Port Stanley Ontario
The Early Days
From the early 1900s through the 1970s, Port Stanley was the main tourist attraction on the lake and was called “The Coney Island of the Great Lakes”. The large and long sandy beach housed a cafeteria; an incline railway to Picnic Hill, which overlooked the harbour; a casino; The Stork Club, with an olympic sized in-ground pool; an outdoor theatre; a Ferris wheel and a rollercoaster. Mackies, a well-known eatery famous for its orangeade and fries, has been on the beach since it was built in 1911.
People came by boat, car, or Terminal Rail, a tourist train that ran between London to Port Stanley, to hear the big band sounds of Guy Lombardo, the Glenn Miller Band and others. Many of our grandparents and parents remember that era and continue to recall their favourite vacation memories while in Port Stanley.
Happening Now
Years later, Port Stanley has grown tremendously to include more attractions and things to do for all season living on Lake Erie. Open all year-round, Port Stanley offers locals and visitors unique shopping venues; world-class restaurants; art shows; artisan & craft fairs; art galleries; and musical performances at the Royal Canadian Legion and various restaurant venues.
An exceptional Professional Live Summer Theatre offers music programs throughout the off-season months.
Port Stanley Public School offers programs and library programs for the kids.
There are miles of hiking/biking trails including the Elgin Trail for active people open all year round. Many water sports and water sport rentals are available during the summer months. And of course, two separate beaches to bask in the sun.
Close to everything, including the beach!
Sailing, boating, fishing, waterskiing, jet-skiing and boating tours are all available or enjoy day tripping along the shores of Lake Erie during the warm summer months.
Winters are usually warmer and balmier by 5-10 degrees than neighbouring London Ontario, so the short drive to your Port Stanley home from work is that much more enjoyable. Many current full-time residents live here but work in London, Chatham, Kitchener/Waterloo, Cambridge, Hamilton, Toronto and beyond.
Port Stanley is only 15 minutes south of the Hwys 401/402, so it’s a quick jaunt north and you can travel anywhere and then come back to the lake to live!
Try it on for size
If you are considering purchasing a home or cottage in the future, Port Stanley is the place to live! Now is the time to explore living here via renting a house or 4-season cottage to ensure it meets you and your family’s needs. I look forward to showing you all that living in Port Stanley has to offer!
