The Port Hope center is around 6 miles west of Downtown Cobourg and 19 miles south of Peterborough Airport.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Below are reviews of the city of Port Hope, ON from an actual visitor's perspective.
Very scenic and we saw a show at The Capital which was excellent.
Close to arenas in Cobourg. And shopping.
City is awesome and so is the fishing. Great experience
Port Hope is a lovely town.
Enjoyed the downtown area and buildings, cleanliness, stores, restaurants and pubs.
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.
Loved the city and surrounding areas. Looking to buy in this area in the next while.