Last reviewed October 3, 2026. Facts in this guide were checked against the sources listed at the bottom of the page. Prices and listings change daily, so ask Jake for the latest numbers.
History
Before the War of 1812 the community was known as Dover Mills, named for the mills on the river and for the English port of Dover. Harbour improvements later made it a principal Lake Erie port, and Port Dover became an incorporated village in 1879.
The Port Dover Lighthouse has stood at the end of the west pier since about 1843 in one form or another. The current structure is one of the older examples of small wooden lighthouses from before Confederation. It was designated a Recognized Federal Heritage Building in 1990, and Norfolk County took ownership of it in 2014.
The lake, the harbour and the rally
Norfolk County tourism highlights Port Dover's beach, pier and lighthouse, and the town is busy with summer visitors. The Port Dover Harbour Museum, in an original fisherman's net shanty, covers the town's fishing industry, Lake Erie shipwrecks and shipbuilding. The Lighthouse Festival Theatre brings live summer theatre.
Since 1981, motorcyclists have gathered in town on every Friday the 13th. The rally is large enough to affect traffic and parking in town on those days, so check the calendar if you are viewing a home on one.
Getting around
Port Dover is the southern end of Highway 6. It sits south of Simcoe and about 24 km northeast of Hagersville. See the Commuter Guide for the transit and highway options from the Brantford area.
Schools
Public English schools in the area are run by the Grand Erie District School Board, and Catholic English schools by the Brant Haldimand Norfolk Catholic District School Board. French-language boards also serve the area.
School assignments depend on your exact address and can change. Always confirm the assigned schools for a specific property with the school board before you make an offer.
Who tends to look here
Buyers who want a lakeside town for a full-time home, a retirement move or a seasonal getaway. If you are buying near the water, ask about flood and erosion considerations and about how rentals are regulated in Norfolk County. For current prices and listings across the county, see Jake's Norfolk County page.
Thinking About Port Dover?
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Homes for Sale in Port Dover
Current MLS® listings from the live feed.
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For prices, trends and statistics, see Jake's norfolk county market stats and listings.
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