Ingredients for the quintessential charming country getaway are found in abundance in this growing municipality. The area is a cultural delight, featuring several small galleries and the popular Port Stanley Festival Theatre. Enjoy golfing, bird-watching, or charter a boat for an afternoon cruise. The fishing village of Port Stanley boasts one of the finest stretches of sandy beach on Lake Erie’s north shore. It is also popular for its trendy shops, inns and dining from beachside to casual upscale. It's an authentic fishing village, perfect for walking. Take in a memorable sunrise or sunset, watch the boats coming and going under the 1939 King George Lift Bridge or take a ride on the Port Stanley Terminal Rail, Elgin County's longest-running tourist attraction.
The historic village of Sparta traces its roots to the Quakers in 1813—many of the local buildings, the 1827 clay and straw Ye Old Forge and Anvil Museum and a traditional tearoom reflect that era. The village includes the studio of a world-renowned artist, unique shops, candle makers, and a nearby lavender farm and winery.
Port Stanley
There’s lots to see and do in Port Stanley, a quaint and historic fishing village that’s only ten minutes from St. Thomas. A perfect combination of sun, fun, and food makes beautiful Port Stanley a perfect getaway. Year-round accommodations like the Kettle Creek Inn, Inn on the Harbour, or The Windjammer Inn, welcome visitors any time of year. With one of three world-renowned Blue Flag Beaches on Lake Erie’s north shore, Port Stanley is a summer playground for day-trippers and vacationers. In winter, Port Stanley welcomes visitors with a quiet, relaxing atmosphere, warm hospitality and excellent food that will combat any winter weather.
Visit one of the oldest lift bridges in Ontario, check out our beach and water fun, or for something different, enjoy a train ride for that special occasion or just because. Restaurants, shops, galleries, nightlife and the beach are all just a short walk away. Come stay with us in Port Stanley, Elgin County’s playground!
Sparta
Nestled south of Fruit Ridge Road on Sparta Line, is the quaint historic village of Sparta. Sparta is one of Canada's oldest Quaker settlements dating back to 1813. Today Sparta offers visitors an unspoiled glimpse of early Ontario architecture boasting many buildings dating back to the 1840's.
Step into the past and absorb the atmosphere of a village where time has stood still. Many of the merchants offer histroical walking tours so visitors can explore the village at their leisure. Visit the Forge and Anvil museum, one of two extremely rare Adobe buildings in the village. Enjoy the peaceful grounds of the Quaker Meeting House and the historic Quaker cemetary.
Sparta offers a variety of boutique shopping, including antiques, local artisits and artisans, candles, dining, local vineyards and home and garden decor. www.villageofsparta.com/