It’s well known that Port Hope is one of Ontario’s oldest and prettiest towns, but there’s another reason to visit – the sweet local charm you’ll find in each bakery, shop and restaurant on the main street! If you have a sweet tooth, or love one-of-a-kind finds, or a great chat with a shopkeeper, Port Hope serves it up.
Just steps away from Port Hope’s historic Capitol Theatre you’ll find Dreamer’s Cafe, where you can get great coffee, lunch, and of course the Crazy Cookie. Just what is so crazy about this dessert? Dreamer’s starts with the basic chocolate chip cookie, and takes it to the next level with a five hour baking process, finished off with a drizzle of caramel and chocolate. With over 100, 000 served you have got to try this decadent dessert for yourself!
Queenie’s Bake Shop
Start with their daily lunch special – finish with a date square, lemon square, cookies, or the classic butter tart. Queenie’s also has local homemade jam on hand to take home with you.
If pastries are your thing marché 59 has you covered. This little bistro and bakery has delicious fresh treats each day… the trickiest part will be choosing which one to try! marché 59 also stocks homemade bread to take home with you. Fun fact: There’s a reason why this bake shop as a special European feel. It’s operated by a husband and wife team who recently moved to Port Hope after running a bakery in France for 30 years! Read more about marché 59 in this great blog post by the Ruralist.
It’s not just sweet treats which make your stay in Port Hope memorable. Take a break from eating to do a little shopping at Mad Monkey Clothing. Known for their great service and trendy clothing, this shop is the perfect combination of local charm and urban style.
Welcome to Mad Monkey Clothing! #downtownporthope #discoverontario https://t.co/MoEeCjyZvk
— Destination Ontario (@OntarioTravel) September 4, 2013
Nothing adds heart to a town like a book shop – and Furby House Books is a great spot to stop for a local history book or for a best seller. They also have a fantastic children’s section, with a cosy spot to flip through books with your little one. Curious about the story behind the name? Furby House books started out decades ago in the former home of William Furby, the first editor and publisher of the Port Hope Evening Guide newspaper.
Want to take your time exploring Port Hope? Stay at The Waddell, a beautiful historic hotel overlooking the Ganaraska River. Built in 1845, it was one of the oldest brick buildings on the main street. Now it is a beautiful spot to experience the local flavour of the town, with newly updated rooms and on site dining at the Trattoria Gusto.
What are your favourite Ontario small town sweet spots?
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4 replies on “Ontario Road Trip – Port Hope Sweet Spots”
Don’t forget to visit the SIDE STREETS for other unique finds, there is more to Port Hope than just “main-street”
Oh, those tarts with the thinly sliced fruit look incredible!
The Black Dog Pub/Bistro in the ridiculously charming village of Bayfield is one of my very favourite small-town Ontario places to eat and drink with friends.
For those visiting Port Hope and needing overnight accommodations, Woodland Gardens Bed & Breakfast serves up some unique Finnish breakfast entrees and specialty coffee cakes for their guests. All the baking is homemade using butter, farm fresh eggs, and fresh fruit in season. Guests can even enjoy another Finnish tradition during their stay – a relaxing steam sauna!
My fav small town sweet spot is Enticing Cakes in Peterborough, the recently moved to a new larger location so it’s gone up on my must go to spot in Peterborough. Check them out 57 Hunter St East