Dunnville
Located 50 minutes outside of Hamilton, you will find a small, yet lively town named Dunnville. Haven’t heard of it? That’s okay, we got you covered!
Dunnville is full of many events and natural attractions. In June, the annual Mudcat Festival is held to celebrate one of the Grand River’s most well-known inhabitants. The festival includes a parade, strongman contests, midway, and fireworks. Another popular event is the Dunnville Agricultural Fair, held in late August which includes heavy, light, and miniature horse shows, sheep and goat shows. Dunnville has tennis, golf, and swimming facilities, and many Bed and Breakfasts and campsites to stay in. Tuesday and Saturday are Farmers Market days since the relocation of the local arena Dunnville is currently constructing a new Farmers Market Pavilion providing more protection from the elements while helping to support what the local farming has to offer.
In the fall, Rock Point hosts thousands of monarch butterflies heading south. Dunnville is also the site of one of the largest expanses of provincially significant wetlands in Ontario; bird watching and nature photography are practiced regularly.
So what attractions should you check out in this small town?
- Byng Island Conservation
Byng Island offers campers, boaters, anglers, and other visitors a chance to explore the Grand River and Lake Erie. This conservation area encompasses Carolinian forests, the river, wetlands, and creeks. It also has the largest outdoor swimming pool in Canada, which can hold up to 1,000 people, and has a diving board!
Open Daily from May 1st – October 15th for day use and camping from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Location: 4969 Haldimand Rd. 20, Dunnville
- Richard’s Farm and Market
Located on the property is a farm shop that is opened throughout the year offering their own as well as locally grown produce. In the winter take a wagon ride to the sugar bish and then a self-guided stroll on the groomed trail to learn about the history of maple syrup production. Maple taffy on snow will be available for purchase in the bush.
Location: 131 River Rd, Dunnville
- Dunnville Centennial Park and Thompson Creek Park
Home of Muddy the Mudcat, the world’s largest Mudcat, and many wildlife including birds, turtles, snakes and so much more. Explore the beautiful trails, have a snack under the pavilion, and make new friends in the awesome park area.
Location: 98 Robinson Rd #2, Dunnville
- Haldimand County Public Library
The Dunnville branch holds many special local history and genealogy items for you to explore. Along with its huge book collection, the library offers adult and children programs. These range from knitting clubs, crafternoons, and genealogy clubs to LEGO clubs, summer/March break activities, and storytime for preschoolers.
Located outside of the library is a Harvard Mark 2 which was used as the primary trainer for thousands of airmen headed to Britain to fight in the skies over Europe. This memorial was dedicated in 1964, to those who fought, trained, and served at SFS No.6.
Location: 317 Chestnut St, Dunnville
- Dunnville Farmers Market
Go and wander around the vibrant farmers market on a Saturday or Tuesday morning. Here, you can find local wine, local/homegrown produce, locally grown flowers, crocheted and knitted items, arts and crafts, homemade soaps and so much more!
Location: 218 Main St E Dunnville
- Sweet Retro-Spect
Take a walk down memory lane and re-discover old favourite treats that make you feel like a kid in a candy store…all over again! One of their specialties is popcorn, made in-store, with such a wide variety and unique mix of flavours! You can try some unusual blends like Grilled cheese and Ketchup, Hail Caeser, and Cheesy Jalapeno among many others that change regularly. Shopping at this store will take you back to a by-gone era, as they stock many vintage candies and chocolate bars that will bring back memories and introduce them to a whole new generation.
Location: 170 Queen St, Dunnville
- Time Capsule Records, Collectables, Mid Century Modern Decor and Nostalgia
The time capsule provides a variety of products required by its customers and works to keep its stock in a fresh rich state. You will certainly find many hidden gems here!
Location: 168 Queen St, Dunnville
- The Minga Cafe
The Minga was established as a community center and cafe in 2014 to provide a meeting space for the DREAM mentoring program and a space where the whole community can come together for the common good. The beverages and meals offered are to improve the health of its customers as well as the planet by proving organic and mostly fair-trade products.
Location: 146 Queen St, Dunnville
- Julias Bistro and Catering
Julia’s Bistro and Catering is committed to bringing their valued customers the finest quality food. They only use fresh, carefully selected, and seasonal ingredients to make their dishes a truly Italian experience.
Location: 217 Niagara St, Dunnville
- New Amsterdam Pub
New Amsterdam Pub is a lively but laid-back casual watering hole with a great patio. They offer craft brews, cocktails, and great traditional pub grub with some Dutch favourites!
Location: 223 Queen St #215
Been to Dunnville before? Live in Dunnville? Let us know your favourite local spots!
