+25 Best Things to do in Port Perry Ontario

Ontario is filled with so many incredible small towns, each filled with their own unique charm, history, and attractions. One of these is the town of Port Perry Ontario! Set on the shores of Lake Scugog, in the Durham region, Port Perry is the perfect spot to explore on a day trip from Toronto! Plus, no matter what your interests, there are a ton of fun things to do in Port Perry.

I always love visiting Port Perry in every season! There’s always something new to discover, from seasonal donuts at Hank’s Pastries to new items at all the great shops. Plus, beyond downtown visitors will find a wide variety of places to visit including farms like Willowtree Farm and wineries like Ocala.

The United Empire Loyalists settled the land around Port Perry in the 1800s. Before them, the Mississauga people called it home. They are a branch of the greater Ojibwa Nation, which is one of the largest native groups in Canada. One of the people that settled here was Peter Perry. He saw potential for a new village here. In turn, Port Perry was named after him in 1852.

Fun Fact: Many of the streets in Port Perry maintain the names that Peter Perry named them. For instance, Mary Street, which was named after his wife, John Street for his son, and there’s even a Perry Street! One that has changed is Casimir Street. It was originally Cinderella, after his daughter.

Top Things to do in Port Perry

In this travel guide you’ll discover all the best places to visit in Port Perry, as well as where to eat and sleep. This charming small town has something for everyone! There’s a thriving arts scene, plenty of fabulous places to eat, and endless outdoor adventures to be found. So, whether you’re planning your next Ontario road trip or looking for to day trip to Port Perry, you’ll find everything you need to know in this post!

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Explore Downtown Port Perry

With a scenic downtown that leads into the Lake Scugog shores, a wander along Port Perry’s main street is a must! You may even recognize it! Port Perry’s downtown is a popular filming location for TV shows and movies.

Downtown is lined with historic buildings that date to the 19th century. Many of them have historic plaques sharing interesting information about the building or block. If you’re looking for walking tours of Port Perry, you’ll find two on the Scugog Heritage website here.

The main drag runs along Queen Street, from John Street to the west and Water Street to the east. Queen Street is lined with boutiques, restaurants, cafes, and galleries.

Be sure to look up at the towering building blocks to take in the architecture. And keep an eye out for street art in all its forms! Like the Art You Can Sit On chairs that are out front of the Cycle for Life bicycle shop.

And just around the corner you’ll find the Awesiinyag mural. The mural is of four different animals. While it was created by Jon Colwell, a local artist and Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation band member, it was painted by the community!

Some of my favourite Port Perry shops are Books Galore, for new and used books, POE Design for interesting décor, and Plum Loco for fun and affordable clothing.

Another great place to pop into is That Place on Queen, which is a café and shop selling local, sustainable items. If art is your jam, then check out META4 Gallery. This studio sells a variety of unique pieces from local artists, as well as supplies, and offers workshops too!

Explore Scugog Shores Museum Village

For those looking to learn more about Port Perry and area then head to the Scugog Shores Museum Village. This historical museum is located on the southern end of Scugog Island. It’s open seasonally, from Victoria Day to Labour Day.

The museum shares what life was like in the Scugog area during the 1800s, both culturally and naturally. You’ll find the Museum Village home to variety of restored historic buildings like a school, log cabin, blacksmith, and more! Plus, the museum itself is set in a renovated old school! Inside you’ll find thousands of artifacts.

The Scugog Shores Museum is also home to the Ojibway Heritage Interpretive Lands. Created in partnership with the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, it is home to a birch bark canoe, a wigwam, as well as a collection of indigenous plants and trees.

Admission is only $5! Be sure to check out their various special events too!

Address: 16210 Island Rd, Port Perry, ON

Check Out Scugog Arts

Did you know that Port Perry also has a thriving art scene? It’s true! And a great place to start exploring it is at Scugog Arts. Ticketed as the ‘community’s creative hub,’ it can be found just off the Queen Street, take the walkway past the Art Chairs.

Here you’ll find a fabulous space filled with exhibits and pieces to purchase. All of the items are created by local artists, either from Port Perry or elsewhere in Ontario. You’ll see all sorts of different art forms, from paintings to pottery. There’s also jewellery, photography, and other unique pieces.

Scugog Arts is also home to incredible indigenous art from the Biidaaban Gallery. The Biidaaban Gallery is located across from the Great Blue Heron Casino. But you can shop some of its pieces right in downtown Port Perry Ontario!

You can check out their list of events here. They run workshops, tours, and other cultural events. A few great times to visit are in November and December for their Christmas Market or in September for Culture Days. Every Sunday from the May long weekend through to Thanksgiving they have a pop up market too!

Address: 175B Queen St, Port Perry, ON

Explore Port Perry Waterfront

One of the biggest attractions in Port Perry is the waterfront! Right at the end of Queen Street you’ll find the main park along the waterfront in Port Perry.

Palmer Park is a favourite for visitors and locals. Named after Daniel David Palmer who was raided in Port Perry and later when on to be instrumental in popularizing chiropractic care in North America.

The park runs along the shores of Lake Scugog and is home to a trail, benches, the Rotary Pavilion, and plenty of shady trees. If you’re visiting in the summer, you’ll find people fishing off the shore. Palmer Park is also a great spot for a picnic!

Along the waterfront, there are two other parks that continue the greenspace south of Palmer Park. The next is Joe Fowler Memorial Park. Between Joe Fowler and Baagwating Park, you’ll find the Bill Lishman bridge.

Who is he? He was the Da Vinci of Port Perry! Bill Lishman was a naturalist, award-winning sculptor, and inventor. However, you’ll probably remember him as the man who was the first person to lead geese in flight with an aircraft. This story went on to become the movie Fly Away Home.

There’s also a trail running from Palmer Park to Baagwating Park, which is the final park along this stretch. The Millennium Trail is a scenic 1.5 km loop along the waterfront in Port Perry. Baagwating Park is named in honour of the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation people, who still call the area home.

The waterfront is also where you’ll find the Port Perry Marina, Kinsmen Beach, as well as a playground and splash pad!

Visit Crow’s Pass Conservation Area

If you’re looking for parks to hike in near Port Perry then head to Crow’s Pass Conservation Area. Located on the edge of Oakridge Golf Club, this park spans 64 hectares and is home to three different trails.

Sitting atop the Oak Ridges Moraine, Crow’s Pass is a designated Natural Core Area. The park is rich in wildlife and helps to connect the Oak Ridges Moraine corridor.

One of the trails that can be accessed through the park is the Oak Ridges Moraine Trail. Running nearly 250 kms across south-central Ontario, the trail is one of Ontario’s top hiking trails. The Oak Ridges Moraine Trail connects with Crow’s Pass Trail.

The other two trails are Crow’s Pass Trail, which is a loop, and the Maple Trail, which is 0.6km.

A few things to note are, the trails are not maintained in the winter and there is free parking available roadside.

Address: 231 Middle March Rd, Port Perry, ON

Enjoy a Trolley Tour

One of the most unique things to do in the Durham region is to enjoy a Trolley Tour! Hop aboard the restored old trolley car and take one of their fun tours.

Town Trolley Tours run a variety of tours throughout the year. There’s everything from pub crawls to kid-friendly activities. Every time I’ve had the opportunity to hop aboard, I always love the retro vibes inside and Mike’s (the owner) lively commentary.

If you’re looking for things to do during December in Port Perry, you can hop on the trolley for a tour of historic downtown. These holiday trolley tours are free, thanks to their partnership with the BIA.

To find out the latest tours, check out Town Trolley Tours on Facebook!

Visit Town Hall Theatre

I’m a huge fan of live theatre! Just like the Stratford Festival, you can enjoy live theatre in Port Perry too!

The Town Hall was built in 1873. After its stint as a municipal town hall, it went on to be many other things. It was a fire station, a courthouse, and a movie theatre. However, in 1975 it became the Town Hall Theatre!

It’s now a hub for culture and arts in Port Perry and Scugog Township. You’ll find an array of live performances that cover music, dance, and theatre here. The Town Hall is best known for showcasing some of the most talented performers in Canada!

And for those chasing ghosts, the Town Hall is also said to be haunted! Stories include everything from an apparition of a man on the grand staircase to a white lady on the balcony. Learn more about the Town Hall’s ghost stories here.

Check out their website here for upcoming shows!

Address: 302 Queen St, Port Perry, ON

Chase Ghosts

I’m always on the hunt for ghost stories in the places I visit! Ontario is home to so many haunted places! A few of which can be found in Port Perry. As mentioned above, the Town Hall is one of them. However, there are two more famous haunted places in Port Perry.

One of the most well known is the Jester’s Court Pub. Located in downtown Port Perry, this restaurant is loved by locals and visitors for its delicious menu. The pub is set in a beautiful Victorian home and is featured in two books, Creepy Canada and Haunted Ontario.

Staff and guests have reported strange orbs, objects moving on their own, and seeing apparitions of two different women. But don’t let this deter you from visiting. They are considered friendly ghosts and only add to the dining experience.

Another famed haunted spot is the Ghost Road. The Ghost is located on Scugog Island and is reported to be haunted by a young man and is said to have been visited by UFOs.

The story says that a young man in the 1950s tested his limit on his motorcycle and ended up meeting his death at the end of the road. Many say they’ve seen the orb of a motorcycle headlight as well as other strange occurrences.

Enjoy Christel Lake Lavender

One of the dreamy Ontario lavender farms is also one of the top things to do in Port Perry in the summer! Set among the rolling hills of the north Durham, this picturesque farm is great for everyone!

Just north of downtown Port Perry, Christel Lake Lavender is home to nearly 20 different lavender plants. It’s open seasonally from the middle of May through summer. The best time to visit is during July and the beginning of August, when the lavender is in bloom.

Visits are by available by appointment only. The farm covers 57 acres and is set along a scenic lake. As well as wandering the lavender fields, you can enjoy their walking trail around the lake or pack a picnic and eat by the shore.

The farm is family friendly too! Children will love their 50-foot play set that has a trampoline and swings. Plus, be sure to pop into their gift shop before you leave! The shop carries a range of products that includes culinary goods as well as beauty and health lavender-based items.

Address: 1381 Scugog Line 12, Greenbank

Check Out the Old Grain Elevator

On nearly every iconic image of Port Perry is the Old Grain Mill! At the end of Queen Street, across from Palmer Park sits the oldest grain elevator in Canada. It is one of the top attractions in Port Perry and very much worth a visit!

Built in 1874, the Old Grain Mill is one of less then a dozen of its kind in Ontario. With a dark red colour and Port Perry written in bold white letters across the top, it’s a Port Perry landmark. To learn more about the history of the building check out the in-depth article from Scugog Heritage here.

Visit Nature’s Bounty Farm

For those looking for things to do around Port Perry in the fall then head to Nature’s Bounty Farm! Just outside of town you’ll find this lovely farm that grows over 20 varieties of apples!

Set among the lush hills of the Oak Ridges Moraine, Nature’s Bounty Farm is an apple orchard plus grows corn, pumpkins, and squash. So, if you’re looking for things to do in Ontario in fall then this is the perfect spot! They offer pick your own apples and pumpkins!

There’s more fun to be had during the harvest season! Fall activities at the farm include a corn maze, obstacle course, nature walks, and you can visit with their sheep! Also on the farm is a Market shop! You can grab delicious treats, fresh cider, and pack it up for a picnic on the farm!

During September and October, they’re open seven days a week, from 9am to 5pm.

Address: 651 Scugog Line 2, Port Perry, ON

Shop Hank’s Pastries

One of the best donut shops in Ontario is in Port Perry! For over 50 years, Hank’s Pastries has delighted the taste buds of locals and day trippers. Walking in you’ll feel like you’re stepping back in time to a bygone era of classic bake shops.

Hank’s is located downtown in one of Port Perry’s historic buildings. There has been a bakery here for over 100 years. It’s one of only three buildings in town that operate as it originally did, as a bakery.

The bakery serves a large selection of baked goods. You’ll find fresh baked breads, cakes, buns, and cookies. Hank’s Pastries is best known for their apple fritters that are as big as your face! I’m not kidding! Another famous donut is their butter tart donut! It is literally a donut with a classic butter tart in the middle!

Be sure to pop in during any holiday or special occasion as they always have a special donut on the selves. A fun one was their St. Patrick’s Day donut, which came with a “gold coin” too!

Address: 204 Queen St, Port Perry, ON

Visit Applewood Farm & Winery

Whether you’re looking for things to do in Port Perry or a fabulous farm and winery to visit, a visit to Applewood is a must! Located 10 minutes north of downtown Port Perry, this farm and winery is family-friendly. The farm is open May through Christmas and has something for everyone! In their shop you can purchase jams, jellies, and even fresh honey!

You can pick your own strawberries in mid to late June! Or enjoy a glass of wine at their award-winning winery! Try their famous Applewood Farm Winery Strawberry and Rhubarb wine!! There’s even a new patio! Right now, they only offer snack items to eat on the patio.

In the fall, weekends are full of fun activities! They have a pumpkin patch, corn maze, wagon rides, and more! However, they also host a variety of events like live music, workshops, markets, and more!

Address: 2055 Saintfield Rd, Sunderland

Stroll a Boardwalk Trail

One of the hidden gems in Port Perry is the Boardwalk Trail! We all know I’m always adding to my list of Ontario boardwalk trails and this one is a great one! I only encountered a couple passing through during my stroll along it!

The Boardwalk trail begins near the Municipal Boat Launch area. There are actually two different trails that can make for a loop. One trail is straight and runs along the old railway line.

However, the boardwalk runs along the shoreline and winds its way through marsh. You’ll even find yourself in an enchanted marshy forest full of frogs and birds singing! If you do both as a loop it’s approximately 1.5km.

Enjoy a Tasting at Ocala Winery

Another great place in Port Perry is Ocala Winery! Set among the rolling green hills that make up the Township of Scugog, Ocala is so much more than just a winery. Ocala is the oldest winery and only vineyard in Durham Region.

Ocala is home to a variety of experiences including wine tasting and apple picking. You can enjoy a wine tasting in their century old dairy barn. They have over 30 varieties of wine, made from both grapes and other fruits. There are also non-alcoholic options!

The farm is over 100 years old with over 20 types of apples. You’ll find Gala, Empire, and a unique variety called the Yellow Transparent. One of the apple trees, a Duchess tree, is over 100 years old! And from late summer through the fall, you can pick your own apples at Ocala!

The farm and winery put on a ton of fun events throughout the summer season too! You can enjoy yoga in the orchard, family-friendly barbeques, and more!

Hike Canterbury Common Loop

Another hiking trail in Port Perry is the Canterbury Common Loop. The trail is part of the Port Perry Waterfront trail that encompasses a range of trails stretching along the shores of Lake Scugog, like the Millennium Trail.

The Canterbury Common is a 2.4 km loop trail through the Canterbury Common neighbourhood of Port Perry. You can access the trail at the east end of Coulter Street. Views along the trail include gardens and a lookout point over Lake Scugog!

Visit Willowtree Farm

A great addition to any Durham Region day trip is Willowtree Farm. This multi-generational farm is located 10 minutes west of downtown Port Perry.

Families and foodies alike will love visiting the farm. There’s a large playground that’s free for kids to enjoy. Plus, next door is a small herd of friendly goats.

For those looking for places to pick your own strawberries, Willowtree Farm is the perfect spot. In addition to strawberries, the farm produces a wide array of items. Pop into their farm market shop and you’ll find a wealth of goodies.

The large shop features shelves lined with fresh produce as well as fridges full of meat. They also sell local coffee, baked goods, and more.

Insider Tip: I highly recommend bringing along a cooler when you visit. You’re going to want to buy plenty to bring home.

Enjoy a Concert in The Park & Other Port Perry Events

For those looking for free things to do in Port Perry in the summer you’re in luck if you like live music! In Palmer Park you can enjoy free musical shows!

Concerts in the Park usually run every Wednesday and Thursday evenings from the end of July to the Labour Day weekend. Bring your lawn chair or blanket and get ready for an hour-long show. Many of the performers are local!

Other Port Perry events include the Dragon Boat Festival in June, Port Perry Fair in September, and the May Studio Tour. The Port Perry Fair has been running for over 160 years. The fair takes place the Labour Day weekend at the Fairgrounds

More Port Perry Attractions

There are so many attractions and places to visit in town! If you’re looking for more places to visit in Port Perry, I’ve rounded up a few more ideas to add to your itinerary.

Redmans Antique Barn

A fun attraction in Port Perry is also the largest antique shop in town! Redmans Antique Barn showcases the treasures from dozens of antique sellers. You’ll find so many hidden gems like Group of Seven prints, vintage toys, and so much more! They also run an annual Spring Fling with a host of outdoor vendors every June!

Lakefront Farmers’ Market

At the foot of the Grain Mill you’ll find Port Perry’s farmers’ market. The market runs every Saturday, 8am – 2pm, from the Victoria Day long weekend to Thanksgiving. With over 20 vendors, you’ll find all sorts of local goods. There are baked goodies, craft beer, handmade goods, as well as fresh produce and meats, and more.

Great Blue Heron Casino

Just east of Port Perry, on Scugog Island you’ll find the Great Blue Heron Casino. The Blue Heron is home to slot machines, poker, and other table games. There’s also a connected hotel and a restaurant. The Waters Edge Restaurant is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner.

Lake Scugog

This man-made lake was created in 1832. There are plenty of things to do in and on Lake Scugog! In the summer you can paddle, take a boat ride, and go fishing. Fishing can be done both by boat as well as from the shore. One of the most popular things to do in Port Perry in winter is ice fishing!

Birdseye Park

Another lovely park in Port Perry can be found at the end of Water Street, behind the library. Originally named Birdseye Centre Cabin Park, it was home to waterfront cabins and a pool. After 30 years, it was sold to the township in 1969 and the cabins were removed. Still overlooking Lake Scugog, it’s now a quiet park with towering bird houses and picnic benches.

Things to do near Port Perry

If you’re planning an extended stay or looking for more things to do in and around Port Perry, you’ll find plenty! Below are a few more attractions near Port Perry!

Purple Woods Conservation Area

This unassuming park is 10 minutes south of Port Perry. Covering 41 acres, Purple Woods is home to a few hiking trails, including access to the Oak Ridges Trail. You’ll find a variety of bird species here as well as monarchs in the summer. The park is best known for its Maple Syrup Festival in March.

Treetop Eco-Adventure Park

If you’re looking for fun things to do near Port Perry with kids, or solid outdoor time, head to Treetop Eco-Adventure Park! Located 10 minutes south of Port Perry, the adventure park is home to a variety of rope courses, axe-throwing, zip-lining, and so much more!

Sunderland Maple Syrup Festival

One of the best maple syrup festivals in Ontario is in Sunderland! Twenty minutes north of Port Perry, Sunderland has one of the longest running festivals in Ontario. The entire downtown becomes pedestrian-only and is filled with vendors and artisans. You can also go on wagon rides, sugar bush tours, and more!

Sunnybrae Golf Club

For more outdoor things to do in Port Perry consider hitting the links! The Sunnybrae Golf course is located just outside of town and is considered one of the best courses in the Durham Region.

Restaurants in Port Perry

There are various Port Perry restaurants, each serving up a mix of different cuisines. You’ll find the world in Port Perry, from Thai food to traditional Canadian fare. Most of the restaurants and cafes can be found downtown. However, there are other great choices in and around Highway 7A.

Jester’s Court Pub

This restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Port Perry! Located downtown, the pub has a great garden patio and plenty of indoor seating. They serve a variety of pub fare with large portions, plus have a great line up of craft beers.

Piano Inn & Café

In the heart of town, the Piano Café is located in one of Port Perry’s historic building blocks. With original wood floors, high ceilings, and fabulous art on display, it feels cozy and retains its heritage vibe. The café has a fabulous menu with elevated classic dishes. Be sure to try one of their tasty mac and cheeses!

Old Flame Brewing Co.

Another historic spot in Port Perry is Old Flame Brewing! The building was originally the Ontario Carriage works, built in 1874. The brewery maintains much of its former charm and is a great spot to grab a pint or flight. Plus, they often host live music!

Marwan’s Global Bistro

If you’re looking for a taste of world cuisine then Marwan’s is what you’re looking for! With photos from around the world on the walls you’ll find a menu inspired by food from across the globe too! One of the popular dishes is their butter chicken.

Where to Stay in Port Perry

When planning your visit and looking for hotels in Port Perry, you’ll find a wide array of options. There are traditional bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, as well as a few hotels.

The Piano Inn

If you’re looking for a dreamy place to stay in Port Perry then book your stay at The Piano Inn. You may recognize the Inn and Café from numerous Hallmark movies or from the Jack Reacher TV show! The Inn is located right downtown and above the Café.

The Piano Inn is home to five unique suites that range in size and style. All suites have a king size beg, private ensuite and some details harkening back to when it was first built. Plus, you can help but love the names of each, The Seamstress Suite, The Coachman, Poets Corner, and The Photographers Suite.

One of the suites is a studio apartment with an open concept layout and kitchen.

Our Valley View Bed & Breakfast

For those looking for a cozy spot to stay near Port Perry consider booking a stay at Our Valley View! This charming Bed and Breakfast is located 20 minutes from downtown Port Perry. Rooms come with private baths and full breakfasts. They also offer gluten free, vegetarian and organic breakfast options.

Frequently Asked Questions about Port Perry

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