Is Port Dover, Ontario dog-friendly? That depends on the time of year and how much time you want to spend on the beach. (We previously visited Port Dover, located in Norfolk County, on a visit to Selkirk to check out the new dog park).

Port Dover, Ontario, Canada, population 6,000, swells in the summer to accommodate sun-seekers, beach enthusiasts and even bikers (more on that later) coming to town to enjoy the lake-side sand and old-school walk-up food canteens. However, that’s not without issues – especially post-pandemic.

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While Port Dover is popular with Southern Ontario folk, particularly those living west of Toronto and around the Norfolk County and Haldimand region, as a day-trip destination, not everyone knows (or knew) that the Lake Erie adjacent beach is actually privately-owned. It’s owned by the family-owned F.W. Knechtel Foods Ltd. that also owns the restaurants on the beach.

Of course, private property owners can make their own rules regarding who can use the property and for what purpose. And that’s exactly what they did post-pandemic when people burst from the confines of their homes like a stallion through an open barn door.

The Port Dover beach became overwhelmed by tents, bottles, garbage, and even dog poop. Basically, the inconsiderate behaviour of some resulted in sanctions for all. Owners closed the beach briefly in June 2023.

Limited Summer Access for Dogs on the Beach in Port Dover

Strict rules were established, including no fires, no tents and … no dogs on the beach. Not even leashed dogs. Not even leashed dogs walking by. The rules were so strictly enforced that in the summer of 2023 – the beach was roped off, limiting access via specific access points only. These access points were actually staffed with security guards.

A very polite security guard informed me a stroll on the sand was a no-go for me and my pup.

However, there are other dog-walking opportunities including along the scenic pier to the lighthouse beside the beach. It’s a walk I’ve taken many times with my previous dog and my current dog who loves the splash of the lake waves smashing against the concrete pier – Lake Erie can be rough – and the marine birds swooping, landing, and existing to attract the focus of my bird-obsessed spaniel.

Spring, Fall, and Winter in Port Dover with the Dog

Fortunately, beach-goers seem to have gotten the message and security at the beach has been relaxed since property owners made their point, and negotiated with the county for maintenance and management assistance. No more barriers or security guards as of mid-2023.

Also, fortunately, shoulder seasons such as early spring, late fall and even winter are great times to visit Port Dover with your dog because leashed walking near the beach is permitted (or at least tolerated), but poop pickup is still mandatory – obviously.

Winter is beautiful but cold. The sharp gales off Lake Erie produce awesome swells of waves and ice freezes like sculpture along the shores. The frozen beach is easier to walk on with proper winter footwear, but jackets are needed for both you and the pup.

Plus, there are very few people exploring Port Dover in the winter. Spring and fall are quieter times too and often pleasant enough weather to amuse the dog.

Dog-friendly Port Dover Patios

And just in case you didn’t think there’s any commercial fishing still happening, wait on the pier around early to mid-afternoon in the spring and several fishing trollers will roll into the marina with a fresh catch of perch or pickerel.

Yes, fish and chips in on the menu at almost every Port Dover restaurant including the iconic and historic Erie Beach Hotel (which is neither dog-friendly in the rooms nor on the patio. Boo).

But if you’re craving fish, hot dogs, fries, or ice cream, most walk-up canteen (window service) restaurants allow leashed dogs on the patios. Knechtel’s on the Beach is my favourite – its beach-side picnic table area permits dogs to sit quietly while people like me enjoy a clam strip or Lake Erie perch dinner in full view of Lake Erie and all the gulls my dog can focus on.

Guide to Port Dover with the Dog

Dining with your Dog in Port Dover, Ontario

Port Dover is most popular in the heat of the summer, and that’s the season for patios. Most Port Dover restaurants with patios permit pet dogs, but here is the list I know from experience:

Knetchel’s on the Beach – This walk-up window offer a lot of deep-fried options (including fish) and ice cream. Knetchel’s is part of the company that owns the private beach in Port Dover, so they have picnic tables that extend onto the beach, and that’s a great place to eat with the dog secured to the table. Open daily 11 am to 6:30 pm. 12 Walker Street, Port Dover, Ontario.

Willie’s – Also a walk-up window, but with its own outside patio and table, Willie’s is along the walk to the boardwalk leading to the pier. You’ll likely walk by here with the dog if you’re headed to the lighthouse. This is a 33-year-old beach diner specializing in fried fish and soft-serve ice cream. 6 Saint George St., Port Dover, Ontario.

Dog-friendly Accommodations in Port Dover

Port Dover is not a large town and doesn’t have any chain hotels or motels. Most accommodations are cottage rentals. The good news is there are cottage rentals that are dog-friendly, but all that I can find are listed on either AirB&B or Vrbo. Vrbo has a pet-friendly search page which is very helpful. Accommodations in Port Dover not listed on Vrbo or similar platforms, such as the Erie Beach Hotel, do not welcome dogs, according to my research.

Port Dover Fenced Off-Leash Dog Park

Doverwood Dog Park – The Doverwood Dog Park is a completely fenced double-gated two-sided dog run. One side for small dogs and the larger side for big dogs. Both sides are treed and contain one picnic table and a few chairs. Easy parking off the main highway into Port Dover. Rarely crowded. The Doverwood Dog Park is at 95 Hamilton Plank Road, Port Dover, Ontario, Canada.

Dog-friendly Shopping in Port Dover

Port Dover has many quirky home décor and gift shops steps from the beach and pier. In my experience, all permit me inside with my dog (if she was calm). This included The Shaty Village, 15 Harbour Street, which can’t be missed on any visit to Port Dover. (My previous dog visited too).

However, my favourite recommendation is slightly off the main drag: Beach Reads Bookshop, 230 Saint George Street, Port Dover, Ontario. Beach Reads stocks both new and used (many current titles) books and let me browse the shelves with my pup, even if she was a little muddy (dried) after racing around the dog park. Thank you for that, Beach Reads! Fortunately, my pup actually behaved.

What’s Up with Friday the 13^th in Port Dover, Ontario?

Finally, it would be remiss to write about Port Dover, Ontario, Canada without mentioning Friday the 13^th. What began as a modest gathering of bikers in the early 1980s, has exploded into an unofficial tradition: every time the 13^th of any warm month falls on a Friday, motorcycle enthusiasts and others gather in Port Dover, Ontario. The date is like the bat signal for bikers and no one is certain why or how.

Nevertheless, if it’s bike riding weather on Friday the 13th, thousands of motorcycles gather. That’s obviously a weekend to steer clear of with your dog. In fact, I was once at the Port Dover dog park one Thursday the 12^th and was asked to leave because the dog park was being closed and temporarily turned into a campground. (I’m not sure I’d want to camp in a dog park). Otherwise, on any other weekend or Friday, Port Dover is open as usual for some dog-friendly visiting.

Check out these other dog-friendly options near Port Dover, Ontario: Port Rowan, Ontario; Hamilton, Ontario; and Selkirk Provincial Park.

Writer bio: Sherri Telenko has been a professional writer for decades and a travel writer for the last two. She’s a member of TMAC (Travel Media Association of Canada) and Dog Writers Association of America and travels almost weekly with her canine companion, Victoria. Contact Sherri at dogtrotting.net here. All written content is original, written by a person, and based on experience and research. Please subscribe!