Set along the shores of Lake Ontario, Port Hope is one of the most charming small towns in Ontario, promising a quaint getaway surrounded by unsurpassed beauty and rich historical landmarks.
What’s even better is that Port Hope is a little more than an hour’s drive from the city, making it one of the best destinations for a short road trip from Toronto.
Along with offering a quieter setting for a welcomed reset, Port Hope features a unique collection of attractions and activities unlike anywhere else in the province.
From one-of-a-kind art galleries to breathtaking displays of nature, these are the 13 most exciting things to do in Port Hope, Ontario.
A Quick Look at the 13 Top Things to Do in Port Hope, Ontario
- Wander Around Downtown Port Hope
- Catch a Show at Capitol Theatre
- Enjoy a Beach Day
- Hike Through the Ganaraska Forest
- Visit the Haute Goat Farm
- Stroll the Waterfront Trail
- Sample the Local Restaurants
- Find Bliss at the Laveanne Lavender Fields
- Explore Unique Art at Primitive Designs
- Visit the Port Hope Makers’ Market at Memorial Park
- Watch the Salmon Migration on the Ganaraska River
- Enjoy the Views at Richardson’s Lookout Conservation Area
- Stay at the Historical Hotel Carlyle
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The 13 Best Things to Do in Port Hope, Ontario
1. Wander Around Downtown Port Hope
One of the first things you should do upon arriving in Port Hope is simply wander around its downtown area.
Boasting historical buildings of Victorian and Edwardian architecture, the city’s Walton Street is considered the best-preserved main street in Ontario and has even been designated an official heritage district.
Along with its historical landmarks, this monumental road features several boutique shops and restaurants, including Herma’s Fine Food, Ganaraska Brewing Company, and my personal favourite, Furby House Books.
When you have had enough of browsing the local shops, you can follow the Ganaraska River, which cuts through the heart of the downtown area and will lead you to various green spaces and more historical buildings, including the Farini Gardens and Farley Mowat Boat Roofed House.
2. Catch a Show at Capitol Theatre
If you’ve been reading up on my blog then you will know that one of my favourite things to do when visiting a small town or a city in Ontario is to check out the local theatre scene. And while I may say this fairly, Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre is one of the best.
Up there with Stratford and Niagara-on-the-Lake as one of my favourite theatre destinations in Ontario, Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre is the last remaining atmospheric theatre in Canada and continues to boast the same elegant designs of the late 1920s nearly a century after its construction.
Designated a National Historic Site in 2016, the Capitol Theatre continues to host several shows throughout the year, including three headliner productions during the summer months. Catching one of these plays within the historical complex is easily one of the best things to do in Port Hope in the summer.
3. Enjoy a Beach Day
Speaking of great summer attractions, Port Hope is home to two breathtaking beaches lining the shores of Lake Ontario.
Just a short walk from the downtown area, East Beach boasts a spacious white sand shoreline with plenty of onsite amenities, including a children’s playground, washrooms, picnic tables, and the Crawford’s Lakeview Cafe located just across the street.
Meanwhile, located on the other side of the Port Hope Harbour, West Beach promises a much quieter beach-going experience. While there are fewer amenities and slightly more rocks mixed in with the soft sands, West Beach is the perfect choice for those looking to escape the crowds.
4. Hike Through the Ganaraska Forest
Set just a short drive from town, the Ganaraska Forest is the largest nature preserve in southern Ontario, protecting over 11,000 acres of the pristine forested landscape. The protected park features several trails for hiking, biking, and bird watching and is one of the best attractions in Port Hope for nature lovers.
While visitors are welcome to come explore the natural areas, the Ganaraska Forest Centre also offers several group programs throughout the year, including educational programs and overnight programming for field trips and corporate events.
5. Visit the Haute Goat Farm
The Haute Goat Farm is one of Port Hope’s most unique attractions. After all, where else can you practice yoga alongside a group of baby goats?
Even if you don’t have time to partake in one of the facility’s popular goat yoga classes, you should still plan to stop by the farm to interact with its adorable collection of animals, which includes Nigerian Dwarf Goats, Icelandic horses, and several alpacas.
6. Stroll the Waterfront Trail
Walking the Waterfront Trail is another great activity for those looking to explore the natural beauty of the Port Hope region.
Now, the Waterfront Trail is massive, spanning over 3600 km from Sault Ste. Marie to the Quebec border. So, you’re obviously not going to do the whole thing.
However, the Port Hope section of the route is truly one of the most beautiful hikes in the region and features several parking lots for you to make the trek as short or as long as you like.
7. Sample the Local Restaurants
While visiting Port Hope you are going to want to sample a few of the region’s local restaurants. Whether you are an avid foodie or simply enjoy the dining experience, Port Hope promises one of the best food scenes in Ontario with a great variety of restaurants.
If you are looking for one of the best burgers in the province, be sure to order the Zeus Burger from Olympus Burger. Meanwhile, if you are looking for something a little more gourmet, check out the Trattoria Gusto for a more intimate Italian dining experience operating out of a 19th-century hotel.
8. Find Bliss at the Laveanne Lavender Fields
Laveanne Lavender Fields is another destination to add to your Port Hope itinerary and is just a quick 20 minute drive from town. Visitors are welcome to walk through the sweeping 4 acre field while taking in the sweet scents of over 10,000 individual lavender plants.
There is a gate admission fee of $14 to enter the site, but once in, guests are free to explore the field as they wish during visiting hours, be it walking through the complex’s Lavender Labyrinth, picnicking amongst the violet flowers, or yoga within the serene setting.
The only thing Laveanne Lavender Fields asks is that pets and drones be left at home and that smoking is not permitted on the property.
9. Explore Unique Art at Primitive Designs
Primitive Designs is a unique attraction in Port Hope that is perfect for art lovers and movie enthusiasts alike. Located just outside of the downtown area on the outskirts of the Port Hope Conservation Area, Primitive Designs features a two-acre property of pop-culture statues that are made out of recycled motorcycle parts.
Upon arriving at the parking lot, guests are welcomed by lifelike transformers. As you tour the rest of the property, you will marvel at a variety of works, including giant robots, dinosaurs, octopuses, Terminators, Gremlins, and more.
When you are finished admiring the artwork, be sure to stop by the complex’s onsite shop to pick up smaller versions of your favourite pieces or a commemorative t-shirt.
10. Visit the Port Hope Makers’ Market at Memorial Park
Speaking of picking up some local crafts, be sure to stop by the Port Hope Makers’ Market when visiting during the summer months. Started in 2022, this exciting new market is a great spot to peruse the works of many local artisans.
While new, the Makers’ Market is quickly becoming a staple of the community, often featuring over 20 vendors selling everything from fresh flowers and antiques to street food and handicrafts.
As of last year, the market is held in Memorial Park from 3:30 pm to 8:00 pm every weekend between Victoria Day and Labour Day.
11. Watch the Salmon Migration on the Ganaraska River
Arguably, the best time to visit Port Hope is between mid-August and October for the annual salmon migration.
The Ganaraska River that cuts its way through the heart of the downtown area is one of the healthiest in all of Ontario, and every fall, the waters are filled with up to 20,000 salmon making their way upstream from Lake Ontario to their spawning grounds.
While you are sure to spot the heaps of salmon from anywhere along the river, the spot to observe the phenomenon is from Corbett’s Dam. Located just a short drive from downtown, the dam is home to its famous Fish Ladder, which consists of progressively higher pools of water that the salmon toss themselves between as they climb in elevation.
Trust me. Watching thousands of fish flying between these pools is something you’ll want to check out.
12. Enjoy the Views at Richardson’s Lookout Conservation Area
If you are looking for some of the best views of Northumberland County, head over to Richardson’s Lookout Conservation Area. Located about a 20-minute drive from a town near Garden Hill, the 3-acre conservation area makes for great nature walks while promising breathtaking lookout point that make for a fantastic stop along any tour of the countryside.
13. Stay at the Historical Hotel Carlyle
While more of an accommodation than an attraction, the historical Hotel Carlyle is an experience within itself, and staying in its monumental rooms is definitely one of the top things to do in Port Hope.
Built in 1857, the building the hotel occupies originally served as the Port Hope branch of the Bank of Upper Canada. While the building still maintains the charms of its authentic 19th-century Italian architecture, the complex has been completely renovated into one of the community’s most prestigious boutique hotels.
Located just a short walk from downtown, the hotel features ten rooms elegantly designed to accentuate the historical charms of the complex while promising top-of-the-line modern in-room comforts and amenities that include balconies. Fireplaces and whirlpool tubs.
Between the elegant private rooms and onsite Moroccan-themed restaurant, staying at the historical hotel sets the mood for immersing in the local small town community.
