Canada's 'Coney Island Of The Great Lakes' Is A Quaint Waterfront Village With Sandy Beaches
From stunning beach towns to sprawling metropolises, Canada is home to several counterparts of famous U.S. attractions. Take British Columbia's Stunning Hornby Island, often dubbed the "Hawaii of the North," for example. And over 2,700 miles away on the northern shores of Lake Erie, Port Stanley, Ontario, was once affectionately known as the "Coney Island of the Great Lakes." Around 40 minutes outside of London, Ontario, families and water sports enthusiasts can enjoy a waterfront getaway and sandy beaches without going all the way to Brooklyn.
Between 1669 and 1824, many Europeans explored and mapped the Great Lakes, frequently landing in the vicinity of modern-day Port Stanley. The town was first named Kettle Creek for its location at the mouth of the waterway emptying into Lake Erie, but was later renamed Port Stanley after a visit from Edward Smith-Stanley, the 14th Duke of Derby. Port Stanley became the main tourist attraction on Lake Erie's northern shores in the early 1900s, complete with a Ferris wheel, a roller coaster, a casino, and a dance hall. Even though these attractions have since closed, the town remains a popular vacation destination. Today, it's famous for its pristine beaches, antique shops, community theater, and quaint village vibes.
Enjoy Port Stanley by lake and land
One of the biggest draws of Port Stanley is its two beaches. Both are popular in the summer for their sandy bottoms and warm waters. Main Beach has been awarded the coveted Blue Flag status for its fantastic water quality and excellent safety measures. It's one of only 23 beaches in Canada to receive this honor, alongside Canatara Park Beach in Sarnia, Lake Huron's largest city. A quick walk from Main Beach is the smaller, quieter Little Beach, which is perfect for families with young children thanks to its shallow waters. Main Beach has seasonal lifeguards and offers mats and beach wheelchairs, making it accessible for everyone. For visitors arriving by car, the main beach has a paid parking lot that costs $21 per day
Port Stanley has a few marinas, such as Bridgeview, where visitors can enjoy water activities or launch their boats. Jet skis, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards are available to rent from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends during the summer. The area is also popular for sport fishing, and the lake's gentle breezes make it ideal for sailing. Port Stanley has its own Sailing Squadron with a fleet that races every Wednesday, and also offers sailing lessons to adults and kids from $210.
The fun doesn't stop back on land, however. The Port Stanley Festival Theatre puts on live shows in the town's former town hall. There's also the Port Stanley Terminal Rail, which prides itself as being the oldest-running tourist attraction in Elgin County, with a 60-minute, 8.4-mile round trip to and from Whytes Park, perfect for families. Adults can also enjoy tee time on a summer day at Kettle Creek Golf and Country Club, with themed events such as Seniors and Ladies Days.
Where to eat and stay in Port Stanley
After a long day of swimming and relaxing on the beach, Port Stanley offers plenty of restaurants for a great meal. For casual dining, visitors and locals alike love Littles Midnight, which has 5-stars on Google Reviews. This joint bakery, bar, and bistro offers everything from carefully crafted cocktails to delicious, nutritious baked goods. For something a little fancier, diners recommend Solo on Main, which focuses on seasonal dishes made with locally sourced ingredients. Make sure to save room for dessert, since Broderick's Ice Cream Parlour has been a Port Stanley staple since 1984. Here, you can order milkshakes, sundaes, or even a homemade waffle cone topped with Canadian-inspired flavors like Acadian vanilla or Nanaimo bar, a nod to Canada's famous no-bake dessert.
Since Port Stanley is a little under three hours from Toronto by car, staying for a long weekend is the perfect escape from the city's summer heat. There are many accommodation options in town, whether you're coming with your partner or extended family. The Kettle Creek Inn operates from a historic building originally built in 1849 as a summer home for a local justice of the peace. There is also Port Stanley Beach Hotel, which offers stunning views of Main Beach and an onsite restaurant.
For more northern beach getaways, check out our list of the best towns to visit on the Great Lakes.