While Port Dalhousie is celebrated for its very cool lakeside vibe, this cute Niagara community located on the shores of Lake Ontario also has an incredibly cozy winter flip side. If you’re seeking a road trip destination guaranteed to get you in the holiday spirit, here are ten reasons to plug Port Dalhousie into your maps app and head out on a merry adventure!
You Can Stroll Through A Holiday Light Show
Port Dalhousie celebrates the magic of winter with an outstanding free light show that runs from December 1 through January 7. Let It Glow – A Celebration of Light is a family-friendly outdoor festival featuring interactive light installations. Take in the picture-perfect views at Rennie Park (60 Lakeport Rd.), where fun things to spot include singing light bulbs and a diverse range of photo backdrops, like palm trees, snowflakes, and snowmen.
For the ultimate Let It Glow experience, time your trip for the December 1 launch event, which will take place at both Rennie Park and Lakeside Park. In addition to a special visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus, visitors can take a ride on the historic Lakeside Park Carousel and meet a cast of characters that includes Spiderman, Buzz Lightyear, Christmas Belle, and the Grinch!
There’s A Delicious Holiday Dining Promotion
Port Dalhousie’s many restaurants, bakeries and coffee shops, including The Twisted Pig, Portside Social Bar & Kitchen, Patio Andaluz, and Budapest Bakeshop, bring their own brand of Let It Glow fun to the table from December 1 through January 7 with their special Port Delicious dining promotion. While you explore the light installations, be sure to scan the various QR codes sprinkled throughout Rennie Park and enter to win a tasty Port Delicious dining experience.
You Can Take A Winter Walk On A Pier With A Piping Hot Drink
Port Dalhousie’s two long concrete piers, which each extend far out into Lake Ontario, are the perfect destination for when you want to bundle up and enjoy a brisk winter stroll. If it’s a clear day, look across the lake and you may be able to spot the Toronto skyline. Be sure to treat yourself to a hot drink from 416 Coffee, Balzac’s, or Captain’s Cabin Café to bring along on your wintery walk.
You Can Savour Warm Apple Strudel In A Sunny Bistro
Fuel all the European holiday feels flowing by stopping into KaiserHaus Wine Bar & Bistro to snack on some authentic European comfort foods, like crispy potato latkes, hand-breaded schnitzel, and freshly baked apple strudel.
You Can Sip Craft Ales Straight From The Source
Lock Street Brewing Co., located in the heart of Port Dalhousie, uses time-honoured methods and simple ingredients to produce its portfolio of delicious craft brews. Pick up one of their Holiday Cheer Advent Calendars filled with Lock Street beer for the ultimate holiday countdown.
You Can Stock Your Wine Cellar For Holiday Entertaining
Archives Wine & Spirit Merchants’ pop-up Winter Wine Market in Port Dalhousie offers one-stop shopping for a wide selection of fine wines. Popular Niagara wineries with bottles sold here include Henry of Pelham, Big Head, 180 Estate, Marynissen, Reif and many more. Regularly hosted tasting events allow store patrons to try before they buy.
You Can Find Stocking Stuffers For Your Fur Babies
Endless Pawzabilities, Niagara’s only artisan pet boutique and “barkery,” is the place to shop for handmade pet fashions and special treats made on-site, including pet-friendly peanut butter, doggie biscotti, and preservative-free dehyd
rated treats. They also offer an adorable Advent calendar filled with 24 gourmet pet treats.
You Can Score A Stylish Holiday Outfit
Your Boutique’s selection of stylish, great quality and reasonably priced women’s clothing and accessories make shopping for that holiday party outfit a breeze.
You Can Find A Great Holiday Read On A Monthly Book Scavenger Hunt
Each month, Thistle Bookshop and Café orchestrates its “Book It” scavenger hunt and hides book packages all around Port Dalhousie for lucky readers to find! Be sure to pop into the shop for holiday drink specials, like their Nutcracker Latté, sweet treats, and an incredible selection of books sold by passionate readers who believe that stories matter.
You Can Have A Sleepover At The Cutest Little Inn
With just six rooms, each with a unique theme, including the Flamingo Room, the Rock & Roll Room, and the Cactus Room, The Juniper Waterside Inn offers a one-of-a-kind landing pad after a busy day enjoying all of Port Dalhousie’s holiday fun.
