Port Rowan, a quaint town nestled in Norfolk County, Ontario, Canada, is a charming lakeside community with a population of fewer than 1500 people. Located on the shores of Lake Erie and adjacent to Long Point, Port Rowan is home to several traditional small businesses that have been operating for decades.
Walking through the town is a delightful experience, with activities such as hiking, running, and cycling being popular among locals and visitors alike. Despite the occasional traffic, the streets of Port Rowan are generally quieter compared to bustling cities like Hamilton, Kitchener, or London.
The history of Port Rowan dates back to around the year 1000, with the Algonquin nation being its earliest known inhabitants. The Algonquin were skilled flint-workers, and evidence of their craftsmanship can still be found in the open worked field areas surrounding the town.
The Attawandaron nation, also known as the Neutrals, were the next to occupy the region until their absorption by the Iroquois in 1651. The last significant native nation to inhabit the area was the Mississaugas.
Key historical buildings, such as John Backhouse's mill, dating back to the 18th century, still stand today. During the War of 1812, American soldiers burned all the mills on Lake Erie's north shore, except for the Backhouse mill and one other, due to powerful connections within the USA.
The South Norfolk Railway reached Port Rowan in 1886 and was operated by the Canadian National Railway until 1965. In 2001, Port Rowan became part of the newly formed County of Norfolk. In 2017, Port Rowan was officially named the birdhouse capital of Canada.
As of 2016, the majority of Port Rowan's residents were between 70–79 years of age. Most of the residents were born in Canada, but there are also individuals who were born in the United States of America and nearly 200 people born in Europe. English is the most commonly spoken language in the town.
Port Rowan is known for hosting Bayfest, an annual Labour Day celebration that has been a tradition for more than 30 years. The Port Rowan Wetlands, created in 1970, offer locals and tourists a chance to experience live birds, snakes, and turtles. The Port Rowan Lion's Park is another popular spot for birdwatching.
Bayview Cemetery, the town's historic cemetery, has individuals and families buried there as far back as the War of 1812. It is a United Empire Loyalists cemetery with at least 498 individuals and/or families interred.
Port Rowan traditionally belongs to the humid continental climate zone. However, due to global warming, winters have become milder since the late 1990s, and summers have become warmer and drier. Despite these changes, Port Rowan would not be affected by flooding even if sea levels were to rise by 60 metres or 200 feet. However, the town may be affected by droughts due to the dislocation of available freshwater.
