Twin Harbors

Niagara County, New York, home to one of the natural wonders of the world, Niagara Falls, is steeped in history. The area celebrated its bicentennial in 2008, and historic attractions such as Old Fort Niagara date back to 1726. Access to water was a key component to the area’s attractiveness, including the Niagara River and 30 miles of Lake Ontario shoreline. It still is today.

Key Niagara ports for the Great Lakes through the years are the one-two punch of Wilson and Olcott — Niagara’s aqua-colored jewels on the water.

Boating and fishing have a storied history in this dynamic lakeshore duo, both over 200 years old and only six miles apart, as the gull flies. The lake was long known for its lake trout and Atlantic salmon fishery, as well as a large population of lake sturgeon — all indigenous species to the lake. Destruction of habitat, pollution and overfishing all lead to the demise of the fishery. Things needed to change.

Pollution controls in the Great Lakes, natural resource enhancement programs and fish stocking efforts through the state’s Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) all helped to revive the lake. The introduction of Pacific salmon in 1968 to help control alewife populations and serve as an economic catalyst for the lakeshore communities was the shot in the arm the area needed.

Olcott

The Town of Newfane, where the hamlet of Olcott is located (referred to as Olcott Beach by locals), was formed in 1824. At the turn of the 20th century, the lakeside community was known as a huge tourist destination, all anchored around the water and the Olcott Beach Hotel. It was fueled by a Lockport to Olcott trolley line, which was built by the International Railway Company (IRC) in 1900. IRC was responsible for the building of the hotel, as well as the creation of the Rialto Park amusement park. However, by 1925, both the park and the hotel fell into disrepair and fires in the area (including at the hotel) in the 1930s dismantled the progress that was made. The trolley line was discontinued in 1937.

A resurgence for the area began near the end of the 20th century and flourished into the 21st century. Olcott Beach gained a reputation as a popular salmon port that was the envy of the Great Lakes, thanks in part to the quality of the charter captains who operated out of the three marinas in the harbor.

The Town Marina at Olcott Harbor is a full-service marina operated by the Town of Newfane that offers gas, fish cleaning, showers, a pump-out station and a picnic area on the west side of the harbor. On the east side, a newly renovated Hedley Boatyard has improved the aesthetics of the port immensely. McDonough Marina & Restaurant is a third option for powerboaters.

An increased awareness for the sport fishery was established thanks to popular fishing contests like the Lake Ontario Pro-Am Salmon Team Tournament (run out of the ports of Wilson and Olcott), the Empire State Lake Ontario Trout and Salmon derbies, the Lake Ontario Counties salmon and trout derbies, and the Niagara County Fall Classic Derby (now the Greater Niagara Fish Odyssey Derby). In 2012, Olcott Beach was honored with the distinction of the “Ultimate Fishing Town” by the World Fishing Network.

“We have one of the top freshwater fisheries in the country if not the world in Niagara County,” says Frank Campbell, the area’s fishing promotion coordinator and outdoor sports specialist for Destination Niagara USA. “We truly do offer anglers 12 months of fishing options, be it in the lake, the tributaries or the Niagara River.”

One of the top tributaries is 18 Mile Creek (18 miles from the Niagara River and Fort Niagara), which flows through the heart of Olcott and divides the hamlet into two sections. One mile up the creek is Burt Dam, serving as a blockade for salmon and trout that run up the stream in the fall and winter to satisfy natural urges. Thousands of anglers use Fisherman’s Park, operated by the Town of Newfane at Burt Dam, each fall to target Chinook and Coho salmon, brown trout and rainbow/steelhead trout. If you come to the area, make sure you have a fishing rod packed. If you don’t have one, check out the list of local charter captains and guides at niagarafallsusa.com. There is also a weekly fishing report that is updated every Wednesday on the website.

Olcott Yacht Club (OYC) is a fourth option to consider for boating-related services if you prefer wind power. According to Joe Higgins, the commodore of OYC, the club was founded in 1920 and it’s focused on sailing instruction and club racing, and offers both boating and social memberships.

“We offer two nights free docking to those from reciprocal clubs,” says Higgins. “We have a great deal of space for docking, but do not have water or electricity at all spots. We have a clubhouse, showers and bathrooms for transients. We have a bar and restaurant, too. There is also an agreement with the Town Marina for reciprocal yacht club members for two free nights and use of all its facilities.”

Higgins pointed out that a new breakwall and pier configuration was completed in November 2021; this new Olcott Beach project may not be on existing charts. The club also has a 30-ton lift and built a Junior Sailing Club building in 2000.

If you decide to dine at OYC, the second-floor viewing area overlooking the lake is a prime spot for spectacular Lake Ontario sunsets and a skyline view of Toronto, Ontario, straight across the lake on clear days.

The hamlet of Olcott is split by the creek, and both the Town Marina and OYC are on the west side of the creek. You are about a 15-minute walk to the east side where you will find several quality dining options, such as Mariner’s Landing, where the coconut shrimp is most excellent, and Maxwell Station for the best chicken wings in town — hot and crispy is the way to go.

You are only a few miles away from the village of Newfane where more dining options await, including Cafora’s for anything Italian (the pizzas and pasta are excellent) and Brookside (with outstanding baby back ribs). If you don’t have a vehicle, the best way to visit this area is to use a bike or a ride share.

The port has long been surrounded by prime agricultural land, with an emphasis on apples and peaches. Since the turn of the century, wineries and picturesque vineyards have popped up with several relatively close to the harbor. Area establishments include Schulze Winery, Black Willow Winery, Marjim Manor and Victorianbourg Vineyards. If you prefer beer, Live Edge Brewing Company is adjacent to Schulze for a different kind of one-two punch.

The harbor is surrounded by a generous mix of family attractions. The Olcott Beach Carousel Park is a vintage kiddie park that has operated for over two decades. All the rides are .25 cents, thanks to the support of local volunteers. Nearby are the Lakeview Village Shoppes, a small cluster of storefronts that can be found overlooking the lake offering food and various tourist-related items. Special events take place at the Shoppes, such as Friday Nights on the Boardwalk featuring wine tasting and music.

It seems as though there are always special events going on in the hamlet or in Krull Park (a large county park on the lake) from March through December. The second weekend in July is a very popular Pirate’s Festival, one of the biggest events of the season, but let’s not forget the long list of other activities. Saturday night car cruises are a regular occurrence, along with Sunday Gazebo Concerts and free movie nights at the Carousel Park. Old Olcott Days and Pioneer Picnic closes out July and the Olcott Beach Jazz Trail is over Labor Day weekend. A scarecrow contest is in September and harvest events and a psychic fair help to fill October. Holiday goings-on continue into December. Check out olcott-newfane.com.

Between the Olcott Beach Community Association and the Town of Newfane Tourism Board, their progressive approach to keeping people busy has been a big reason for the area’s success. Even cold weather in March doesn’t slow the community down. A March of Dimes Polar Bear Swim the first Sunday of March brings 10,000 people out for a festive time. Only a few hundred folks brave the cold water though.

Area accommodations include the Lighthouse Motel in Olcott Beach and Fly Inn Lodge in Burt, as well as the Lake Ontario Motel in Newfane. In addition, there is a long list of cottages and other rental properties around the harbor, along the lake and along the creek.

Photos top to bottom: Headly Boat Yard; Destination Niagara USA; Olcott Yacht Club website; Olcott Harbor Pier Project Facebook; Lakeview Ships Facebook