the winery.

Take a boat tour of the local shoreline along Lake Erie. There are a number of operators in town offering guided excursions between 1 to 2 hours. Get a fantastic experience of the lake on a sunset tour with snacks and champagne.

Friday the 13th at Port Dover

Friday the 13th Port Dover is one of the biggest single-day motorbike events in the world. The event started in 1981 and gets bigger every year. Every Friday the 13th, thousands of bikers converge on Port Dover for this unique event. The festival features live music, parties, and beer tents. If you love motorbikes and biker culture, then this is your kind of festival.

Head to the Port Dover Summer Festival, which includes Art in the Park. This event is held in August every year and attracts visitors from all over. Browse through artworks and crafts made by local and national artists. The festival includes live music, food vendors, and a beer garden.

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