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Port Dover is a community in Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada, located in Long Point Bay on the north shore of Lake Erie, south of Simcoe, Ontario on Highway 6.

In 1670, French missionaries François Dollier de Casson and René Bréhant de Galinée became the first Europeans to winter at what is now modern day Port Dover. Earthen remains and a plaque mark the spot near the fork of the Lynn River (Patterson's Creek to many older Port Doverites) and Black Creek where they and seven Frenchmen built a hut and chapel. By 1794 the first settlers, a group of United Empire Loyalists, had established a hamlet known as Dover Mills (named for the English port of Dover) which was razed to the ground by the Americans in the War of 1812. Subsequent reconstruction took place closer to the mouth of the Lynn River, where a harbour had been in use since the early 1800s. In 1835, merchant Israel Wood Powell registered a village plan for Port Dover. Improvement to the harbour during the next fifteen years made Port Dover a principal Lake Erie port. Shipyards, tanneries, and Andrew Thompson's woollen-mill contributed substantially to local economic growth. In 1879, Port Dover became an incorporated village with a population of 1,100.

Port Dover in the 20th century became a fishing village and tourist destination. Port Dover's fishing industry at one time hosted the largest freshwater fishing fleet in the world that employed many of the town’s citizens and continues to be important to the community. From 1906 to 1993, the town was home to Thomas A. Ivey and Sons, one of Canada's largest wholesale florists and rose-growers, and Port Dover's largest employer.

In 1974, Port Dover was incorporated as Ward 2 of the (former) City of Nanticoke under the regional municipality of Halidimand - Norfolk. In 2001, Haldimand and Norfolk counties separated and became single-tier counties. Port Dover is now part of Norfolk County.

Willie's Restaurant on Friday 13, October 2004

In the summer, Port Dover is busy with thousands of tourists who come to swim in Lake Erie and enjoy the town and surrounding area. The most famous place to eat in Port Dover is the Arbor outdoor restaurant, which has been in operation for more than 80 years. Port Dover’s business district is dominated by small shops that cater to the tourist trade with many bars and restaurants that depend largely on the increased traffic during the summer months.

The Port Dover Yacht Club has occupied land purchased from W.F. Kolbe and Co. at the fork of the Lynn River and Black Creek since September of 1938. The P.D.Y.C. welcomes visitors every summer from around the Great Lakes region and beyond.

The Port Dover Harbour Museum, housed in an original fisherman's net shanty, commemorates Port Dover's fishing industry. The galleries present exhibits on the days of commercial sail as well as Lake Erie shipwrecks, ship building, Long Point, the War of 1812 and other aspects of lakeside life in this community. The museum is also active in the preservation and presentation of local folklore and living traditions, particularly in the areas of fishing and lakeside history. Since 2002, the museum has been the home to a collection of artifacts from the 1852 wreck of the Steamer Atlantic.

The Lighthouse Festival Theatre Company has produced live theatre at Port Dover's old Town Hall (under the clock tower) since 1981. The Theatre is open year round and provides a variety of events, including concerts, public meetings, community fund raisers, dance recitals, workshops, band rehearsals and classes. Annually, more than 36,000 people now attend events at Lighthouse Theatre. In addition to enriching the cultural fabric of Norfolk and beyond, Lighthouse bolsters the local economy, drawing tourists from out of town who then dine, shop and stay over in the community.

Port Dover has celebrated Canada Day with a parade every year since July 1867. The day starts off with the annual Soap-box Derby, the Boat Parade at the harbour, a Calithumpian Parade down Main Street and a fireworks display after dark. Since 1981, there has been a tradition of motorcycle enthusiasts gathering in the town for Friday the 13th. Chris Simons and approximately 25 friends, through word of mouth, got together at the old Commercial Hotel. It was in November and it was Friday the 13th. They decided they should do it every Friday the 13th. In 2002, a former local produced a documentary about the event entitled Friday the 13th: The Devil In Dover which aired on CBC's program Roughcuts. On July 13, 2007 an estimated 140,000 bikers and spectators converged on Port Dover for Friday the 13th.

In 2002, the local and regional authorities began studying the possibility of establishing a private fast ferry link with Erie, Pennsylvania. This ferry service would require investment to upgrade harbour facilities in the two ports. Governments lost much of their enthusiasm for the project when a similar ferry between Toronto and Rochester failed in 2005. The project, however, has not been officially cancelled.

Port Dover has a population of about 5,500. New subdivisions are being built on the western and eastern fringes of town. Defunct elementary schools include Port Dover Public School and Doan's Hollow Public School. Port Dover Public School was closed due to the high cost of maintenance and declining enrolment while Doan's Hollow Public School was closed due to legislation that called for the integration of mentally challenged children into regular elementary schools, and the resulting sharp decline in enrolment.

Doverwood Public School is now the town's only public elementary school, serving students from Jr. Kindergarten to Grade 6. Port Dover Composite School, serves students in grades 7 to 12. St. Cecilia's Catholic Elementary School serves students in Jr. Kindergarten to grade 8. The school recently celebrated its 50th anniversary (2003). Graduates of St.Cecilia's either attend Port Dover Composite School or travel to nearby Simcoe to attend the newly established Holy Trinity Catholic High School (2001). Port Dover is also home to the Port Dover Sailors of the Southern Ontario Junior Hockey League.

• Port Dover, Ontario is at coordinates 42°47′12″N 80°11′56″W / 42.7867, -80.1989Coordinates: 42°47′12″N 80°11′56″W / 42.7867, -80.1989
• Town History