Ontario Day Trips

Port Coborne, ON

Butter Tart Tourism

There’s nothing more Canadian than a perfectly gooey, buttery, and flaky butter tart. But where do you find the best one in Ontario? That’s a question every dessert lover should ask. The only way to answer it is to hit the road and taste for yourself! From charming bakeries to hidden roadside gems, Ontario is dotted with quaint spots serving up this iconic treat. So, grab your keys, bring your appetite, and prepare for a delicious adventure. The best butter tart in Ontario is out there waiting for you!

If you’re looking for Ontario’s best butter tarts, one destination to include in your Ontario road trip planning is Port Colborne, Ontario. The Butter Tart Shack is guaranteed to satisfy your sweet tooth and cravings for butter tarts. Recently, the Butter Tart Shack opened their store in the charming lakeside town of Port Colborne.

Roguetrippers @ Port Colborne Sign

Visit Port Colborne ON

Port Colborne is one of Ontario’s best-kept secrets—a charming lakeside town packed with history, scenic beauty, and small-town warmth. Sitting right on the shores of Lake Erie, this lovely town is packed with history, waterfront views, and small-town charm. Situated on the mouth of the world-famous Welland Canal, you can sit and watch massive ships glide through Lock 8, stroll the Port Promenade, or kick back on the sandy shores of Nickel Beach.

But it’s not just about the scenery—Port Colborne is full of great eateries, local shops, and hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Be sure to explore the Port Colborne Historical Museum and learn about the history of the canal and the area while you are there. Whether you’re here for a laid-back getaway, a foodie adventure, or just a scenic drive, this town delivers.

Click here for more info on visiting Port Colborne

The Butter Tart Shack

The Butter Tart Shack has been a regular fixture at festivals, events, and farmers’ markets across Ontario for many years. We have been huge fans of Butter Tart Shack since our first introduction when we discovered them at a small-town event. At that time, he was selling his handcrafted butter tarts under the name of “Catering by Jason Young.” Since then, we have enjoyed witnessing the growth of his business and the significant exposure he gained through participating in various festivals and markets.

Founded by Jason Young, a passionate baker with a deep love for perfecting this Canadian classic, The Butter Tart Shack has been building a solid reputation for crafting some of the most decadent, mouthwatering butter tarts around. With a rich history of baking excellence and a commitment to refining this Canadian classic, they’ve become a must-try for butter tart lovers everywhere. Whether you prefer yours runny, firm, plain, or packed with pecans, or a more wild-style combination, this spot delivers pure indulgence in every bite.

The Butter Tarts

The butter tarts from The Butter Tart Shack, crafted by Jason Young in Port Colborne, are a true indulgence for butter tart lovers. Every element, from the golden crust to the rich, velvety filling, is designed to deliver the perfect bite. Here’s what makes them stand out:

Appearance

These butter tarts are visually appealing, showcasing their golden-brown crusts and perfectly caramelized tops—the filling glistens enticingly, promising a gooey, rich experience that’s impossible to resist.

Pastry

The crust is a masterpiece—flaky, buttery, and just the right thickness to hold the luscious filling without overpowering it. Made from shortcrust pastry, it has a crumbly, tender bite with a subtle hint of sweetness. It melts in your mouth while still providing a satisfying texture.

Filling

The filling is the star of the show—smooth, rich, and decadently sweet. It oozes with velvety, buttery goodness, creating a melt-in-your-mouth experience. Whether you prefer a classic filling, one with pecans or raisins, or something more creative, each bite delivers a burst of flavour that keeps you coming back for more.

Crust-to-Filling Ratio

The balance is impeccable. They are filled right to the top, and every bite is packed with the indulgent goodness of delicious pastry and decadent filling. The crust complements the filling perfectly, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavours that is hard to resist.

Overall Experience

From the first glance to the last bite, these butter tarts offer an unforgettable experience. They perfectly blend homemade charm and professional craftsmanship, leaving you craving more. The filling varies depending on the flavour – some more drippy than others. However, you can count on a luxuriously decadent taste experience. If you plan to enjoy them on the go, napkins (or a plate) are a must.  If you’re a true butter tart enthusiast, The Butter Tart Shack in Port Colborne is a must-visit destination!

Beyond the Butter Tarts

In addition to the many varieties of butter tart flavours available in-store (which change often), the Butter Tart Shack also makes amazing, large butter tart stuffed cookies. In-store, you can buy a coffee to enjoy with your tarts by the canal. They also partner with other small businesses selling their merchandise in the shop. Such as Appleflats crab apple drinks, Crunchie Munchies confections, Sippy Cup Coffee Roasters, and more. Don’t forget to pick up your Butter Tart Shack merch -so you can #ReptheShack.

I have been judging butter tarts for a long time, and The Butter Tart Shack has truly elevated the art of butter tarts. Making them a must-try for anyone visiting Port Colborne! If you’re serious about your butter tarts like we are, Port Colborne should be on your road trip list—because once you taste these, you’ll be planning your next visit before you even finish the first tart!

Where to Find the Butter Tart Shack

You will find their recognizable orange tent at many festivals, markets, and events around Ontario. The brick-and-mortar store of the Butter Tart Shack is located at 335 Wellington St, Port Colborne, ON L3K 2K4. It is just down the street from the iconic vintage Dairy Queen location, and the Welland Canal and Lock 8 Gateway Park.

Follow along on our Butter Tart Quest for more Sweet Roguetrip ideas and discover some of the best butter tart bakeries in Canada.

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