This historic waterfront community steeped in authenticity and heritage is a hidden gem in St. Catharines
From the hand-carved, Charles I.D. Looff original carousel in Lakeside Park (yes, that Lakeside Park) to the beachy shores of Lake Ontario offering a clear view of downtown Toronto, Port Dalhousie is an ideal place to spend the day or the weekend.
Nestled along the shores of Lake Ontario and Martindale Pond, Port Dalhousie is St. Catharines’ waterfront and a go-to spot for residents and visitors alike since the 19th century.
Established as a small village in the early 1800s, Port Dalhousie quickly grew into a bustling community and hub for shipping and trade with the opening of the Welland Canal and the burgeoning maritime industry. Soon after, steamships would bring hundreds of thousands of visitors a year to the Port Dalhousie scenic waterfront’s sandy beaches and flourishing amusement park.
Port Dalhousie and the waterfront have undergone many transformations since William Hamilton Merritt opened the Welland Canal in 1829, with the iconic lighthouses, the piers and other canal remnants and Lakeside Park Carousel call backs to the community’s heritage. Today, Port Dalhousie remains a must-visit part of the St. Catharines experience with some of the best restaurants, bars and shops in Niagara.
Located along the Niagara Wine Route, Port Dalhousie offers dining, sipping, and shopping nestled in a quaint little neighbourhood. You’ll feel right at home!
