Port Hope tourist information
There is much to see and do in the Municipality of Port Hope. This historic town is nationally acclaimed for a designated heritage conservation district main street, winner of TV Ontario's contest for the "Best Preserved Main Street in Ontario", and for its wealth of beautifully restored early homes and buildings. Port Hope can boast over 250, more per capita that anywhere else in Canada. Self guided walking and driving tour maps are available to enjoy the heritage and architecture of the town. The Canadian Firefighters' Museum has a fine exhibit of firefighting equipment and memorabilia on display and is open during the summer months, as is Dorothy's House Museum in the Village of Garden Hill. This is a fine example of a working mans cottage depicting life in the mid 1800's.
Shopping is second to none in Port Hope, rumoured to be the antique capital of rural Ontario, with numerous antique and specialty shops. Dine in one of many fine restaurants, cafes, pubs or teashops. There are so many beautiful bed and breakfast establishments, that a B&B association has been formed. Stay in grand Victorian mansions or cozy homes and enjoy the hospitality of the hosts as they serve you an unforgettable gourmet breakfast.
The Capitol Theatre is the last remaining atmospheric theatre in operation in Canada today. The interior of the theatre gives patrons the illusion of sitting in an outdoor medieval castle courtyard, under a blue sky complete with moving clouds. Fully restored, the Capitol is a 365 seat, year round multi-purpose facility and has become an integral part of the cultural life of the lakeshore area. Its uniqueness makes the Capitol an exceptional venue for live theatre, concerts, films and private functions. The theatre operates a professional summer season of plays under the name of the Port Hope Festival Theatre.
The Municipality of Port Hope offers some of the most diverse year-round fishing in Ontario. Anglers can fly fish in the clean cold waters of the majestic Ganaraska River that runs through the heart of town and empties into Lake Ontario. This river is excellent for trout and salmon fishing. Charter boats will take anglers out on Lake Ontario during the summer months.
If you are interested in outdoor activities, there are excellent hiking trails along Lake Ontario, the Ganaraska River and Ganaraska Forest Centre. Numerous recreational activities can be enjoyed at this year-round facility including ATVing, off-road motorcycling, snowmobiling and cross country skiing. The countryside back roads are perfect for cyclist to take a scenic tour around the Municipalities pretty villages and hamlets. The Port Hope Golf and County Club offers a challenging eighteen-hole golf course overlooking Lake Ontario.
Port Hope is host to a plethora of festivals and events. Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny is a ten-kilometer river race that takes place in April. This festival commemorates a devastating flood in downtown Port Hope in 1980. Canoes, kayaks and crazy crafts maneuver their way down the Ganaraska River to the delight of the thousands of spectators. Canada Day celebrations include a parade, fireworks and a fun filled family festival. The All-Canadian Jazz Festival turns downtown into a lively weekend event in September that draws thousands of fans. The oldest and longest running historic house tour is a sell out every year the Saturday before Thanksgiving. The Port Hope Agricultural Fall Fair is another one of Canada's oldest, also held in September. Garden Tours, Artisans Tours, Antique Cars and Farms Machinery Shows, a Vintage Film Festival are some others you won't want to miss. Port Hope just never slows down, and the fun continues into Christmas with a magical festival of trees at the Capitol Theatre, a Candlelight Walk and Santa Claus Parade. Memorial Park is transformed into a Victorian Village with twinkling facades of the town's well know buildings. The park is decorated with dozens of trees and lights for your viewing pleasure until January 2nd.
Port Hope aerial map
Please click on any icon on the Port Hope aerial tourist map, to find close by places, offering hotels and tourist information. You can zoom in and zoom out our touristical map as well as switch between satelite and map view of Port Hope.
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