If spending all summer long on the beach is your idea of the perfect lifestyle, this charming Ontario beach town might just be your dream come true. Nestled on soft, sandy shores, the destination is a coastal paradise, and readers say it’s one of the best places to live in the country.
With gorgeous sunsets, a scenic pier and beautiful beaches, it’s a dreamy spot to call home.
We asked readers on Narcity Canada’s Facebook for the best Canadian small towns to live in, and this quaint Ontario village was one of the recommended spots.
Port Dover is an idyllic beach town perched along the shores of Lake Erie. According to Ontario’s Southwest, it feels like the “ultimate Ontario resort town,” with charming streets, cute shops and more.
The main draw of Port Dover is its picturesque shoreline. You can spend your summer days relaxing on the soft sand and splashing through the waves. Much of the beach is privately owned, but there are other beaches nearby, such as Turkey Point and Long Point.
According to Destination Canada, Port Dover has one of the best beaches in the province. Lake Erie is “the province’s most southern and shallowest lake, so the water is the warmest.”
In the evenings, you can stroll along the pier and watch the sunset while enjoying an ice cream cone.
The town is home to many scenic patios, eateries, and local shops. There is also a range of attractions to enjoy, such as the Port Dover Harbour Museum and the Lighthouse Festival Theatre.
Port Dover is surrounded by beautiful natural areas where you can stretch your legs and enjoy some of the scenic landscapes. Hay Creek Conservation Area, Lynn River Falls and Turkey Point Provincial Park are gorgeous spots to explore.
According to the Norfolk Economic Development, newcomers to the region are “attracted by many things: small town living, lower housing costs, employment and business opportunities, a healthy quality of life, and an abundance of recreation options including Lake Erie on the doorstep.”
Zolo states that the average housing price for the Norfolk area in June 2025 was $667,893— significantly lower than Toronto’s average of $1,145,560.
If beachside charm and quaint streets sound like your dream lifestyle, Port Dover is worth checking out.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.