EmilyJ

Planning weekend get-away to Jordan - prefer cottage/cabin vs. Bed and Breakfast or hotel. Has anyone stayed in the cottage at Martin House in Jordan Station? Would also consider Port Dalhousie area. Been to NOTL a number of times, so we'd like to try someplace different. Thanks!

PLJ

I haven't stayed at Martin House. Are you familiar with the location? The road that its on runs parallel to (and I believe fairly close to) the QEW (a four lane highway). This makes me wonder about noise level. If its a large property and the cottage is back off of the road, near the lake, then the highway noise may not be an issue. Its just a question that comes to mind...

I don't know of a cottage in Port Dalhousie but I have heard good things about Wooton House. Although its a B&B, they do offer a three room suite (with a private deck) that may be of interest.

EmilyJ

Thank you, PLJ!!! Not familiar with location, so I appreciate your comment about the noise. Checked out Wooten House on the web - looks nice! Do you know if Port Dalhousie is a "walkable town"? Similiar to NOTL? Also, are you familiar with Split Rail Harbor B & B in Jordan? Location a problem? I welcome any input you can give...

ashoebri

Hi there isn't much in Jordan except maybe Twenty Valley. That will be pricey. Also not much in Port but most just stay at the Howard Johnsons off the highway and use it as home base and go to port which is a walkable town like NOTL but not as big by any means. They have lots of fun little shops.

PLJ

Hi Emily,

Port Dalhousie is a walkable town. There's a beach, yacht club, shops and restaurants (many located in historic buildings - including "Olson Foods and Bakery" about which I've heard very good things). From the beach, a walk out on the pier to the lighthouse makes for a nice stroll. Also at the beach you'll find an historic carousel where the cost of a ride is still only 5 cents. Port Dalhousie is lower key than NOTL - quieter, not as busy (that is, as long as there isn't a rowing tournament on that weekend!). I think of NOTL as having a strong focus on tourism. People do live in NOTL but it is chockablock with B&B's and its considered an expensive place to live. Port Dalhousie was once a town of its own, but for many years now has been a "neighbourhood" within the city of St. Catharines. I think of Port as being a nice and interesting neighbourhood where people actually live. Port does have things to offer to the tourist (as noted above) but I don't think of it as a "tourist town" the way that I do NOTL. NOTL has many more shops, restaurants, etc. I think that Port would have enough to occupy a tourist for about an afternoon (maybe a day) where NOTL could keep you busy for a few days. I like both "towns", each for their own reasons.

I don't know Jordan as well, just what I've heard from others and what I see from the highway on my way to Niagara. I'm not familiar with Split Rail on the Harbour B&B but from its location shown on Yahoo maps, it appears to be much farther from the highway than Martin House.

EmilyJ

Thanks again to both of you for taking the time to answer my questions. Unfortunately, the Wooton House is booked so we won't be able to stay in Port Dalhousie, but we will certainly take a side trip there! Still haven't decided where to stay - decisions, decisions!