Port Hope has been called one of the cutest small towns in Ontario – it’s enchanting, in fact. You might discover it by chance on a day trip, but you’ll keep coming back to visit, like an old friend. Just an hour from the GTA (exit 464 off Highway 401) Port Hope holds the title of having the best-preserved heritage main street in Ontario. Walk along heritage Walton Street to find irresistible shops and eateries. Parts of Port Hope have been used in sets for a number of movies and TV shows. Beyond the downtown, you can explore the Municipality of Port Hope to enjoy Northumberland’s rolling hills, hiking trails, farms, and Lake Ontario beaches. The freshwater Ganaraska River (Ganny) flows through town, making Port Hope an awesome place to see one of Canada’s most spectacular salmon and trout runs.
Here are some vacation ideas or day trip experiences to enjoy in Port Hope:
Shop the Historic Downtown
Bring a few easy-to-carry shopping totes to take home great finds from the shops along Port Hope’s historic Walton Street. Here’s a sampling to get you started: Bibelot (whimsical and thoughtful giftware, home accents and fashion), G Facey Clothing (Canadian and international clothing lines with a relaxed vibe), Holton Flowers (gorgeous floral arrangements), Penney & Company (designer-curated fabrics, furnishings and gifts), Tall Birches (vintage clothing and locally-made home accents, jewelry and fashion), and The Thrill of the Find (gently-used fashion pieces with designer labels).
Explore the quaint, side streets off Walton Street, and visit must-stop shops like Atelier on John (amazing home accents, custom upholstery, fabrics and drapes) and Ravenswood Boutique (boho and contemporary feminine fashion).
See TV and Movie Locations
Port Hope’s small-town charm is featured in a number of TV shows filmed over the past 20 years (including the Murdoch Mysteries and Schitt's Creek). In terms of movie fame, Stephen King’s two thriller movies (IT and IT Chapter 2) were filmed here.
Immerse yourself in Stephen King’s world on your own IT Walking Tour to get a better beat on the sites seen in the fictional town of Derry, Maine (aka Port Hope). There’s also a Google map.
Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre is a vintage 1930s playhouse – one of North America’s last remaining “atmospheric” theatres (surrounded by the backdrop of a medieval castle courtyard beneath a starry sky). It’s home to live performances of theatre and music. Check out the Capitol Theatre box office for what’s on. In the fall, The Capitol is also an amazing spot to see Northumberland’s annual Vintage Film Festival.
Dine in Heritage Buildings
Looking for something delicious with a side of old-world charm? Walton Street is brimming with local restaurants and cafés located in historic buildings, including (and this is just a start): Bualai Taste of Thai Cuisine (crispy spring rolls, excellent Thai take-out and eat-in dinners), Dreamer’s Café (the original Northumberland Crazy Cookie made with chocolate, nuts and caramel), Milly's Market (meats, cheeses, foodie items and meals to go), Jim’s Pizza and Pasta (family-recipe pizza, pasta and wings), and Queenie’s Bake Shop (classic sweets, coffee and lunch specials right near the bridge).
Explore John Street and Beamish House Pub (genuine pub fare and a great back patio) – or Turtle John’s Pub & Restaurant (a sports bar with classic pub food and spicy wings.)
Watch the river flow by from these two patio restaurants: The Ganaraska Brewing Company (local craft brews, hometown comfort food, and a view of the Ganaraska from the rooftop) and Trattoria Gusto (rustic Italian cuisine, and a patio under a pergola with a lovely side view of the Ganny).
Dine on inspired, local food in a heritage building with exposed brick and beams at The Social Bar & Table (lunch or dinner) – or its chic, sister restaurant TwentySix). Both sit side-by-side near the Ganaraska River.
If you’re not staying at the historic Hotel Carlyle (accommodations here), you can still make a reservation to dine in this former Victorian-era bank’s stunning dining room or in the roomy atrium/open patio.
For Canadian comfort-food nostalgia, you won’t want to miss a trip to Olympus Burger, located a block from Walton Street (you can’t miss the sign, a former KFC “bucket”). It’s become a go-to burger destination since being featured on the Food Network’s You Gotta Eat Here. If you’re looking for meatless options, there’s a great black bean or mushroom cap burger.)
Take Scenic Day Trips
Take a look at these Port Hope maps and set out on Port Hope’s country roads to discover local landmarks, farm markets and scenic lookout points.
Looking for the best Italian balsamic or Scottish shortbread? Stop into Herma’s Fine Foods & Gifts and leave lots of time to explore this foodie and décor destination. Inside the unassuming building you’ll find a huge array of kitchen gadgets, spices and gourmet goodies to-go.
Visit Wesleyville Village, a 19th century village with old buildings and time-weathered tombstones. You’ll see a one-room school house (c. 1899) and restored church (c. 1860) in this tiny village.
Since heritage is such a key part of Port Hope, you’ll find great self-guided tours developed with The Architectural Conservancy of Ontario. For example, The Port Hope Historic Barn Quilt Trail provides the locations of more than 20 historic barns in the area painted with quilt tile boards. Follow the Barn Tour Google Map.
Garden tours and historic house tours are also big in this small town, hosted by the Architectural Conservancy of Ontario, Port Hope Branch.
Bring the Kids for Family Fun
Visit Treetop Trekking in the Ganaraska Forest to fly from tree-to-tree on ziplines, Tarzan swings and suspended bridges. (Kids should be 9 years old and 55" tall. There’s a night trek experience for those over 12 and a GPS Rally for those not as fond of heights.)
Pack your rubber boots and take a trip to Haute Goat Farm to see goats and alpacas up close (even snuggle and interact with them). You can book farm experiences like the Goat Shmurgle or Alpaca Knuffle Shuffle in advance. Try your hand at disc golf on the scenic course. Grab something to eat at the Screaming Goat Café, and shop the store filled with goodies like cheeses and popcorn made with goat's milk to complete the day.
Bring the kids to marvel at huge robots and dinosaurs made from recycled car parts. Primitive Designs has arts and crafts from around the world, stocked to the rafters in its two-storey barn. This is a fun stop, and you can take a picture beside your favourite amazement.
In April, bring the kids to watch Port Hope's annual Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny. This popular river race that takes place on the Ganaraska River. Canoes, kayaks and crazy crafts take to the Ganny to commemorate the 1980 flood in Port Hope. The downtown is also alive with sidewalk sales, fresh-baked foods and local fare.
In the warmer months take advantage of Port Hope’s east and west beaches along Lake Ontario.
In September, bring the family to Cultivate Festival, a big, weekend-long festival and picnic featuring local food and beverages, live music and arts experiences for the family.
Watch for salmon and trout from the banks of the Ganaraska River. You can see fly-fishing along the Ganaraska River – or just watch in amazement at the fish ladder.
If it's Saturday, take in the outdoor Port Hope Farmers' Market, open May through October, 8 am to 1 pm.
Walk or Hike for a Mini Getaway
Take the self-guided walking tour of downtown Port Hope to see sights like the canoe-like shelter brought to life from Farley Mowat's books The Farfarers. See the plaque in Farini Garden showing where The Great Farini crossed the Ganaraska River on tightrope in 1985. Then stroll along Augusta Street or Dorset Street West – where you can see stately mansions and historic country cottages.
Hike about 10 km (6 mi) along the Ganaraska Hiking Trail (with beginner and intermediate routes). You’ll see rapids, deep river pools home to trophy fish, and a magnificent view of Lake Ontario.
Drive north of Port Hope to the massive Ganaraska Forest for sky-high trees and marked trails – or head to Garden Hill and stop at Richardson’s Lookout Conservation Area for one of the most amazing elevated views in Northumberland.
Cycle or Mountain Bike
If you like more rugged terrain, you’ll want to see why the Ganaraska Forest is a great Ontario cycling destination, with 300 km (186 mi) of multi-use trails passing through rolling terrain typical of the Oak Ridges Moraine.
For a scenic 30-km (19 mi) bike ride try The Glorious Ganaraska Cycling Route, which includes Port Hope, Ganaraska River views and ends with the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail along Lake Ontario. The route is also outlined on a Google map.
Find a Place to Stay
From modern hotels to historic inns, here’s a list of Port Hope accommodations for you.
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