Trip Ideas

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...

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 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...

Writing a series of features about the many sweet spots in one quaint little lakeside town, the question is, where to start? In Port Hope the Ganaraska River runs through the heart of this sweet little community – and is as good a place to begin as any.

First up, Queenies Bake Shop.

Located adjacent to the river at the bottom of Walton Street on the North Side, baker/owner Adam Pearson is well-known for his delicious pastry, squares, tarts, bars and a lot more. You can even purchase a custom cake...