Downtown Port Hope was transformed into fictional Derry, Maine for the chilling adaptation of Stephen King's IT for IT CHAPTER ONE, released in 2017, and IT CHAPTER TWO, that rocked the box office last September. The filming was a huge boost to the local economy with production dollars and tourists coming

to see the set locations and get to know more about the picturesque community by the lake. Even horror master Stephen King, a fan of small towns, stopped by for a visit and a personal tour with Mayor Bob Sanderson. Port Hope locals certainly enjoyed all the drama with film release events at the Capitol Theatre and a big street party downtown. Adam Pearson, owner of Queenies Bake Shop, suited up a Georgie mannequin with a yellow raincoat inside his store to promo the first fifilm

release. He also left Georgie in surprising spots in a sewer and in the alleyway door of the Quality Meats butcher shop, which reverted back to the popular Gould's shoe store after the filming. Fans are welcome to experience the cast and crew-favourites, like shopping vintage gold at Thrill of the Find and Dwellissimo, and eating delicious bites at Trattoria Gusto and Olympus Burger. You can also pick up a handy brochure or check out visitporthope.ca to relive the movie moments. The Tourism Office has a self-guided selfie tour that highlights all the key town locations in the films. Tip: You'll need to bring your own red balloons.

Would you really expect to find an evil shape-shifting clown hanging out by Dreamers Cafe?

PORT HORROR AUG 21-23, 2020 Check out this horror festival of flicks, short film contest and your own vampire makeover. porthorrorfestival.com

FAMOUS PORT HOPE

WE'RE GREAT ON CAMERA! LOOK FOR MORE OF PORT HOPE IN THESE MOVIES AND TV SHOWS 

Even the globally-watched Schitt's Creek flashes a bit of the town 

Schitt's Creek (2018) The Capitol Theatre marquee had a cameo in the beloved Canadian sitcom that stars SCTV alumni Eugene Levy and Catherine O'Hara. Murdoch Mysteries

Murdoch Mysteries (2018, 2019, 2020) The period detective series films here often.

Tommy Boy (1994) The comedy road film with Chris Farley and David Spade shot on Walton and Queen streets. To Die For (1995)

To Die For (1995) The crime mockumentary with Nicole Kidman filmed on Ward and King streets. Orphan (2007)

Orphan (2007) The horror flick shot on Dorset Street.