This small town in Ontario is a horror movie hotspot and it might just give you chills

Mystery shows and spooky films have been shot here!

A person holding a red umbrella. Right: The Main Street of a historic town.

A filming location in an Ontario town. Right: A town in Ontario.

Lead Writer, Travel

This small Ontario town is a spooky spot for a Halloween day trip. The destination has actually been featured in horror movies and mystery shows, so you can expect to find some spine-tingling surprises while exploring this spot.

Port Hope, located just over an hour from Toronto, is known for its charm and old-world vibes.

According to the website, the "historic downtown is filled to the brim with 19th century architecture and incredible stories, not to mention the perfect one-stop shop for unique finds to take home."

Despite its charm, Port Hope has actually been the backdrop for several horror films as well as a mystery series, making the Halloween season the perfect time to explore this destination.

One of the most notable horror movies that was filmed in Port Hope is It. The town transformed into the fictional Maine village of Derry where the terrifying shape-shifting clown lurked.

You can actually take the It Walking Tour (if you dare) to discover locations featured in both of the films.

The self-guided adventure takes you to spots like Memorial Park where the giant statue of Paul Bunyan was located as well as the laneway off Walton Street beside the movie's Quality Meats store.

Other horror and mystery movies and shows that were shot in Port Hope include Orphan, Murdoch Mysteries, and Our House.

Aside from the It Walking Tour, Port Hope has lots of other experiences to enjoy, including scenic hikes thorugh fall colours, shopping at the local boutiques, digging into some delicious cuisine and events like a haunted goat walk at Haute Goat.

Whether you're a horror film-fanatic or just on the hunt for some small town charm, Port Hope is the place to visit during the fall.

Visit Port Hope Website

Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.

  • Lead Writer

    Madeline Forsyth is a Toronto-based Lead Writer for Narcity Media. After earning her B.A. (Hons) at Queen's University, she spent a year travelling much of the world as a flight attendant. Now, she uses her experience in the travel industry and passion for writing to share stories about buzzworthy events and adventures across Canada and the globe. Madeline has been published in PopSugar and has interviewed sports and entertainment personalities for Narcity. She has covered and photographed restaurant openings as well as event launches such as the world premiere of the Dr. Seuss Experience. Some of her favourite things to write about include charming small towns and anything to do with Harry Potter.

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