Things to do During Winter in Port Stanley Ontario

It was a very cold day and the entire region was under a severe cold temperature watch, but it didn’t stop me from putting on my thermal underwear, an extra pair of socks and all my winter gear to go exploring. It was late Saturday afternoon and many of the shops had already closed up for the day, but despite its sleepy and relaxed vibe, there was plenty to do in Port Stanley, Ontario.

Things to do During Winter in Port Stanley Ontario

If you are looking for a place to get away from the hustle and bustle of the city you may want to take a closer look at Port Stanley. In summer this fishing town is booming with those looking to enjoy its beaches, but in Winter it is a quiet small town winter escape.

Lunch at Killer Desserts, Port Stanley Ontario

I have a weakness for small homemade restaurants in small towns across Ontario. So on a cold winter’s day, I had to visit Killer Desserts Cafe for a bite to eat. I had the Grilled Cheese with Tomato Soup and it was the perfect instant winter warm up. It’s no wonder that grilled cheese sandwiches are a favourite on their menu, it was absolutely delicious.

Killer Desserts is famous for its cheesecakes and specialty desserts but their butter tarts will really catch your attention.

These butter tarts are guaranteed to be 1/4 lb or bigger and you can see the difference between their special tarts and ordinary ones! Read more on Killer Desserts here.

Take A Winter Walk in Port Stanley Ontario

Located on Lake Erie in Southwestern Ontario this little harbour beach town is a very popular summer destination. Thousands of tourists come to enjoy the blue water, sandy beaches and it’s local food scene.

Read more: A Complete Guide of Summer Fun in Port Stanley Ontario

On this cold but very sunny winter day, it was quiet but beautiful. Fishing boats stood still on the frozen lake waiting for the spring thaw.

I made my way down to the waterfront along Lake Erie despite the frigid wind chill. As the wind blew around me I snapped a couple of shots of the frozen waterfront.

When I snapped this picture of the Lifeboat Crew mural near Jackson’s Fish Market I had no idea about the story behind it. Apparently, Port Stanley is a bit of a “Bermuda Triangle” of the great lakes and many ships have shipwrecked in this part of the lake.

This mural depicts the history of the region. I had no idea that there are a number of shipwrecks still in the waters of Lake Erie from Port Dover to Port Stanley until some of the locals shared the stories.

Train Rides – Elgin County

Beginning in March the Port Stanley Train Terminal has a number of scenic tour trains through 11KM of rail lines from Port Stanley through the Kettle Creek region. This historic rail line is now a featured attraction in the Port Stanley area with old locomotives and a visit to a restored original station “Union Station” along the route.

Read more: Tips for Planning a Dream Canadian Winter Getaway

Shopping in Port Stanley

If you get a chance, make a visit to the New New Age store. This medicinal herb shop has a lot of great new age gifts and herbs and teas for sale. They also have a menu which makes this a great place to stop for a snack or tea break.

Stay: Kettle Creek Inn Port Stanley Ontario

The best part of my winter getaway in Port Stanley was my stay at the Kettle Creek Inn. I had a lovely suite with a living area and fireplace where I warmed up with a good book and even did some writing.

Read reviews and check rates: Our Review 

Dinner at the Windjammer Inn Restaurant

For foodies who love local cuisine I can’t write this post without mentioning the extraordinary dinner I had at the Windjammer Inn. In fact, I know I have to go back and stay at this Inn, meet Kim Saunders, the owner, and also the same woman who created this masterpiece menu.

Appetizer

Originally this appetizer was supposed to include a beet salad of some sort. I’m not a fan of the beets so I asked for it without beets. Instead of just removing the beets and serving the appetizer to me, Kim actually created a special winter salad to replace them.

Main Course

My main dish was this melt in your mouth Black Cod that sat over a delicious Quinoa cake and market fresh vegetables, all with this amazing lemon dill sauce.

Dessert

The most amazing thing about dinner at the Windjammer Inn was that despite the food is so rich and tasty, invoking the ooh and ahh reaction that you have when you are eating something that is literally a taste explosion in your mouth – I wasn’t full! The food is light and filling but not – I’m stuffed and couldn’t possibly have dessert feeling.

Leaving the city for a short winter escape for the weekend was super relaxing and opened my eyes to this region of Ontario. There is so much to do right next to Port Stanley and along Lake Erie and I can’t wait to go back and explore more.

Travel Assistance Provided by Ontario’s Southwest Tourism during a media FAM.