A Warm Port Hope Welcome
Port Hope is the kind of place where one coffee turns into a long lunch, where a quick stroll becomes an afternoon of wandering, and where some of the best discoveries happen when you least expect it. With its beautifully preserved heritage streets, vibrant arts community, independent businesses, and picturesque downtown, it's a town best experienced slowly.
The Port Hope Edit is a thoughtfully curated guide to experiencing Port Hope through a local lens. Inside, you'll find our favourite places, beautifully crafted itineraries (our Edits), seasonal inspiration, and stories designed to help you experience the town beyond the obvious.
Created by locals who know and love this town, it's our invitation to wander a little further, linger a little longer, and discover the people, places, and experiences that make Port Hope so special. Whether you're here for the day, the weekend, or somewhere in between, we hope you'll find a favourite place of your own, discover something unexpected, and leave already looking forward to your next visit!
The Edits
Coffee, Clay & Culture
There's something about Port Hope that brings out your creative side.
Start at Milly's, a neighbourhood favourite known for great coffee, beautiful pastries, and a space that makes it easy to lose track of time. If they're still warm (or not), our advice is simple: order the cinnamon bun or the everything croissant.
Next, spend a few hours at Clay Commons on Walton Street, where pottery painting, hand-building workshops, and a welcoming creative community invite you to slow down and make something with your own two hands.
From there, keep following your curiosity. Browse the rotating exhibitions at the Ganaraska Art Gallery, discover local artists at Gallery 34, and wander through the galleries, studios, and creative spaces that make Port Hope's arts community so special.
Creativity has a way of slowing you down in the very best way!
Milly's Port Hope
Whether you're stopping in for your morning coffee, a fresh pastry, or a leisurely lunch, Milly's is one of those places that instantly feels like part of the neighbourhood. Relaxed, welcoming, and thoughtfully done, it's the perfect place to begin, or break up, a day of wandering.
Clay Commons
There's something special about making something with your own two hands. From pottery painting and hand-building workshops to seasonal events and private gatherings, Clay Commons offers a creative experience for every skill level.
Ganaraska Art and Framing
Tucked along Walton Street, Ganaraska Art celebrates the incredible depth of artistic talent found in Northumberland and beyond. With rotating exhibitions and thoughtfully selected works, it's the kind of place you'll want to pop into every time you're in town.
Market Mornings & Downtown Wandering
If there's one day that captures the spirit of Port Hope, it's a Saturday. Start your morning at the Port Hope Farmers' Market, where local growers, bakers, makers, and artisans gather each week. Grab a coffee, pick up something delicious for later, and take your time wandering the market before heading into downtown. From there, let curiosity lead the way. Browse beautifully curated antique and vintage shops like Tall Birches, Penney & Co., Dwellissimo, On 2nd Thought, and Antiques on Queen, where every shelf has a story, and every visit uncovers something new. As you continue wandering, you'll eventually find yourself on John Street, one of our favourite corners of town. Home to beautifully curated boutiques, galleries, home décor, fashion, and design, it's the kind of street where every door is worth opening.
When it's time for lunch, settle into one of Port Hope's local favourites. Whether you're craving a sunny patio, a local craft beer, or something fresh and seasonal, Port Hope's downtown is full of places that invite you to settle in and stay awhile.
Farmer's Market
Every Saturday morning from 8am - 1pm, the Port Hope Farmers' Market brings together local growers, bakers, makers, and artisans in the heart of town. Whether you're picking up seasonal produce, fresh flowers, handmade goods, or something sweet for the walk ahead, it's the perfect way to experience the community at its best.
Ateliers on John
Atelier on John is where great design and good conversation go hand in hand. Part boutique, part interior design studio, it's filled with a beautiful mix of antiques, contemporary home goods, and thoughtful pieces that make a house feel like home.
Tall Birches
Tall Birches is filled with thoughtfully sourced vintage finds and timeless pieces for the home. It's the kind of shop where every visit feels different, and it is a destination for anyone who believes the best objects come with a little history.
Long Lunches, Local Flavours & One More Round
Some of the best memories are made around the table, and Port Hope is full of places that invite you to settle in and stay awhile.
Start at The Beamish House, where lunch often turns into afternoon cocktails and the patio has a way of convincing you to order just one more round. From there, let the rest of the day unfold at your own pace. Continue your culinary tour through downtown with dinner at Trattoria Gusto, The Social, or Santorini, stop into Ganaraska Brewing Company for a locally crafted beer, or The Thirsty Goose.
Visiting on a Thursday in the summer? Time your evening with Cultivate, when live music fills Memorial Park and the downtown comes alive. Or, if theatre is more your style, cap off the night with a performance at the historic Capitol Theatre.
The Beamish House
A Port Hope institution, The Beamish House is the kind of place where one drink has a habit of turning into two, lunch lingers into the afternoon, and dinner is best enjoyed with good company. From the lively patio in the warmer months to the warm, welcoming atmosphere inside, it's one of our favourite places to gather, celebrate, and settle in for a while.
Road to Cultivate
On Thursday evenings in July and August, Memorial Park comes alive with Cultivate, Port Hope's beloved outdoor concert series. Bring a lawn chair or picnic blanket, grab takeout or a drink from one of the local restaurants, and spend the evening listening to live music under the trees. It's one of the ways to experience the summer spirit of Port Hope.
The Capitol Theatre
At the heart of Port Hope's cultural scene, the Capitol Theatre is one of Canada's last remaining atmospheric theatres and a true local landmark. From acclaimed live productions and concerts to comedy, music, and special events, every performance is an opportunity to experience the arts in a setting that's every bit as memorable as what's happening on stage. Whether you're planning your evening around a show or simply admiring its beautifully restored architecture, the Capitol is a Port Hope experience not to be missed.
Stay Awhile
Port Hope is the perfect destination for a day trip, but if you can, we always recommend staying the night.
Located just over an hour east of Toronto, it's an easy escape by car or direct VIA Rail from Union Station. Once you've arrived, you'll find that many of our favourite places are just a short walk apart, making it easy to settle in and explore at your own pace.
Whether you're looking for a beautifully restored heritage home, a thoughtfully designed Airbnb, a charming bed & breakfast, or a boutique inn, we've gathered a collection of places we'd happily book ourselves.
After all, some of the best parts of Port Hope happen after the day-trippers have gone home.
The Waddell
The Waddell is a historical landmark inn overlooking the Ganaraska River in Port Hope, Ontario. Individually decorated rooms give off a charm and old-world elegance.
We have a room block under 'Dodd' with limited rooms available. Please ask for Laura when calling to book!
*Transportation will be provided to and from the Dodd Farm on Saturday evening.*
Hotel Carlyle & Restaurant
Located in the heart of historic downtown Port Hope. Originally built as a bank in 1857, the Hotel Carlyle has a rich history and a story for everyone.
We have a room block under 'Dodd' with limited rooms available. Please ask for Elise when calling to book!
*Transportation will be provided to and from the Dodd Farm on Saturday evening.*
The Hampton Inn & Suites
The newly built Hampton Inn Port Hope is a four-story, 80-room hotel where the staff will make you feel at home. The hotel is located in the north part of Port Hope, just south of Highway 401 and minutes away from Historic Downtown Port Hope. Booking can be done directly on their website.
*Transportation will be provided to and from the Dodd Farm on Saturday evening.*
Featured Airbnb's
Whether you're planning a romantic weekend away or a getaway with friends, we've gathered a collection of beautifully designed Airbnbs that make settling into Port Hope even more memorable.
Our featured stays accommodate a range of group sizes, with many ideal for couples and small groups. Please note that some properties may require a minimum stay, particularly during weekends and peak seasons.
The Key Hole
The historic 1840s Dorset House is a 1-bed spacious retreat space with a hot-tub terrace, living room, fireplace, luxurious bedding, solid wood floors, kitchen, luxe bath & french doors to a private verandah.
Glade Cottage
One bedroom retreat in a historic cottage with a spa bath & terrace in your own private garden. With a vaulted living room, cozy seating, full kitchen & dining, fireplace, solid maple floors, french doors, cozy fire pit & BBQ, you are within walking distance to our beautiful downtown.
Port Hope Suites
Elegant riverside suites positioned in the beating heart of Port Hope's inner-east, surrounded by Ganaraska Park, restaurants and lifestyle amenity.
For parties of 4 or more
Beautiful Historic Home
Enjoy a getaway in this beautiful historic home. A 10 min walk to downtown with amazing shops and restaurants. Enjoy a glass of wine with friends and family around the island in a large family kitchen.
Elegant Farmhouse
Welcome to The Bickle Hill House. A stunning and tranquil refuge and ideal getaway. With breathtaking views of Lake Ontario, this fully renovated 3 bedroom 2 bath farmhouse built in 1861 is the perfect space to unwind and relax.
* Located 5 mins from the Dodd Family Farm *
