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July 31, 2026Short & citedBlog
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Field Notes • Canada Places

Port Dover, Ontario

Port Dover is an unincorporated community in Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada, on the north shore of Lake Erie.

Updated July 31, 20261 min readCited sources

Port Dover is an unincorporated community in Norfolk County, Ontario, on the north shore of Lake Erie. It is known as a lakeside tourist destination with a beach, harbour, and seasonal events, especially the Friday the 13th motorcycle rally.

What it is

Port Dover is a small lakeside community in southwestern Ontario, about 143 km from Toronto. With a population of roughly 6,200 (2016), it functions as a summer tourist hub and a former town within Norfolk County.

Key details

The community sits on Lake Erie’s north shore and was originally called Dover Mills. It has a sandy beach, a harbour, and a mix of shops and restaurants that draw visitors, especially in warmer months.

Why it matters

Port Dover is best known for the Friday the 13th motorcycle rally, a recurring event since 1981 that brings large crowds. It also serves as a domestic tourism destination for Southern Ontario residents seeking waterfront recreation.

In short

  • Located in Norfolk County on Lake Erie’s north shore
  • Known for beach, harbour, and summer tourism
  • Hosts the Friday the 13th motorcycle rally
  • Population about 6,200 (2016)
Canadian angle

Port Dover is a Canadian lakeside community in Ontario and a well-known destination for domestic tourism, especially among Southern Ontario visitors and motorcyclists attending the Friday the 13th rally.

Quick questions

Where is Port Dover Ontario?
Port Dover is in Norfolk County, Ontario, on the north shore of Lake Erie in southwestern Ontario.
What is Port Dover known for?
Port Dover is known for its beach, waterfront tourism, harbour, and especially the Friday the 13th motorcycle rally.
How far is Port Dover from Toronto?
A travel guide source gives the distance as about 143 km from Toronto.

Sources

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_Dover
    Supports: Community status, location in Norfolk County, Ontario, on Lake Erie, and association with the Friday the 13th motorcycle rally.
  2. Wikivoyagehttps://en.wikivoyage.org/wiki/Port_Dover
    Supports: Population estimate, tourism features, distance from Toronto, and the Friday the 13th rally.
  3. Natural Resources Canadahttps://geonames.nrcan.gc.ca/search-place-names/unique?id=FCHYX
    Supports: Official place-name classification, county/province location, and coordinates.
  4. Exploring Ontariohttps://www.exploringontario.com/southwest_ontario_region/port_dover_ontario.html
    Supports: Tourism activities, harbour, beach, and the Friday the 13th motorcycle rally.
  5. Grace United Port Doverhttps://www.graceunitedportdover.org/port-dover.html
    Supports: Small-town character, tourism, harbour, beaches, and local attractions.