Named after Colonel Henry Hope, the township of Port Hope was incorporated in 1834. Preservation of the original architecture in Port Hope's downtown district has resulted in it becoming the best-preserved 19th-century streetscape in all of Ontario.
The historic downtown district offers shopping, dining, and antiquing. There are a variety of outdoor activities to enjoy too, like golf, fishing, and zip-lining.
Port Hope also hosts a variety of festivals and art shows is home to museums and has a thriving theater community.
Which Season is Best to Visit Port Hope, Ontario?
Every season in Port Hope, Ontario brings its own adventures. Port Hope comes alive in the Spring months of April and May. The weather warms and outdoor activities abound.
Hiking the Ganaraska Trail is a favorite of locals and visitors alike. The 9.3-kilometer trail winds through the Ganaraska Forest.
There are a number of cycling trails to choose from as well. The Ganaraska Forest is home to hundreds of kilometers of mountain bike trails. For the road cyclist, you can take the Waterfront Trail or the Greenbelt Route for scenic views.
The Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny 10-kilometer river race happens every April. Come watch the locals race home-crafted boats, canoes, kayaks, and even furniture down the Ganaraska River.
Hotel rates begin to increase in April offering plenty of budget-friendly, and upscale locations.
Summer welcomes the festival season in Port Hope, Ontario. Rural favorites like the Alpaca Knuffle Shuffle and the Haute Goat Shmurgle are sure to entertain.
There are Farmers Markets throughout the season, and the annual Cooking with Lavendar event is fun for everyone. There are historical tours of the town's most famous structures, and an outdoor summer concert series to enjoy as well.
Summer sees the rates increase with the temperature. You can find affordable rates with the chain hotels, or enjoy more creature comforts at the boutique hotels.
Visiting in the Fall brings amazing foliage into play. The season abounds with harvest festivals, Halloween parties, and even a haunted forest to visit in Wesleyville Village.
With the cooler weather comes reduced hotel rates. Fall rates are generally more affordable in all types of hotels.
Winter is the slowest time of year in Port Hope, Ontario. The weather dips below freezing in mid-November and stays there until late March.
Hotel rates are at their most affordable during this time with the exception of the month of December. Holiday celebrations like the Festival of Lights and Trees open up in late November and it runs through the new year.
There is also a Candlelight Christmas Walk and Lighting Ceremony in late November. This annual tradition heralds in the Christmas season. Rates around the holidays can get pricey even at the budget-friendly hotels, and you can expect to pay a premium at the amenity-rich locations.
Below is a chart of the current pricing seasonality of hotels and motels in Port Hope, ON:
Port Hope, ON: Prices by Star Rating Class
Below we've posted 3 graphs illustrating avg. nightly cost patterns by star rating class in Port Hope, ON. Browse these charts to calculate the cheapest dates to make a reservation in Port Hope during the year.
What are the Best Hotels in Port Hope, Ontario?
While there are no luxury brand hotels in the immediate area, Port Hope, Ontario has a thriving Airbnb business offering the best accommodations around.
The Coach-House in the heart of downtown Port Hope is one of the most sought-after retreats. The Coach-House is a 900-sq-ft single-story building with a private entrance on a tree-lined lane.
Filled with vaulted ceilings and soaring gables, the Coach-House features a gourmet kitchen, fireplace, the finest bedding and linens, beautiful terraces, and bamboo flooring.
The Coach-House is steps away from the shopping and dining of downtown Port Hope and is perfect for a girls' getaway, golf trips, or a romantic weekend retreat.
The Heritage House is another great Airbnb located in nearby Cobourg. This one-bedroom apartment is impeccably clean, minutes from the beach and downtown, and completely modernized.
The Haute Goat Farm may be Port Hope's most popular stay. This stunning farmhouse features high ceilings, fireplaces in the great room, kitchen, and library, and comes with a delicious farm breakfast every day.
Haute Goat Farm is just minutes from downtown Port Hope. You can take in a show at the Capitol Theater, shop, or dine at one of the many trendy restaurants and cafes. Step outside the farmhouse, and enjoy acres of trails where you can bird watch, snowshoe, or cross country ski.
What Budget-Friendly Hotels Will I Find in Port Hope, Ontario?
3 Star Average Prices: $179.00
There are many hotel options available in the Port Hope, Ontario area for those seeking to stay within a budget. There is the Bowmanville Marina Inn & Suites, a 3-star hotel with an on-site restaurant and lounge, dock, and standard amenities like free Wi-Fi, laundry, and free parking.
The Motel 6 up the road in Petersburg is another affordable option, great for those traveling by RV. The hotel features spacious rooms with air conditioning and special free RV parking.
The Cedarview Motel is only five miles east of Port Hope. Rooms vary from the standard two double beds, economy studio suites, apartment suites, and even a honeymoon suite.
The Cedarview Motel is just minutes from the Cobourg Creek Golf Course, Roxburgh Glen Golf Club, and Cobourg Beach.
What are the Best Hotel Discounts and Rates in Port Hope, Ontario?
Bowmanville Marina Inn & Suites offers the best AAA and Senior discounts of up to 23 percent off the regular rate. You can also get 10 percent off at Days Inn & Suites by Windham Lindsay, and 12% off at La Quinta Inn & Suites by Windham Oshawa.
The Ramada by Windham Trenton offers up to 18 percent off for business travelers. The hotel features on-site meeting rooms, a restaurant and bar/lounge, an indoor swimming pool, airport shuttle, and complimentary breakfast among the dozens of other amenities.
The Ramada also offers group rates up to 70 percent off for any type of group. Sports teams, business meetings, weddings, and more are all eligible for these great group rates.
What are Some of the Best Value Option Hotels in Port Hope Ontario?
Value is important to us all, whether you are trying to stay within a budget, or are looking to indulge yourself with a spectacular getaway.
Perhaps the best value in Port Hope can be found in the Airbnb locations. The Port Hope Garden Walkout is one of the highest-rated locations, getting 4.96-stars.
Located in historic downtown this well-appointed apartment is sparkling clean, steps away from everything, and offers rates that will fit into almost any budget.
Another great value is Cottage Cove Suite, a quaint collection of private cottages, each with its own fireplace, sitting area, and kitchen. Cottage Cove earned a 4.98-star rating for its elegant decor, delicious breakfast, fantastic location, and affordable rates.
What are the Best Things To Do in Port Hope, Ontario?
If you're staying in Port Hope in November and December there are a few things you should definitely do. On November 29 this year is the annual Moonlight Madness event. For one night only the shops downtown stay open late. Come browse their wares for fabulous deals, enjoy food and drinks, and take in the holiday festivities.
The Candlelight Christmas Walk is another great event that happens the same evening. The town of Port Hope lights their holiday decorations, turning the entire downtown into a Christmas light wonder.
The Festival of Lights and Trees is another holiday extravaganza. Hosted by the Capitol Theater on Queen Street, the festival runs from November 13 through December 15.
The Capitol is lit with thousands of lights, and there will be a raffle to win one of the dozens of beautifully decorated trees. Enjoy hot chocolate and cookies as you marvel at the lights and decorations.
If you're coming to Port Hope in the warmer months, and love a good challenge you can try Treetop Trekking.
This is not for the faint of heart, but for the adventurous soul. A section of the Ganaraska Forest has been turned into a treetop playground for everyone to enjoy. They offer six courses, including two beginner and intermediate courses, an advanced course, and an expert one.
Everyone trains on a mini beginner course to learn how to use the equipment, and navigate the obstacles. Then you move into the actual treetops and have your fun. The courses have a variety of obstacles like cable traverses, swinging logs, zip lines, Tarzan swings, and suspension bridges.
Don't forget sunscreen and bug spray, and plan on spending at least half the day there, as the course takes roughly three hours to complete.
After you've worked up an appetite you need to go to Olympus Burger. Voted the Best Burger in Canada, it would be a shame to go to Port Hope and not try this tender, juicy creation.
Port Hope, Ontario has a little something for everyone. Whether you're planning your next business meeting, or want to relax and get away from it all, Port Hope has it all and has it year-round too.
FAQs about hotels in Port Hope
What did travelers think of the city of Port Hope?
Below are reviews of the city of Port Hope, ON from an actual visitor's perspective.
"Very scenic"
Score
4.0 / 5
Very scenic and we saw a show at The Capital which was excellent.
Blake D., from 04-Dec-2025
"Lots of restaurants and shopping"
Score
5.0 / 5
Michael L., from 28-Nov-2025
"Close to arenas in Cobourg"
Score
4.0 / 5
Close to arenas in Cobourg. And shopping.
Joan M., from 23-Nov-2025
"Awesome"
Score
4.0 / 5
City is awesome and so is the fishing. Great experience
Susan P., from 17-Sep-2025
"Friendly"
Score
4.0 / 5
Brenda F., from 05-Sep-2025
"Nice Location!"
Score
4.0 / 5
Port Hope is a lovely town.
Beth M., from 01-Apr-2025
"Enjoyed The Downtown Area"
Score
5.0 / 5
Enjoyed the downtown area and buildings, cleanliness, stores, restaurants and pubs.
Mark L., from 09-Aug-2022
"Port Hope is a very clean city."
Score
5.0 / 5
Port Hope is a very clean city and everything is so close. We walked around the river, took a few pictures. We had dinner at the RailSide restaurant, the food was very good.
Albert L., from 23-Jun-2022
"Loved the area."
Score
5.0 / 5
Loved the city and surrounding areas. Looking to buy in this area in the next while.
Catherine S., from 16-Nov-2021
The average traveler rating of the city of Port Hope, ON shown above is
4.4 out of 5 based on 9 reviews