Port Hope

Port Hope sits on the north shore of Lake Ontario at the mouth of the Ganaraska River and contains 270 heritage buildings across its downtown core. The municipality stretches along the waterfront and connects historic districts with parks beside the water.

The settlement changed its name from Smith's Creek to Port Hope in 1817, honouring Colonel Henry Hope, the lieutenant governor of Quebec Province. The community grew during the 19th century into an important harbour and trading place on Lake Ontario.

The Capitol Theatre presents live performances throughout the year while maintaining its original architectural elements from the early twentieth century. The venue connects the municipality with its cultural past and today offers space for theatre, music and film.

The municipality sits along Highway 401 and connects to Toronto within 109 kilometers, allowing visitors to reach the downtown area and waterfront district directly. The historic streets in the core are best explored on foot, while parks along the riverfront provide resting spots.

The annual Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny boat race commemorates the 1980 floods and draws participants who navigate down the Ganaraska River. The event transforms the river for a day into a playful waterway with homemade boats and costumes.