Trip Ideas

Experience Extraordinary at Primitive Designs

Locals have long had a running commentary regarding the community’s ability to attract more than its fair share of artists and eccentrics. As such, Port Hope is home to an abundance of shops and shop owners that you just won’t find anywhere else.

At the top of this list must sit a powerhouse of a destination: Primitive Designs. This family-owned and run business has grown into a local landmark. It's unmissable on County Road 28, and calls to locals and tourists alike as the perfect place to turn...

Curtain Up! Amazing Live Theatre

There’s magic under the starry sky! Come see a show at our one-of-a-kind downtown theatre.

Musicals, movies and the best buttered popcorn!

Our arts community is vibrant and we showcase it in amazing ways, most notably on stage at the Capitol Theatre, a real treasure in our pretty downtown. The theatre, formally called the Cameco Capitol Arts Centre, is a vintage Famous Players movie theatre that opened just when “talking pictures” were first being released. The theatre’s debut film on Friday,...

Highlights of Downtown Port Hope

Recently, I travelled to Port Hope, Ontario, about an hour east of Toronto, to participate in a community-based initiative for VIA Rail’s 40th anniversary. While there, I had a job to do, and I hadn’t planned on falling in love with the setting. But every once in a while, life gives us the gift of serendipity: the small town of Port Hope was a lovely surprise, and I was instantly charmed.

Lucky for me, I was granted a return visit to Port Hope – and you best believe I took full advantage...

Weekend Getaway!

Adam and I had the pleasure of visiting the beautiful town of Port Hope. It was both of our first times in Port Hope, and we were super excited to explore and see what this charming little town had to offer. If you’re into exploring cute small towns, you’ll definitely want to pay a visit.

Here’s how to spend the ultimate weekend in Port Hope!

Toronto to Port Hope

We’d just gotten back from Ireland and Adam was exhausted from doing so much driving, so I took the wheel for this...

Trattoria Gusto

Trattoria Gusto is an Italian restaurant situated in a 19th century hotel in Port Hope.

Our dinner reservations were made at 6:45 p.m. but since we were already in the area and ready to eat, we arrived at 6 p.m.  We entered from the main entrance of the restaurant and discovered that their reception desk is actually past the bar (the restaurant is connected right to the Waddell Hotel and thus has another entrance).  The hostess was able to bring us to our table inside the dining...