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Summary

This small town is 1 hour from Toronto and has a storybook main street with old-world shops

It's home to the best-preserved heritage main street in Ontario.

Lead Writer, Travel

This enchanting small town in Ontario will make you feel like you've stepped back in time. With old-world streets, cozy shops, and scenic views, it looks like a scene from a Hallmark film.

Port Hope is a quaint village nestled along the shores of Lake Ontario, about 1 hour from Toronto.

According to Northumberland Tourism, it's "been called one of the cutest small towns in Ontario" and is home to the "best-preserved heritage main street" in the province.

You can wander past 19th-century architecture and quaint buildings as you explore the downtown.

There are many boutiques and eateries where you can find all sorts of treasures. From cozy bookstores to ice cream shops, there's something for everyone.

The town is home to two sandy beaches — East Beach and West Beach, where you can relax on soft shores and take a dip in the sparkling waves.

There are lots of activities and attractions to enjoy throughout the area, from catching a show at the Capitol Theatre to hiking along scenic trails and ziplining in the Ganaraska Forest.

Film enthusiasts will want to take a self-guided tour of some of the filming locations around the town.

You can also take a trip to the nearby Haute Goat farm to visit some adorable animals.

With old-world streets, charming shops and beautiful beaches, this small town is an enchanting spot for a day trip or weekend getaway.

Port Hope Tourism 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.

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    • 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.