Port Credit, Mississauga Neighbourhood Guide: The Village on the Lake

Port Credit is a quaint, bustling waterfront town located in the south-central part of Mississauga. Nestled at the mouth of the Credit River on the north shore of Lake Ontario, this neighbourhood is a prime location close to amenities like shopping, restaurants, transit, and a plethora of recreational activities.

Port Credit consists of three sections, Port Credit Village near Tall Oaks, Hiawatha Park and Memorial Park, Olde Port Credit Village, which lies west of the Credit River, and Cranberry Cove, which is situated along the lakeshore next to Rhododendron Gardens.

The housing market in Port Credit ranges from affordable starter homes and condos to modern dwellings close to the water that you may have to pay a pretty penny for. Residents here include new families, young professionals, and retirees.

Port Credit has been undergoing a significant revitalization of its waterfront, attracting a large amount of real estate development which may account for its recent spike in interest. The community offers many activities, festivals, and other cultural events for families to enjoy year-round.

Port Credit was originally a settlement of the Mississauga Ojibwe First Nations band and a trading post established by the French in 1720. The neighbourhood gets its name from its proximity to the banks of the Credit River at the mouth of Lake Ontario.

The Port Credit Harbour Company was founded in 1834, around the same time the Mississaugas left the village to relocate to the Six Nations Reserve. The harbour company turned Port Credit into a busy port and shipping centre, which thrived until the early 1900s.

After the industrial era ended, the village survived into the 20th century, becoming an independent municipality in 1909. Port Credit then gained town status in 1961 before later amalgamating with the City of Mississauga in 1974.

The housing stock of Port Credit reflects much of Mississauga’s urban development, with new townhomes and condominium buildings along the waterfront. The neighbourhood also includes pockets of heritage homes with Tudor and Arts and Crafts features. You may find many charming brick bungalows, some of which have been purchased by builders and replaced with new custom-designed homes.

With the increasing condo developments, there are Lakefront plans in the coming years for more buildings to be built in the area.

The community of Port Credit manages to put a myriad of events and activities for residents to enjoy. The annual Waterfront Festival takes place near the lake at the end of June, while Ontario’s largest in-water boat show, the Port Credit In-Water Boat Show, is held every August. The annual Port Credit’s Busker Fest is also held in August.

Lakefront Promenade Marina, located at the Lakefront Promenade Park, features docking and boating facilities as well as an outdoor eatery for convenience. If you take an interest in our nation’s history, Port Credit now has scenic tours that include hearing the role of the Mississauga First Nation during the War of 1812, told by a veteran of the 2nd Regiment of the York Militia.

The Mississauga Waterfront Festival is an annual music festival with over 600 performers annually that attracts visitors from across the GTA, Ontario, and even border cities in the United States. You can also catch the annual gardens tour at the Rhododendron Gardens between early May and late June for a chance to see the gardens in full bloom.

Art and music lovers can also check out the painted cross-walks at Lakeshore Road East that pay tribute to Port Credit’s musical heritage. Additionally, the Mississauga Music Walk of Fame is located in Port Credit Memorial Park, where inductees are honoured with a star on the walking path behind the Port Credit Library.

Along Lakeshore, you’ll find a variety of boutiques, consignment stores, gift shops, and essential shops like a Loblaws grocery, a Shoppers Drug Mart, and a Dollarama.

A community favourite in terms of dining would have to be Snug Harbour which is situated, as you might have guessed, in a harbour and offers delicious seafood platters. For dessert, you can head to La Villa Bakery & Cafe for a selection of yummy cannolis and pastries, Scoops on Lakeshore for ice cream, or Port 1 Cafe at 1 Hurontario for yummy gelato and sorbet.

Other honourable mentions include Ten Restaurant, The Pump House Grill, The Brouge Inn Irish Pub, and Spice Lounge & Tapas, to name just a few.

Port Credit Memorial Park is a wonderful strolling park on the banks of the Credit River and directly across the street from Lake Ontario. The park hosts a skate park, massive gazebo and play areas for the kids, as well as many of Port Credit’s annual festivals.

The Rhododendron Gardens offers a relaxing setting among the beautiful foliage, where all of the donated species, including a Hazel McCallion Rose, are lovingly tended all season long.

St Lawrence Park is right in the heart of downtown and includes a promenade with beautiful views of the lake. Tall Oaks is an extension of St Lawrence Park and feature its iconic gazebo on the rock edge.

JJ Plaus Park is perfect for watching the boats in the Marina, while Richard’s Memorial Park is a lovely spot with a beachfront and is a great place to meet family and friends. JC Saddington and Hiawatha parks are smaller green spaces, perfect for a quiet stroll or to bring the kids to play.

The Port Credit Library is adjacent to the Port Credit Memorial Park. Additionally, the Port Credit ice arena is located just east of it on Stavebank Road.

For lovers of all things nautical, you can charter a fishing boat at Marina Park that will guide you to some excellent fishing for Salmon and Trout on Lake Ontario. The Credit River that spills into Lake Ontario is also a popular spot for canoeing, kayaking and paddle boating. You can visit The Port Credit Yacht Club at Lakefront Promenade Park.

Port Credit is one of only a couple of neighbourhoods in Mississauga that you can truly walk. Add to that the revitalization of the Lakeshore heading east into bordering Lakeview along the Lakeshore, making for a nice, easy drive right into Toronto. You’re also just minutes away from the QEW if you’re not up for the scenic route. The GO at Port Credit Station will also get you in downtown Toronto in less than 30 minutes.

Long known as a quaint waterfront town in Mississauga, Port Credit is quickly becoming an up-and-coming community for people looking to leave downtown Toronto. The Lakefront. The shops. The restaurants. The atmosphere. Port Credit has it all for both families and young professionals alike.

And since it’s a smaller town, Port Credit has a strong sense of community. It’s got the feeling of a flourishing village, with a bustling main street that supports tons of local businesses and hosts a variety of annual events and festivals. The town is also home to a thriving local arts and music scene.