Things to Do in Dunnville, Ontario | Local Day Trip Ideas

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 Creative experiences, riverfront walks, local food, farms, history and little discoveries in Haldimand County.

Coming to Dunnville or Cayuga for an experience? Don't make the drive just for one thing.

Spend the day exploring.

Dunnville and Cayuga are small communities with a surprisingly rich mix of history, nature, local food, farms, waterways and independent businesses—and they're close enough to Hamilton, Niagara and the GTA to make an easy day trip.

We've put together some of our favourite ways to spend a day in the area.

 Make Something at Creative Barracks

If you're already here, you might as well make something.

Creative Barracks offers beginner-friendly art experiences for adults, teens, kids and private groups—from pottery and stained glass to fused glass, painting and seasonal experiences.

You don't need to consider yourself an artist.

You just need to be willing to try.

 Meet Dunnville's Most Famous Resident! Yes, he's a giant catfish.

And yes, you should absolutely get a picture with him.

Muddy the Mudcat has become one of Dunnville's most recognizable landmarks and is a fun stop whether you're visiting for the first time or bringing someone along who hasn't been here before.

Take a photo, stretch your legs and explore the surrounding waterfront.

Another check off your giant roadside attraction list: The World's Largest Catfish Statue

 Grand River • Lake Erie • Port Maitland

Water is a pretty big part of life around here.

Take a walk along the Grand River, explore the Port Maitland pier, or head toward Lake Erie for beaches, swimming and spectacular sunsets.

If you're visiting in warmer weather, pack a bathing suit.

If you're visiting in the fall, bring a sweater and stay for sunset.

And if you're visiting in the winter...

Well, bring a really good sweater.

Looking for somewhere to stretch your legs?

Thompson Creek Eco Park offers walking trails and a chance to slow down and enjoy some of the natural landscape that makes this part of Haldimand special.

It's an easy addition to a day trip and a good way to balance a creative workshop, lunch or shopping with some time outdoors.

 See the Grand River From the Water

If you're looking for something a little different, consider getting out on the river.

Grand River Cruises 

Offers another way to experience the landscape and see the area from a completely different perspective.

Come Hungry

One of the best ways to experience a small community is to eat your way through it.

You'll find everything from classic diner breakfasts to independent cafés and restaurants serving food from around the world.

SOME OF OUR LOCAL FAVOURITES

Passmore's Diner
Start your day with a classic breakfast or lunch.

Pothos Café
A local favourite for authentic Greek and Mexican food.

Squires Pizza
A good option when you're staying for dinner.

The Minga Vegan Café
A plant-based option for visitors looking for something different.

Debb's Cuisin on Queen

Refined dining in a welcoming atmosphere.

Bob's Place Family Restaurant 

Famous for it's large servings of classic restaurant fare. 

Fresh From Haldimand

Agriculture is a huge part of this region, and one of the best ways to experience it is to actually stop at the places growing, making and selling food here.

Depending on the season, you might find:

• fresh local produce 
• flowers 
• farm markets 
• seasonal treats 
• pick-your-own experiences 
• local makers 

Purple Haven Lavender Farm

Pick your own flowers when they're in season and take a little piece ofWander the trails, gardens and the gift shop overlooking a picturesque family farm. 

Windecker Woods Flower Farm

Pick your own flowers when they're in season and take a little piece of the countryside home with you.

Richardson's Farmers Market

A great stop for local produce and seasonal goods.

Always check individual businesses for current hours and seasonal availability before making a special trip.

There Is Much More History Here Than You Might Expect

The communities around Dunnville and Cayuga sit within a landscape shaped by Indigenous history, military history, industrial history, agriculture, fishing and the Grand River itself.

Look closely and you'll find stories everywhere.

Historic buildings.

Old waterways.

Military sites.

Industrial remnants.

Museums.

And landscapes that still tell the stories of the people who lived and worked here.

RCAF Dunnville Museum

Explore the area's military history and learn more about Dunnville's role during the Second World War.

Ruthven National Historic Site

A beautiful historic property near Cayuga with a fascinating connection to the area's history.

 Head Toward Lake Erie! 

Dunnville is close to some beautiful Lake Erie shoreline.

Pack a towel, take a walk, watch the waves, or settle in for sunset.

The lake looks different every season and that's part of the fun.

• Long Beach

• Port Maitland Beach

• Rock Point Provincial Park

• Selkirk Provincial Park 

• James N Allan Provincial Park

 We believe the best kind of tourism is the kind where everyone benefits.  

When you visit us, we hope you'll also eat at a local restaurant, buy something from a local farmer, visit another attraction, stop at a small business and spend a little more time exploring the community.  

We're proud to be part of Haldimand's creative and tourism community. 

Purple Haven Lavender Farm 

Bob's Place Restaurant 

Passmore's Diner

The Minga Cafe

Tourism Haldimand 

Southwest Ontario Tourism

BEFORE YOU GO

Hours, seasonal availability and event schedules can change.

Check directly with each business before making a special trip, particularly for farms, seasonal attractions, beaches, restaurants and outdoor activities.

Make It the Highlight of Your Day

If you're visiting us for one of our destination experiences, there's no reason to head home as soon as the workshop ends.

Coming for Stained Glass High Tea?

Spend the morning exploring Dunnville, have lunch locally, then head to Purple Haven for your afternoon experience.

Coming for Home on the Range?

Spend the day exploring the river, farms and local attractions, then make your way to Purple Haven for dinner, live music and pottery.

Coming to Creative Barracks for a workshop?

Build your own day around it.

There's more to see than the inside of our studio.