Port Hope, Ontario

Port Hope (2001 population 15,605) is a picturesque town in the Province of Ontario, Canada, about 70 km east of Toronto city limits or 100 km from downtown Toronto. Located on the north shore of Lake Ontario and situated at the extreme western end of Northumberland County, Port Hope's nearest neighbour (7 km to the east) is the marginally larger Cobourg, Ontario.

"Ganaraska" was the name attributed to the area by the natives of the region. In 1793 United Empire Loyalists became the first permanent settlers in Port Hope, which was then known as Smith's Creek after a former fur trader. In 1834 Port Hope was incorporated as a town. Relatively slow growth throughout its history has resulted in much of its original architecture not being demolished in the name of progess. In 2001, the original Town amalgamated with Hope Township to form the Municipality of Port Hope.

Port Hope is celebrated as having the best preserved 19th century streetscape in Ontario. The town's Local Architectural Conservation Advisory Committee (LACAC) is arguably the most active group of its type in the province and advises on restoration and preservation of the architecturally significant and/or historic buildings in the area. With over 250 heritage designated buildings throughout the municipality, Port Hope has a higher per capita rate of preservation than any other town or city in Canada.

The Capitol Theatre is Canada's last functioning atmospheric theatre, the main auditorium of which is styled after an outdoor medieval courtyard where rolling clouds are projected onto the ceiling.

Port Hope is home to various industries. The town is well-known as a destination for antique stores and other specialty shopping. Recent and projected growth points to the town's role in elder care (in the form of adult-lifestyle centred housing, retirement and nursing homes).

The town is home to TCS (Trinity College School), an elite private school.

The Ganaraska River (affectionately known as "The Ganny"), which bisects the original town, is well-known to area anglers for annual salmon and trout runs.

Port Hope hosts many atrractions and events throughout the year, including:

• Ganaraska Forest Centre
• Ganaraska Trail
• Canadian Firefighters Museum
• Port Hope Yacht Club
• Vintage Film Festival
• Float Your Fanny Down the Ganny (a "race" in honour of a previous flood)
• Port Hope Festival Theatre
• Port Hope & District Agricultural Fall Fair
• The All Canadian Jazz Festival
• Christmas Festival of Trees
• various artisan, house and garden tours