The bikers are on to something. Port Dover is described as having a clean, sandy beach and a romantic pier that make it one of Ontario’s best kept secrets.
By Mike Pearson | Reporter with InsideHalton.com
Tuesday, June 10th, 2025
Friday, June 13th is just around the corner, and that means tens of thousands of people — and bikers — will visit Port Dover, a town of 8,000 people on the north shore of Lake Erie.
The town’s famous motorcycle rallies attract bikers from across Ontario, Quebec and the northeastern United States.
Port Dover Friday the 13th tradition
The tradition began in 1981, when a few friends got together at a downtown hotel and pledged to return whenever the calendar flipped to Friday the 13th, regardless of weather.
Today, Friday the 13th is more than just a motorcycle rally.
The event attracts visitors of all ages for main stage entertainment at Main and Walker streets, starting Thursday (June 12) at 7 p.m.
The action continues for the main event on Friday, with musical entertainment beginning at 11 a.m. This year’s performers include Tragically Hip, Motley Crue and Guns N’ Roses tribute bands.
Plenty of food options are available, from hot dogs, fries, pizza and burgers to Port Dover’s famous perch, pickerel and celery bread.
In recent years, Friday the 13th has grown so big that organizers have closed Port Dover’s downtown area to vehicle parking. Out-of-town parking is available on the outskirts of Port Dover (468 Concession 2) for $10 per person, with shuttle service by the Port Dover Kinsmen Club.
Expect increased OPP presence
With another influx of guests expected June 13, Ontario Provincial Police have announced an increased police presence in Port Dover.
Motorcyclists and other drivers are reminded to share the road, especially with the higher traffic volumes expected over the weekend.
Parking in prohibited areas may result in towing and fines exceeding $400, the OPP warn.
More to offer
While Friday the 13th happens just one to three times a year, the Port Dover Board of Trade notes the community has a lot to offer throughout the summer.
“Port Dover offers a remarkable array of festivals, beautiful scenery and unique experiences,” the group notes online. “From surprisingly affordable family fun in the sun to sophisticated dining and acclaimed professional live theatre, Port Dover’s warmth, charm and unique history will excite your imagination … and capture your heart.”
The downtown area features one-of-a-kind shops and boutiques and heritage hotels.
A clean, sandy beach and a romantic pier make this lakeside town one of Ontario’s best kept secrets, the Port Dover Board of Trade notes.
It’s just two hours away from Toronto and 45 minutes from Brantford.
The ultimate resort town
Ontario’s Southwest Tourism raves about Port Dover.
“Walk the beach in Port Dover and you’ll feel like you’ve arrived in the ultimate Ontario resort town,” the group notes. “The scenic pier is the place to be for fishing, taking a romantic stroll or watching the tugboats return with their daily catch.”
While only a small portion of the beach is open to the public, tourists can also visit nearby beaches like Turkey Point and Long Point.
Where to eat in Port Dover
Knechtel’s on the Beach (15 Walker St., Port Dover) is known for its perch snack box, halibut, pickerel, burgers, hot dogs and poutine.
A Port Dover staple since 1919, The Arbor (101 Main St.) is famous for its foot-long hot dogs and “Golden Glow” fresh fruit drinks.
The Fisherman’s Catch Bar and Restaurant (18 Walker St.) is known for perch and pickerel as well as combo dinners.
DeKoning’s Restaurant (1768 Hwy. 6) is popular for reasonably priced breakfast, lunch or dinner with large portions.
Visit Schofield’s Bistro (243 Main St.) for a full brunch menu, appetizers like crispy cauliflower and crab cakes, plus dinner entrees like maple chili glazed Atlantic salmon and beef tenderloin.
Where to stay in Port Dover
The Erie Beach Hotel (19 Walker St.) is already fully booked for Friday the 13th, but you can still enjoy a weekend getaway later in the summer. Dine in the hotel’s Cove Room or Terrace Room, featuring tableside salads and hot celery bread. The landmark features a wooden sculpture of a mariner, which has been welcoming guests to downtown Port Dover since 1946.
The Brant Hill Inn (30 John St.) features majestic harbour views from 12 modern rooms and affordable nightly rates during the tourist season.
Shore Acres is a quiet, well-maintained seasonal trailer park on the Lake Erie shoreline (574 Radical Rd.) within walking distance to downtown Port Dover. Seasonal and overnight space is available.
Shopping in Port Dover
Cashmere & Cobwebs boutique (339 Main St.) offers, affordable and stylish ladies’ fashions, accessories, jewelry and one-of-a-kind gifts, with new arrivals daily.
North Shore Soapworks (359 Main St.) has natural bath and body care products, soaps and lotions, jewelry and more.
Liberty Home and Gifts (19 Harbour St.) has souvenirs, nautical decor, puzzles, shells, cast iron, salt water taffy and other keepsakes to remind you of your trip to Port Dover.
Port Dover Jewellery & Gifts (343 Main St.) has a wide selection of gold and silver jewelry, watches and giftware in the heart of the downtown.
Things to do in Port Dover
Arbortown Mini Golf (100 Main St.) features 18 holes of family fun and excitement.
Lighthouse Festival Theatre promises a summer of laughter in its historic downtown location at 247 Main St. The summer season includes “Hidden Treasures,” a showcase of two one-act plays by Norm Foster. Other shows include “The New Canadian Curling Club,” “The Hound of the Baskervilles” and “Pinkerton Comes to Prospect.” See ticket information and showtimes online.
The South Coast Jazz 2025 music festival runs from Aug. 8 to 10 in Port Dover and Brantford. The all-Canadian lineup features Lighthouse, known for such hits as hits such as “One Fine Morning,” “Sunny Days” and “Hats Off to the Stranger.” Tickets are now available online.
— With files from J.P. Antonacci, The Hamilton Spectator
