This Ontario beach town is a slice of paradise and locals say it's better than they expected

It has sandy shores and small town charm.

Lead Writer, Travel

Although the ground may be covered in snow, it's never too soon to start dreaming about sunny days and sandy beaches. This dreamy beach town with sparkling shores is an idyllic escape, and you might want to add it to your bucket list.

We asked readers on Narcity Canada's Facebook page to share Ontario destinations that were way better than they thought they would be, and this beach town came up as a highlight.

Port Dover is a charming community perched on the shores of Lake Erie. It's home to shimmering waters, local shops, restaurants and more, making it a dreamy spot for a summer vacay.

In the downtown area, you'll discover cute boutiques, cafes, and various attractions. Notable sites include the Lighthouse Festival Theatre and the Port Dover Harbour Museum.

You can grab a waterside bite to eat at The Beach House, which offers boozy drinks and a range of dishes.

According to Ontario's Southwest, the Port Dover beach will have you feeling "like you've arrived in the ultimate Ontario resort town."

Keep in mind that much of the beach is privately owned, so be sure to stick to public areas during your visit. There are several other beautiful beaches in the area, such as Turkey Point and Long Point, where you can find a longer stretch of shoreline.

With its small-town charm and sparkling waters, Port Dover is an enchanting destination that locals consider an underrated gem.

Ontario's Southwest Website

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

  • Lead Writer

    Madeline Forsyth is a Toronto-based Lead Writer for Narcity Media. After earning her B.A. (Hons) at Queen's University, she spent a year travelling much of the world as a flight attendant. Now, she uses her experience in the travel industry and passion for writing to share stories about buzzworthy events and adventures across Canada and the globe. Madeline has been published in PopSugar and has interviewed sports and entertainment personalities for Narcity. She has covered and photographed restaurant openings as well as event launches such as the world premiere of the Dr. Seuss Experience. Some of her favourite things to write about include charming small towns and anything to do with Harry Potter.