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
The Creative Edit
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.
The Saturday Edit
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.
Antiques on Queen
A treasure hunter's dream, Antiques on Queen is the kind of place you can easily lose track of time. Wander through an ever-changing mix of antiques, vintage finds, collectibles, and unexpected gems
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.
The Gathering Edit
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.
Plan Your Visit
Getting Here
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.
Stay Awhile
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.
Hotel Carlyle
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.
Featured Airbnbs
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.
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 *
Around Town
Cafes & Breakfast Spots
The Main at 66
Get your morning started with a latte and freshly baked pastries and sandwiches at this cozy coffee and breakfast shop.
Milly's Market
Beautifully curated cafe and artisanal bistro serving fresh pastries, paninis and gelato.
Queenie's Bake Shop
Welcoming cafe and bakery with lots of sweet treats and coffee options.
Dreamer's Cafe
Unique and quirky cafe with breakfast and lunch options - known for their 'crazy cookie'.
Frosted Flour Co
Daily bakeshop with a selection of sweet confections. Be sure to visit on Saturday morning for their delicious artisanal donuts.
Happenstance Bakery and Coffee Roastery
Port Hope's destination for freshly baked bread, in-house roasted coffee, sweet and savoury treats, sandwiches and more.
Santorini's
Quaint and authentic Greek dining experience with traditional and Greek breakfast options. Available for lunch and dinner too.
The Pulse Café & Eatery
Fresh food and specialty coffee.
Restaurants & Bars
The Beamish House
Our family pub where everyone knows your name, and they're glad you came.
Trattoria Gusto
Intimate restaurant set in the 19th-century Waddell Hotel offering contemporary Italian cuisine & patio dining.
The Carlyle Restaurant
Stylish boutique hotel restaurant with casually elegant dining. Open for lunch and dinner.
Cafe Lviv
A little taste of Ukraine in beautiful downtown Port Hope. Cafe Lviv is run by several Ukrainian refugee families who are sharing the flavours of their home country in Port Hope. It is an intimate cafe bistro serving Ukrainian-inspired brunch and dinner dishes.
The Ganaraska Brewing Company
Artisanal beer and chef-crafted cuisine, paired with great rooftop views in historic Port Hope.
The Thirsty Goose
Port Hope's friendly downtown bar and tap house.
The Social Bar + Table
Refined, rustic cuisine at its best. It concentrates on farm-to-table fare, craft beers and wines of the world.
Jim's Pizza & Pasta
Pizza, spaghetti & oven-baked pastas prepared in a relaxed setting with a patio since 1970
Twentysix
A lively bar room specializing in casual, fine dining food.
Olympus Burger
Greek-themed casual eatery serving creative burgers in a contemporary blue-&-white space.
The Gannaraska Hotel
Dating back to 1837, the Ganny, as we call it, is an iconic historic staple and Port Hope's local watering hole.
Shops & Boutiques
Antiques on Queen
A multi-dealer shop with an unbelievable assortment of quality antiques.
Tall Birches
Artisanal goods and hand-picked vintage clothing.
Bibelot
Curated boutique and gift shop.
Penney & Co
Elegant furnishings to gorgeous accessories to charming gifts, discover everything you need for your home and more.
LA&Tash
A thoughtfully curated lifestyle shop inspired by travel, craftsmanship, and the art of everyday living. Discover beautifully made pieces for the home, meaningful gifts, and timeless finds from independent designers and makers around the world
On 2nd Thought
One-of-a-kind upcycled fashion and wearable art.
G Facey Clothing
A curated selection of mens and women's designs with a focus on Canadian and US designers.
Dwellissimo
Interior design store, with eclectic, mid century and contemporary design, with quirky and totally unexpected pieces.
Ravenswood Boutique
Exotic and unusual handmade art, crafts, and antiques from around the world!
Atelier on John
Part boutique, part interior design studio, Atelier on John is a destination for those who appreciate thoughtful design and beautifully collected spaces.
Canoe & Lake
An apparel brand designed to inspire your strength
All Things Beautiful
Contemporary women's clothing boutique
My Sister's Closet
Authenticity Antiques & Folk Art
Stocked with a beautiful collection of antique objects, pre-loved and painted furnishings and one-of-a-kind folk art pieces, all carefully selected to conjure up feelings of comfort and add a depth of character to any home or office.
Experiences
Clay Commons
Whether you're painting pottery, trying your hand at a hand-building workshop, or gathering with friends for a creative afternoon, Clay Commons is a place to slow down, make something with your hands, and enjoy the process. No experience necessary, just a willingness to try something new.
The "IT" Movie Walking Tour
Port Hope’s downtown core was transformed into the town of "Derry" for the hit films IT and IT Chapter Two. You can follow a Northumberland Tourism Walking Tour to see the Capitol Theatre, Town Hall, and the Robertson Street "balloon bridge."
Primitive Design
This massive, 10-acre bazaar features giant, towering metal robot and dinosaur sculptures imported from all over the world, alongside unique global imports, decor, and art.
Haute Goat
Located just outside the town, this 200-acre sanctuary offers a Haute Goat Farm Experience where you can hang out with Nigerian Dwarf goats, tour lavender fields, and browse their artisanal farm store.
The Dancing Bee
A sweet stop just outside downtown, Dancing Bee offers a fascinating look into the world of bees and beekeeping. Browse local honey and beeswax goods, discover the live bee exhibit, or go a little deeper with one of their bookable beekeeping tours and workshops.
By The Water
The Ganaraska River winds right through the heart of Port Hope before meeting Lake Ontario, making it easy to trade downtown wandering for a little time by the water. Follow the river toward the lake, explore the waterfront trails and beaches, or stop by the Ganaraska River Fishway, better known locally as the fish ladder and catch a glimpse of the seasonal salmon and trout migration. Whether it's a morning walk, a post-lunch stroll, or simply finding a quiet spot by the lake, the water is never far away.
Stapleton's Farm Market
A true taste of the countryside, Stapleton's Farm Market is a seasonal stop for locally grown produce, farm-fresh favourites, and the simple pleasure of buying directly from the people who grow it. The selection changes with the season, making every visit a little different from the last.
Burnham Family Farm
A longtime local favourite, Burnham Family Farm Market is a go-to for farm-fresh produce, seasonal favourites, local goods, and plenty of delicious reasons to make the short drive out of town. Stop in to see what's fresh, stock up for the weekend, and don't leave without browsing the market for something to take home.
What's On
What's Happening While I'm Here?
From live theatre and concerts to markets, festivals, workshops, and community celebrations, there's always something happening in Port Hope. Explore the local events calendar and discover what's on during your visit.
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