To the well-versed traveler, this community stands out as a wonderful new discovery, ready and waiting to be explored. Not far, exciting and dynamic, versatile and accommodating, that is Port Hope - voted Best Destination in Canada by Readers Digest in 2013.
Not just a town, this community takes in the rural beauty and charming villages of the surrounding countryside. On Lake Ontario east of Toronto, just off the 401, you’ll be surprised by the warm reception. “We’ve always been told how friendly we are,” smiles Andrea Patterson, tourism coordinator. That welcome is a long-standing tradition carried down from the founding United Empire Loyalists. Port Hope boasts a heritage that’s award-winning. Explains Andrea, “We have more heritage buildings, per capita, than anywhere in Canada! The Downtown is a thing of beauty!” No wonder the town center has been designated a Heritage Conservation District.
A popular weekend destination, when you’ve exhausted the shopping and dining in the scenic community, that’s when the surprises begin.
Once you explore Port Hope you’ll find the glistening Ganaraska River, a scenic waterfront, miles of hiking trails, some of the best fishing anywhere, boating, cycling, a variety of accommodation, and plenty of events for every interest imaginable. “There’s always something going on here,” says Andrea.
A sampling of this season’s events:
NOVEMBER
15th-17th – Harvest of
Christmas Delights
Collection of artist created gift and decorative accessories opens Friday 7-9pm, Saturday and Sunday, 10am - 4pm. [email protected] 905-753-2196
23rd – Christmas at St. Mark’s Church
Over 20 artists and artisans display their wares for your Christmas shopping.
Free admission.
51 King Street, 9:30am to 2:30pm
29th – Candlelight Walk and
Lighting Ceremony
Carollers parade down heritage main street at 7pm into Memorial Park where the lights go on until January 2nd
29th-Dec. 1st – Candlelight
Christmas General Store
Held at the Knights of Columbus Hall. Lots of Christmas gifts to be found. 905-885-9476
30th – Santa Claus Parade
Bands, floats and kids join Santa in the annual march down main street at 1pm
30th - Acanthus Christmas House Tour
Private homes dressed in Christmas décor. 2-8pm. 905-885-8648
DECEMBER
6th – Friends of the Wesleyville
Village Yuletide Carolling
7-8:30pm [email protected] 905-885-1344
6th-22nd – Port Hope Festival
Theatre presents “Cinderella”
A Christmas fairy tale Pantomine for the entire family, and naughty for adults only. Matinee and evening performances.
14th – Christmas Market
A mix of arts, craft and farmers’ market vendors.Town Park Recreation Centre. 62 McCaul Street, 10am-3pm
14th – Port Hope Friends of Music present Toronto Symphony
Orchestra Brass Ensemble
at the Port Hope United Church, 7:30pm www.porthopefriendsofmusic.com 905-885-1071, 800-434-5092
Such a busy community of 16,500 people, Port Hope maintains that small town comfort while catering to the big city vibe. Andrea has proudly lived here for most of her life. “Who would want to leave?” she observes. “When you have it all, why would you go anywhere else?”
How Well Do You Know
Ontario?
By Lauren Nesbitt-Baggerman
PortHope
Inns E-Magazine | Fall 2013 | 38