Introduction
Once the point at which ships passing through the Welland Canal entered Lake Ontario, this beautiful St. Catharines neighbourhood has a rich waterfront history. Officially styled Grantham-Port Dalhousie by the city, the community begins at the QEW and runs north to Lake Ontario along (and just south of) Lakeshore Road. It’s bordered to the west by Martindale/Courtleigh Road, and to the east by Niagara Street.
Lifestyle
Historically where the sailors and their families have settled, it’s Port Dalhousie has a legitimate laid-back maritime vibe, and all the surfboard shops make it feel a little like California. Home to more small, independent shops and restaurants than any other part of St. Catharines, the only chains you’ll find here are grocery or convenience stores, and gas stations.
The Vibe
With the feel of a classic seaside town (minus the salty air), the lovely and historical neighbourhood of Port Dalhousie is a diverse community with many unique features. Its parks, harbor, and famous carousel have been drawing in locals and travelers alike for more than a hundred years. This former village, which amalgamated with the City of St. Catharines in 1960, still retains quite an independent feel.
Meet the Neighbours
Young professionals and blue collar workers (particularly connected to the Canal and Great Lakes shipping in general), multi-generational families, and retired singles and couples make up the bulk of the Port Dalhousie and Grantham population. Residents praise each other for their friendliness, and also loyalty to local businesses, which have helped the area maintain its distinct character.
In the Area
Several public and separate elementary schools serve the kids of Port Dalhousie and Grantham, including Gracefield, Pinewood, Parnall, Sir William Merritt, St. Francis, St. Ann, and the Francophone l’école élémentaire l’Héritage. Secondary schools include Governor Simcoe Secondary, St. Francis Catholic Secondary, and the publicly funded “spiritual” alternative Eden High School. The area’s best-known and largest park is Lakeside Park, home to the famous carousel, which has never raised its five-cent price to ride in a century of operation.
5.6 km
Planes, Trains & Automobiles
Port Dalhousie offers wonderful cycling, strolling and hiking opportunities, and those are all good ways to get around the neighbourhood, and St. Catharines Transit Commission operates 3 bus lines connecting Grantham and Port Dalhousie to the rest of the city. But a car is still a necessity for most residents. Commuters can get on easily at Third Street, Ontario or Lake Streets.
The Good, the Bad & the Rest
Port Dalhousie is very popular with tourists, so you’ll find it harder to walk to the very end of the pier to watch the spectacular sunset in the summertime. But really, other than that, few people I spoke to had any major complaints about living in the area. Its lack of big chain stores in general might be disappointing to some city types who move to the ‘burbs expecting a Costco on every corner.
Dollars & Sense
Port Dalhousie is definitely more upscale than the rest of St. Catharines. Reviews of local restaurants often reflect the views of outraged locals, who consider anything above a $15 entrée a place where you’d have to “mortgage the house to be able to afford a meal” (an excerpt of an actual online review of a mid-priced local bistro). That said, it’s still less pricey than anywhere in the GTA.
Gallery
Neighbourhood Hotspots
Rozie’s Breakfast Café
Since its opening in April 2011, Rozie’s has been a huge hit with locals and visitors alike. Rozie’s menu features breakfast classics and daily specials including ranging from Breakfast Burritos to chocolate crêpes.
more infoAusmosis
“You don’t need salt to surf” is the motto of this family-owned surf, skate and snowboard shop. Ausmosis carries the finest international and Canadian brands and has been accredited as Canada’s first Stand Up Paddle surf school.
more infoHibizcus Boutique
This gorgeous and carefully curated fashion and jewelry carries the exceedingly stylish (and sustainable) NYC brands including Argenti, Pink Martini, and Anushka.
more infoPier 61
With a Mediterranean-tinged, upscale-casual dining menu and beautifully situated patio, Pier 61 is a marvelous place for a summer night on in old Port Dalhousie
more infoYour Bakery
It’s hard to ignore a name like that, and luckily, your bakery really is your bakery if you happen to live in Port Dalhousie! German-trained pastry chef on the premises, open Mon-Friday 10-6, Saturday 10-5.
more infoMalcolmson Eco-Park
This 14.4 hectare green space was named in honour of Mary Malcolmson, a St. Catharines native who founded the first Canadian Girl Guide troop in 1910. The park hosts annual native plant sales and Earth Day celebrations.
more info