Cyclists love Northumberland County because of the many bike-friendly routes that take them through waterfront communities and natural trails. The hills in and around Port Hope are particularly exhilarating and the heritage town itself is a gem. So whether you are coasting and climbing along the Waterfront Trail or cycling along Walton Street, there’s always one more corner up ahead, beckoning you to explore what lies beyond.
PORT HOPE WATERFRONT TRAIL TO EAST BEACH
(about 2 km.)
Start bicycling at the Waterfront Trail west of the Marsh lookout on Lake Street S. and add your own piece to the progressive driftwood and rock art on the shoreline.
OLYMPUS BURGER
55 Mill St. S.
Fuel up with the “Best Burger in Canada” at Olympus Burger or order from their secret menu.
FARLEY MOWAT PARK
33 Mill St., across the river from the public library
Stop for a selfie at the Boat Roofed House monument in the newly named park – a tribute to the renowned Canadian author.
CAPITOL THEATRE
20 Queen St.
Cross the river via the walk-bridge and pedal up to the Capitol Theatre (part of the Cameco Capitol Arts Centre), one of only three remaining “atmospheric theatres” in Canada. The 1930s-era stage-surround will transport you to a walled medieval courtyard.
CRITICAL MASS ART
The Little Station, 15 Elias St. (on Lent Lane)
Cross Memorial Park to Lent Lane and stop in at the historic Little Station – home of Critical Mass Art.
Check out the installation by artist-in-residence Susan Campbell on the old fieldstone fountain.
PRIMITIVE DESIGNS
2762 County Rd. 28
Hop back on your bike and ride about 4 km. up Ontario St./County Rd. 28 to Primitive Designs where a 9-metre freestanding robot, metal crocodiles, and dragons share the space with hundreds of handcrafted items for sale.
PORT HOPE FISH LADDER
2 McGibbon St.
On the way back into town, stop in at Corbett’s Dam and join the crowds at the Port Hope Fish Ladder from mid-August to early October to watch 5,000 to 10,000 chinook and coho salmon swim from Lake Ontario up the Ganaraska to their spawning grounds.
PORT HOPE GOLF AND COUNTRY CLUB PENRYN PARK
82 Victoria St. S.
Cap off the day on the fairways and greens at the Port Hope Golf and Country Club and admire the grandeur of historic Penryn Park (where they filmed Anne of Green Gables: The Sequel). Or if golf isn’t your thing, take in the equally spectacular vista of Lake Ontario from atop the hill before heading into town for dinner.
Story by:
Micol Marotti
Illustration by:
Tim Zeltner
