Explore Port Dover
Beautiful lakeside Port Dover is a destination of its own. Before and after the show, your senses will be excited by the sights, sounds and flavours of Norfolk County, proudly hailed as Ontario’s Garden.
This hidden gem of southwestern Ontario is the perfect destination for foodies, nature lovers, thrill seekers, culture aficionados, families, groups, and anyone looking for a break from the bustle of everyday life.
We’re a short drive from Toronto, Hamilton, London and Buffalo, but worlds away from the stress of the city. Come share in our friendly rural lifestyle!
For a full list of where to eat, shop, stay and play in Port Dover and Norfolk County, visit our tourism directory.
Where To Eat & Drink
From fine dining to fish and chips by the beach, Port Dover has a dizzying array of mouthwatering restaurants that cater to every taste and fit every budget.
To find out more about the many delicious options available during your stay, look no further than our handy food and drink guide.
Where To Stay
Let Norfolk County be your home away from home. Port Dover has every lodging option – including quality hotels, cosy beachside cottages, and homey bed and breakfasts – waiting to welcome you with country hospitality. Full details on where to stay in and around Port Dover are available in our accommodations guide.
What To Do
In Port Dover
Downtown Port Dover has everything you need to enjoy a fun day by the lake. Nose around the artisan shops on Main Street, take in some local art and learn about Dover’s maritime history at the Harbour Museum.
Nature lovers, we’ve got you covered. Before taking a theatrical journey at Lighthouse, you can get outside and moving on our scenic cycling and hiking trails, paddle along the lake, and play a round of golf.
Or you can simply find a spot on the beach, set up your umbrella and let the gentle waves of Lake Erie wash your cares away. Get an ice cream, stroll down the pier to the historic lighthouse, and then get ready for showtime.
Elsewhere in Norfolk County
Norfolk is bursting with things to do for visitors of all ages and interests. While in our neck of the woods you can zip line high above the trees, scan the skies for rare birds, tour a world-class botanical garden, reel in a prize catch on Lake Erie, and pick up fresh produce from a farmers market or farmgate stand.
Pick up some antique treasures at prices you won’t find in the city, and get up to speed on local history and artwork at Norfolk’s many galleries and museums.
Whether you’re looking for adventure or want to escape the stress of the city in style, we can’t wait to welcome you to our special corner of Ontario!
Visiting With Groups
Lighthouse has been welcoming dozens of groups to our theatre every summer for over 40 years.
Groups love the cosy setting and relaxed feel of Port Dover, a short drive from the city yet worlds away from the hustle and bustle.
You can start the day with a specialty coffee and Main Street shopping, dine on locally caught fish and chips, relax on the beach, tour local wineries and breweries, or get outside for a hike, paddle, bike ride, game of golf, or zip line adventure. Tuck into a great meal at one of Port Dover’s many quality restaurants, some located steps from the theatre. Top it all off with hilarious professional theatre at Lighthouse!
Sample Itineraries
We would be delighted to help you craft an itinerary for your stay in Norfolk County. Have a look at the following sample itineraries for an overview of the kind of excitement that awaits you on the shores of Lake Erie.
Have a coffee and pick up some local treasures in Port Dover’s Main Street shops.
Check out local artwork at a gallery and learn about Port Dover’s maritime history at the Port Dover Harbour Museum.
Enjoy a tasty lunch.
Room for dessert? Get an ice cream by the beach and stroll down the pier to the historic lighthouse. Take a photo by beautiful Lake Erie and then get ready for showtime.
With the applause still ringing in your ears, talk about the show over a delicious dinner before making the short drive home.
Bring the kids and enjoy a great day at the beach, highlighted by an unforgettable theatrical experience!
Ideal shows for kids include the Lighthouse Young Company and Community Show productions, which in past years have been family favourites like Mary Poppins, The Little Mermaid, and Sleeping Beauty.
Before the show, have a picnic in Powell Park, make a sand castle at the beach, or play a round of mini golf.
Just steps from mini golf is a mouthwatering selection of restaurants. Grab a table inside, on one of the many patios or order at the take out window and enjoy your meal at a picnic table on the beach.
There is lots to do in the region for groups of all ages. You can start the day with a specialty coffee and Main Street shopping, relax on the beach, tour and sample the local wine at one of Norfolk’s vineyards, or get outside for a hike, paddle, bike ride, game of golf, or zip line adventure.
Dig into a great lunch at one of Port Dover’s many quality restaurants, some located steps from the theatre.
Then sit back and enjoy the show!
Day One
- Check in at one of Norfolk County’s quality hotels, inns, or bed and breakfasts.
- Browse Port Dover’s Main Street shops.
- Pick up locally grown treats at the farmers market.
- Head to the beach for some sun and a snack.
- Take a wine tour of the regions wineries
- Have dinner in downtown Port Dover.
- Enjoy live professional theatre at Lighthouse.
Day Two
- Cycle along the Lynn Valley Trail or paddle board on Lake Erie.
- Visit a lavender farm or botanical gardens.
- Have lunch in downtown Simcoe.
- Go antiquing in Port Rowan or Waterford.
- Enjoy one last meal in Norfolk before hitting the road.
What’s Playing
The Producers – 2024 Community Show
Doris & Ivy In The Home
Murder at Ackerton Manor
