Port Stanley Events 2023
What Is Port Stanley?
Port Stanley is a premier tourist destination renowned for its large, wide and open sandy beach. While a small town with a population of only 2,000 residents, it attracts travellers from all around Canada with its beach, marinas and the vast array of restaurants and attractions.
Best Port Stanley Events
Port Stanley is only recently reopening most of its businesses for the public due to the corona virus pandemic. This means while many restaurants and attractions are currently open, some of the usual major events have yet to be planned for 2023. That said, there are a few events planned nearby to Port Stanley.
🗓 09/03/23 – Special Sale of Indegenous Art Pottery (St. Thomas)
🗓 21/04/23 – Transportation Heritage Exhibit (St. Thomas)
🗓 02/04/23 – London Spring Craft Show (London)
🗓 TBD (Usually in September) – Playwrights Festivals (Port Stanley)
🗓 13/10/23 – Sloan (London)
Where Is Port Stanley?
Port Stanley is located in Ontario, below and a short drive from London city. It is a convenient destination to visit due to the Port Stanley Terminal Rail. The Port Stanley Railway offers tickets for a dedicated tourist train ride between Port Stanley and St. Thomas, one of the city hubs in Ontario. The Train Railway in itself is also an attraction, retaining its retro exterior look.
Things to Do in Port Stanley
Get to the beach! 🏖️
Without a doubt, all visitors must visit its renowned beach. The Port Stanley Main Beach is one of the top beaches in all of Canada, having been awarded a Blue Flag status, certifying its high water-quality and safety for swimming. The beach is truly an attraction for all, with good accessibility for both strollers and wheelchairs. The Port Stanley Little Beach, less than 200 metres away, is a more family friendly and safe option for kids as it is shallower and protected by a berm.
After taking a dip, the town also has a vast number of attractions that will keep you busy during your time there.
Interesting Excursions
Bridgeview Marina ⛵
The Bridgeview Marina offers rental for canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards at an affordable price. Upon rental, they also provide relevant items like paddles, lifejackets, and necessary safety equipment. While the marina does not offer rental fishing rods, they do sell live bait (Dew Worms) by the dozen for $3.50 for those interested in landing a catch.
In and Around Port Stanley
The historic King George Drawbridge was under renovation for some time and reopened to the public in May 2021. The Lift Bridge is Canada’s oldest lift bridge of its kind, being one of the country’s architectural monuments with its sheer feat of engineering even allowing for manual operation. While undergoing renovation, the bridge retains its structure and appearance, keeping its historic significance to the town and as a must visit photo spot.
Food and Drink
Brodericks 🍨
Port Stanley is home to the renowned Brodericks premium ice-creamery. Brodericks has been serving some of the best ice-cream in Canada since its establishment in 1984! Aside from the amazing ice-cream, the decor and exterior has maintained its retro vibe, making it a highly instagramable location and a visit one of the top things to do in Port Stanley
Buccaneer Port Stanley
Port Stanley’s food and drink scene would be incomplete without a mention of the Buccaneer. This cherished local restaurant boasts an impressive menu brimming with fresh, local seafood and traditional Canadian cuisine, served alongside an extensive beverage selection. The Buccaneer, known for its warmth and hospitality, remains committed to delivering top-quality food sourced from the local area. The menu highlights Port Stanley’s maritime heritage through its specialty seafood dishes, featuring delicacies such as freshly caught Lake Erie perch and pickerel. Aside from its delectable dishes, the Buccaneer’s drink menu is equally commendable, offering a wide variety of local craft beers and Canadian wines that cater to every palate. Over the years, it has evolved into a social hub, hosting various events and live entertainment.
Arts & Culture
Art Emporium 🏫
The Art Emporium will certainly be a hit for those that appreciate art. It is primarily run by four local artists, however, its Boathouse Gallery also displays recently created pieces from newer artists. The Gift Botique is an amazing place to pick up some souvenirs, with a vast offering of top-quality hand-crafted goods from over a hundred regional artisans around the area.
Top Attractions to Visit
Whether you’re looking for great theatre, fine dining, a room with a good view or a place to relax and gamble, you can easily find all of that in Port Stanley.
Casinos near Port Stanley
Casino Gateway Casinos & Entertainment Ltd is located in London, and casino Jackpot City is located in St.Thomas, Ontario, next to Port Stanley. They offer live gaming and state-of-the-art technology, including many table games.
The great selection of slots, poker, bingo and table games complimented by a generous helping of exciting daily promotions ensure guests have the best possible experience each time they visit Port Stanley. There you can enjoy some of the finest drinking, dining and gambling opportunities in all of Ontario. If you are far from Port Stanley and do not have the opportunity to visit its casinos, you can visit the best casino online Canada.
Port Stanley Restaurants
Main Street Taqueria 🌮
This authentic Mexican restaurant is amongst some of the highest rated establishments in Port Stanley, and for good reason. Main Street Taqueria uses fresh produce, cooks to order dishes and most importantly delivers true authentic Mexican traditional food.
The Harbour Merchant Coffee Company ☕
An absolute must visit for all coffee lovers in and around the area of Port Stanley. The Harbour Merchant Coffee Company is a micro roaster, meaning they roast coffee in small batches unlike the typical big brands in their factories. This allows them to personally blend and pay special attention to each individual batch, leading to a premium cup every time.
Port Stanley Theatre
A cornerstone of entertainment and culture in the community, the Port Stanley Festival Theatre is a prime destination for all theatre lovers. The theater offers a diverse range of events throughout the year, including drama, comedy, and musical performances. The Port Stanley Festival Theatre’s schedule is usually brimming with engaging events, with September marking a key moment with the Playwrights’ Festival. This gathering is instrumental in fostering the development of new plays, becoming an anticipated event for both locals and visitors.
Obtaining Port Stanley Theatre tickets is a straightforward process. The Stanley Theatre box office is readily accessible for purchasing tickets in person, and their robust online platform allows for easy and convenient ticket booking from the comfort of your home. For those wanting to plan their visit meticulously, the Stanley Theatre seating chart is available online to view and select preferred seats. It provides a detailed seating plan to ensure every guest can find a seat that offers the best possible theatre experience for them.
As part of a broader cultural landscape, Port Stanley Theatre is also a part of Theatre Ontario, an association that supports the growth and nurturing of theatre arts in the province. Theatre Ontario’s involvement ensures the Port Stanley Theatre maintains a high standard of performances and contributes significantly to Ontario’s vibrant theatre scene.
Port Stanley Library
Wanting to relax after your activity packed week? Head to the Port Stanley Library to help wind down with the thousands of available books.
The Port Stanley Library also offers resources and aid to track your own genealogy, with high levels of success if your family had resided in Ontario.
Other Attractions
White Feather Spa 💆
Spoil yourself with a well-deserved trip to Port Stanley’s top day spa, White Feather Spa. The White Feather Spa offers all the expected services from skin cares, facials, waxing and tinting, in a comfortable and relaxing environment. Being a boutique day spa, attention to detail and service are top notch, evident by the constant 5/5 reviews left by patrons.
Places to Stay in Port Stanley
Port Stanley Hotels
Comfort Inn St Thomas 🏨
Comfort Inn St Thomas is a short drive from Port Stanley, and being a Comfort Inn / major hotel brand, it is a top accommodation option for those looking for both comfort and reliability. For late reservation and arrival, the hotel also has 24/7 reception.
Port Stanley Accommodations
Inn on the Habour is a boutique local accommodation that will attract those looking for an authentic and unique experience. Unlike the boring and uniform room layouts in various modern hotels, Inn on the Habour has a wide range of different room options, all having their own style and decor.
Kettle Creek Inn, nestled in the heart of Port Stanley, offers guests an intimate and cozy retreat. This historic inn, built originally in 1849 as a summer home, blends the charm of the old world with modern amenities. With 10 rooms and 5 suites, each uniquely designed and furnished, Kettle Creek Inn is the perfect choice for those seeking a serene and personal accommodation experience. Their award-winning dining, with seasonal menus using locally sourced ingredients, is an added draw, enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Located just steps away from the water’s edge, the Windjammer Inn provides guests with a tranquil seaside experience. This beautiful Victorian-style building features elegantly appointed rooms and top-rated cuisine. The Windjammer Inn stands out for its commitment to eco-friendly practices, including sourcing local and organic food for its restaurant. Each room provides a unique blend of comfort and luxury, making the Windjammer Inn a must-stay for travelers seeking a peaceful and environmentally conscious stay.
The Port Stanley Beach Hotel is ideal for those who wish to enjoy beachfront accommodations. With a rich history dating back to the late 19th century, this hotel offers modern, chic rooms, each with stunning views of Lake Erie. Its proximity to the beach, local shops, and Port Stanley’s famous pier makes it a popular choice for guests. The hotel also has its own restaurant, serving a variety of local and international dishes, providing guests with a convenient and pleasurable dining experience.
Inn on the Harbour is a boutique local accommodation that attracts those seeking an authentic and unique experience. Unlike the standard room layouts found in many modern hotels, Inn on the Harbour offers a wide range of different room options, each with its own style and decor. This characteristic ensures a unique and personable stay, contributing to a truly memorable Port Stanley visit.
Who Is Port Stanley For?
Families
Port Stanley is suitable for families of all ages, with even a dedicated beach with greater safety for the kids. Loved for generations with constant flavour innovations, kids would also adore and be well satisfied with Brodericks, the land of ice-cream. Port Stanley camping is also a great activity for the family, with a free camping site and numerous parking spots in the area. The Berm is prime for birding, with several birds present alongside the berm.
Small Town Charm Seekers
Despite being a popular tourism destination, the community maintains its slow pace, providing an amazing environment for small town charm seekers to take a break from their usually busy lives. The Inn on the Habour and historic King George Lift Bridge are retro charms that will attract those who fancy historic appeal.
Watersports Enthusiasts
Being located on the middle tip of Lake Erie, Port Stanley is a hit location for watersports enthusiasts. As mentioned, the marina offers various rentals for canoes, kayaks and stand-up paddle boards. The marina also offers dock services for both boats and jet skis, allowing watersports enthusiasts to park their beloved equipment safely.
Why Hit The Beach In Port Stanley?
Advantages
🏖️ Long sandy beach
🌳 Natural attractions
⌛ Historic appeal
🍔 Plenty of dining options
🚗 Easy to travel to
Disadvantages
🧑🤝🧑 A bit too “touristy”
💰 Pricey accommodation inside Port Stanley
Conclusion
Port Stanley is a hit destination for all the travelgolic out there, especially for those who love the outdoors. The Port Stanley Beach and marina is highly attractive for water sports enthusiast who can enjoy themselves in a safe environment as the water is connected to Lake Erie, instead of the open sea. The various Port Stanley Restaurants and other things to do in Port Stanley like the theatre and shops will be sure to keep you well occupied during your stay.
Keeping abreast with the latest Port Stanley news will help you stay updated on local events and developments that can enhance your visit. Regular updates provide valuable insights into the town’s vibrant activities and can assist in tailoring your itinerary to match local happenings.