The historic harbour-front village of Port Dalhousie, St Catharines, offers an incredible lifestyle to those who love boating, the outdoors, evenings of leisure and convenience. With a number of popular festivals on its calendar, Port Dalhousie remains a popular area, especially for those starting a family, to settle into. The neighbourhood attracts young professionals and people who work in jobs connected to the Canal and Great Lakes shipping. Also known for its quiet streets, this charming neighbourhood is generally preferred by those who prefer a calm atmosphere.
The Port Dalhousie Pier Marina is one of the most popular destinations on the south shore of Lake Ontario and offers stunning views of Toronto to the North and Niagara-on-the Lake to the East and breathtaking sunsets to the West. The neighbourhood has been home to the Royal Canadian Henley Regatta for over a hundred years. The Dalhousie Yacht Club is member controlled and new members are welcome. Sailing courses are open to the public and they are one of the most active racing communities on the lake, holding many fun events annually.
The terminus of the first three Welland Canals are in Port Dalhousie which also has two historical lighthouses built in the late 1800s.
Besides offering fun on the water, Port Dalhousie has many outdoor recreational areas. The St Catharines Waterfront Walking Trail has its heart in Port Dalhousie and is perfect for walking, jogging, hiking, and cycling. Lakeside Park Beach has wonderful picnic and sport facilities. It offers lots of entertainment for all the family; including an original Looff carousel that everyone can ride for just 5 cents. Rennie Park is a 9-acre park which features some lovely sculptures. It is on the lake and has open green spaces with a waterfront path. The Niagara Sport & Social Club is situated in Downtown St. Catharines, but is close enough for beach volleyball lovers, who are always welcome no matter their skills level.
Residents of Port Dalhousie have a variety of shops, cafes and restaurants to choose form as they stroll down its quaint streets, and everything is within walking distance. Most of the shops are independently owned and the only chain stores being convenience stores and gas stations.
For those who prefer to run their chores by car, the highways make it easy to drive in and out of Port Dalhousie, while the shopping area offers ample parking space. Residents are a short drive away from the U.S. border and the wine Region. Downtown Toronto is only an hour’s drive away.
The unique homes that the area offers are mostly charming older homes, with few newer developments scattered about. The neighbourhood also has a heritage district where no demolitions can occur without the town council’s permission. Most homes are single detached and the schools (public and private) and day care centres are within walking distance.
The average selling prices for homes in Port Dalhousie are slightly higher than the average for St Catharines as a whole, yet not nearly as high as the GTA.