WATERFRONT AND TRAILS
Explore the Waterfront and Trails
Port Hope Trails
Port Hope offers both rural and urban trails for walking, cycling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
- See new trail signage and wayfinding along the Ganaraska River and online at porthope.ca/parks
- The Port Hope section of the Waterfront Trail connects Clarington to the west and Hamilton Township through Cobourg to the east. The urban section of the waterfront trail on the east side of the Ganaraska River with spectacular views of Lake Ontario features the dedicated handiwork of volunteers that made this trail possible, including benches, bird feeders, a gazebo, boardwalk, and viewing area. This section also acknowledges the community leaders who played a key role in the trail's developmentnt – The Keith Richan Walkway, Peter Huffman Trail and the A.K. Sculthorpe Memorial Woodland Marsh. The Waterfront Trail is also a natural waystation for monarch butterflies and provides the resources necessary for monarchs to produce successive generations and sustain their migration. The Port Hope Waterfront Trail experienced extensive damage with record high water levels in Lake Ontario in 2017 and 2019. Check our website for updates throughout the spring and summer seasons.
- The Ganaraska Trail Pine Ridge section starts at the cairn opposite Town Hall in Rotary Park, beside the Ganaraska River. With 65 kilometres of varied terrain, this section is easy and novices should have no difficulties.
- Try the new Greenbelt Route that was created to make it easier for Ontarians to access the natural beauty of the Greenbelt. It connects dozens of rural communities, encouraging tourists to cycle to their destinations and support local economies. Visit their website greenbelt.ca/route
Waterfront
The Port Hope waterfront offers a wide variety of recreational opportunities including hiking, swimming, boating and leisure.
Boat Launch
Boat Launch The Port Hope boat launch is open for public use through pay and display parking. Washrooms at the East Beach are available.
Beaches
Our East and West Beaches are fantastic places to unwind. Our East Beach is sandy and our West Beach is a mix of sand/stone and is very natural in state. These beaches provide a quiet place to take a dip or work on your suntan. Playgrounds and picnic areas are available close by.
Fish Ladder Park
Corbett's Dam (known locally as the Port Hope Fish Ladder) is the best place to view fish as they leap their way up the ladder to the spawning grounds in the north. This fish sanctuary has a no fishing rule. Parking upgrades, trail connections (Molson's Mill Trail) and parkland upgrades in 2018 make this the perfect place for a day stop, picnic or walk along the Ganaraska River.
Garbage in Parks
Illegal dumping activities have been problematic throughout the Municipality– particularly in municipal parks and on trails. Staff estimated that between 50 and 75% of the waste being collected is a result of residential waste being placed in or beside parks containers.
The removal of garbage containers has been completed on all trails and has been replaced with strategically located specialized dog waste containers.
Reporting illegal dumping PRC@porthope.ca Hotline: 905-885-8760
Put your trash in its place!
We are raising awareness about irresponsible waste disposal. We’re reminding the community of the garbage and recycling guidelines that help to keep the Municipality beautiful. Do your part - help to keep our community clean!
Dogs off leash
Animals must be leashed at all times. Please do your part - keep your animal on a leash while in public spaces and be sure to get a tag for your dog at Town Hall (56 Queen Street). Please use the off leash dog park at Baulch Road Park to run your dog.