The place else are you able to go from being in downtown Toronto, Canada, amongst the hustle and bustle surrounded by the concrete jungle one minute? Then an hour later, you’re sitting in the course of a frozen lake with associates, ice fishing, consuming beer and consuming apple fritters the dimensions of your head. Port Perry, Ontario, is that place. So except for ice fishing journeys, we created a listing of issues to do in Port Perry on a Toronto day journey!
For reference, on a great day, it takes an hour to get from one finish of Toronto to the opposite finish of Toronto – North, South, East, West; it makes no distinction one hour not less than.
So when York Durham Headwaters invited a gaggle of journey writers and the Highway Journey Ontario workforce to ice fishing, our first thought was:
How far north will we’ve to go? North Bay? Thunder Bay? Hudson’s Bay? Nunavut?” and “The place are our snow pants?”
Though ice fishing is what piqued our curiosity, let’s check out some issues to do in Port Perry as probably the greatest weekend getaways from Toronto!
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The History Of Port Perry, Ontario
- Port Perry was first surveyed back in 1809, and the first family who settled in the town came in 1821. They were of European descent.
- In 1852 the village in Scugog was named Port Perry after Peter Perry – a reform leader in the Ontario Legislature. Perry was the main person behind the town’s planning and development.
- Canada’s oldest grain elevator, which has survived many fires, earthquakes, and demolition, still sits on the shores of Lake Scugog.
Where is Port Perry?
Getting From Toronto To Port Perry
Getting from Toronto to Port Perry is fairly easy.
Soar on the DVP (Don Valley Parkway) to Freeway 401 and head East.
Take exit 410, onto Freeway 12 Northbound and comply with Freeway 12 north by means of Whitby, previous Brooklin and Myrtle to Manchester.
Flip east (proper) in Manchester at Freeway 7A and comply with it to Port Perry.
Issues To Do In Port Perry Right this moment
Morning
The Piano Inn and Cafe
Should you opted to spend the night time right here within the former Lenard Constructing – a refurbished historic landmark constructed within the 18th century, you’ll be able to both return for lunch or begin the day with one of many Inn’s most beneficial dishes. French onion soup, couscous salad, Brie and Pear grilled sandwiches, crustless quiche, creamy mac & cheese, and lobster salad.
Pantry Shelf
A stylish breakfast spot right here in Port Perry is the Pantry Shelf patio and tea room. They’re recognized for his or her baked items; croissants, butter tarts, apple fritters and carrot cake. Ideally, it could be nice to seize a seat exterior and people-watch as Palmer Park is throughout the road. However because it was winter and the patio was closed, we discovered a comfy nook inside. The day by day particular was a sandwich and soup; we went for the veggies soup and ham and cheddar sandwich.
Palmer Park
Talking of Palmer Park, Palmer Park has the most effective view of Scugog lake, plus splash pads, a playground space for youths, picnic tables and a strolling path that can deliver you to all corners of the park. Palmer Park can also be the official spot for Port Perry’s native occasions and festivals.
Previous Mill
Recognized regionally as “Previous Mill,” Port Perry’s grain elevator is the oldest one nonetheless standing in Canada! It was inbuilt 1874, and it’s turn out to be virtually synonymous with the city. Should you’re in search of a full historical past of the grain elevator, you will discover it over at Scugog Heritage.
Scugog Ice Adventures & Ice Fishing
It’s arduous to consider that we have been just one hour away from the very hectic concrete jungle of Toronto and now standing on the shores of Lake Scugog, gazing out on the huge openness of snow and ice. We have been ready may make out these brilliant yellow fishing huts method, method off into the space in the course of a lake!
Positioned in Port Perry Marina, Scugog Ice Adventures is an ideal getaway for lovers of winter fishing and beginners like us city people willing to give it a go. With over 20 years of fishing knowledge on Lake Scugog, they have a pretty good idea of where all the fish hang out.
Lake Scugog has plenty of largemouth/smallmouth bass, perch, black crappie, and catfish.
Aside from the required fishing license, the great individuals at Scugog Ice Adventures will arrange your location, take you out to your heated huts, drill the holes, and provide the traces and the minnows – instruments you want to catch fish.
Eating places In Port Perry
Afternoon purchasing in Port Perry
Port Perry Downtown
Among the finest issues to do in Port Perry is a stroll alongside Port Perry’s historic downtown – which is certainly one of York Durham’s prettiest little cities. With a great deal of boutique retailers that line the Victorian streets, from Lake Scugog with its Previous Mill – Canada’s oldest grain elevator, up in direction of the City Corridor Theatre. All the things from bamboo natural yoga garments and antiques/treasures to custom-designed jewellery, handmade presents and handcrafted miniatures.
Typically used as a filming location due to its small-town “American” really feel, it’s at the moment being remodeled into the fictional city Lakeside for the present American Gods. Port Perry has been the backdrop, Hemlock Grove, The West Wing, Welcome To Mooseport, and Fly Away House.
Marwan’s International Bistro & The Port Social
Marwan’s restaurant is affected by pictures of the proprietor, Marwan that includes his travels, which he credit because the supply of his in depth data of various meals discovered on the menu. Marwan himself beneficial his curry dishes, Butter Hen, Veggie Tikka Masala, Thai Purple Curry, Thai Purple Curry with Hen, and Thai Purple Curry with Shrimp.
We went with the Butter Hen Breast, Creamy Wild Tomato Curry Sauce with Contemporary Rice – Let’s simply say we have been thrilled with our selections.
Marwan’s International Bistro additionally gives prime rib, sausage platters & spicy Mexican meatballs. For vegans and plant-based eaters, they serve quite a lot of scrumptious veggie burgers, smoked cauliflower tacos, quinoa bowls, veggie tikka masala, grilled veggie sandwiches, a veggie curry dish, Thai vegan crimson curry, and extra.
Proper beside Marwan’s International Bistro is Marwan’s different enterprise, The Port Social, the place he serves tapas, beers, cocktails, wine & spirits. The bar options dwell music on the weekends and expertly crafted cocktails!
Port Perry Submit Workplace
The very first submit workplace of Port Perry opened in 1852, and the primary postmaster was a person named Joseph Bigelow. The submit workplace was inbuilt 1914 and would have been torn down if a gaggle of locals hadn’t satisfied the officers that it had historic worth.
Hank’s Pastries LTD
We were first introduced to Hank’s Pastries while ice fishing. Scugog Ice Adventures had a Tim Horton’s carafe (Canada’s favourite coffee) and a box of Hank’s large apple fritters shipped out to us in the huts. The apple fritter is so large that it’s impossible to finish. Out of all the things to do in Port Perry, this is not to be missed.
Hank’s has been in the business since the mid-1800s, and they are known for their delicious and freshly baked treats. From meat pies, fruit bread and buns to cookies, old-fashioned scratch donuts, huge apple fritters and Mille Feuille (custard cake).
For the record, “scratch-baking” is the old-fashioned way of only using all-natural ingredients with no fillers or preservatives.
Port Perry United Church
Port Perry United Church, part of The United Church of Canada, opened in 1925 and can accommodate about 200 worshippers.
Town Hall Theatre
Town Hall Theatre has been at the centre of arts and culture for over half a decade. They offer a variety of entertainment, from dance, to theatre, live music, and more. The building itself was established in 1873.
Reflection Park
Reflection Park was opened as a memorial park in 2008 and was attended by Port Perry’s respected government officials and local war veterans. It resulted from student nine, who volunteered their talents and skills to the project.
War Memorial Library (Now Closed)
War Memorial Library was constructed in 1934 but only officially operated the following year.
Caviar and Cobwebs
Caviar & Cobwebs is a boutique store that sells legitimate collectibles and antiques. Everything from hard-to-find jewellery and linens to books, memorabilia and art. Gordana picked up a Hammersley & Co. teacup and saucer that dates back to the 1930s
Herrington’s Quality Butchers
Right beside Caviar & Cobwebs is Herrington’s, which I had the pleasure of trying their delicious dry salami while ice fishing on Lake Scugog. Ex-Farmer, Brent visits many of the farms that he buys his meat from. In addition to that, he was a finalist in Ontario’s Finest Butcher Competition.
Things To Do In Port Perry
Evening
Old Flame Brewery
The Old Flame Brewing Company is located in the restored former Ontario Carriage Works building built in the 18th century. The tasting room is filled with rustic and wooden decorations, most of which tie together the building’s history. Comfortable couches, high tops and regular tables invite you to bring your own food, and pets are welcome.
The Nutty Chocolatier
The Nutty Chocolatier uses 100% of the finest Callebaut chocolate imported from Belgium and is considered one of Ontario’s best-handcrafted chocolate makers. I have no idea who Callebaut is, but I definitely tried Belgium chocolates when I was in Belgium. They have gelatin, gluten, milk, sugar-free, truffles, nut clusters, and barks.
Captain George Fish & Chips
I’ve eaten fish and chips everywhere, from England to Ireland, and there is a definite science to doing them right. Captain George serves up decent fish & chips – Perfectly fried (not greasy), traditional breaded halibut, fries, coleslaw, a lemon wedge and tartar sauce. We advise getting extra tartar sauce; it’s homemade and tastes incredible.
Where To Stay In Port Perry
Accommodations
There are plenty of places to stay in Port Perry if you’re looking for a place to crash after a night out. Our favourite is The Piano Inn and Cafe, located in the town’s heart. Just know that they book up early, so it’s worth booking in advance.
The Piano Inn & Cafe | The Piano Inn 1884
Perfect if you’re planning on spending the night in Port Perry, just passing through or grabbing a bite to eat. The Piano Inn & Cafe is located in the heart of downtown Port Perry, and the historic building has five private upscale suites steps away from boutiques, dining and Lake Scugog Marina.
If The Piano Inn is full, we’d recommend the nearby Nestleton Waters Inn (about a 10-15 minute drive from Port Perry). It’s a great spot to spend the night. If you’re looking for a bed and breakfast, there are a few B&Bs in the town, including Willow Pond Bed and Breakfast, Country Corner B&B, Beechcroft B&B and Heath & Haven.
Heath Haven Bed and Breakfast
Also located in downtown Port Perry, Health Haven is a newly renovated Bed and Breakfast with a cozy, cottage, small-town setting feel.
The Hive B & B Resort
If you want to extend your Port Perry stay by recharging, partaking in and learning more about indigenous practices of well-being, art and culture while reconnecting with nature, book your stay at The Hive Bed & Breakfast. About 34 Kilometres from Port Perry, The Hive Bee & Bee offers single-room and full-house rentals, daily or weekly. Our good friend Chris Mitchell from Ultimate Ontario wrote about our press trip experience at The Hive B & B Resort.
Next door is The Hive Centre, a charming heritage church that provides training, workshops, retreats and events with community-related activities like; art, culture, history, well-being and nature. The Hive Centre and Bee & Bee are surrounded by 18 Acres of Commemorative Forest – Designated by the Province of Ontario, the Nature Conservancy of Canada and Ontario Conservation Authorities. Trip Advisor
Extra Enjoyable Issues To Do In Port Perry
Scugog Shores Museum Village
The Scugog Shores Museum Village is a historic museum positioned on the southern finish of Scugog Island and is residence to numerous restored historic buildings, together with a college, log cabin, blacksmith, and extra! The museum can also be set in a renovated old style with 1000’s of artifacts.
The Scugog Shores Museum can also be residence to the Ojibway Heritage Interpretive Lands. Created in partnership with the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, the Ojibway Heritage Interpretive Lands is residence to a birch bark canoe, a wigwam, and a set of indigenous vegetation and bushes.
The Nice Blue Heron On line casino
The Nice Blue Heron On line casino can also be positioned on Scugog Island and belongs to the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. It initially opened in 1997 with a deal with gaming tables and a bingo corridor. Now, they’ve all of your favorite on line casino video games (Poker, Blackjack, Baccarat, Roulette), over 500 slot machines, two bars, a restaurant and a 100-room resort.
Port Perry Festivals and Occasions
There’s at all times one thing happening in Port Perry and the encompassing space relating to Festivals & Occasions. From the Mississauga First Nation Pow Wow and the Highland Video games in summer time to the Theatre on the Ridge summer time theatre competition and The Annual Honest (which has been working for 150 years on Labour Day weekend. Head over to the Port Perry BIA for a calendar of occasions.
Often Requested Questions
How Far Is Port Perry From Toronto?
Getting from Toronto to Port Perry is fairly easy. Soar on the DVP (Don Valley Parkway) to Freeway 401 and head East. Take exit 410, onto Freeway 12 Northbound and comply with Freeway 12 north by means of Whitby previous Brooklin and Myrtle to Manchester. Flip east (proper) in Manchester at Freeway 7A and comply with it to Port Perry. Whole drive time as about an hour !!
What’s Port Perry recognized for?
Port Perry is understood for its grain elevator, the oldest one nonetheless standing in Canada! It was inbuilt 1874.
Port Perry is also called a filming location due to its small-town “American” really feel. All the things from the fictional city Lakeside for the present American Gods to the backdrop for Hemlock Grove, The West Wing, Welcome To Mooseport, and Fly Away House.
What’s there to do in Port Perry within the winter?
Among the finest issues to do in Port Perry within the winter, along with skating, is ice fishing. Particularly due to its shut 1-hour distance from Toronto. Scugog Ice Adventures is a perfect getaway for lovers of winter fishing and novices. Lake Scugog has loads of largemouth/smallmouth bass, perch, black crappie, and catfish.
What’s the principle avenue in Port Perry?
Port Perry’s principal avenue is Queen St., which runs by means of the historic downtown. With a great deal of boutique retailers that line the Victorian streets, from Lake Scugog with its Previous Mill – Canada’s oldest grain elevator, up in direction of the City Corridor Theatre. All the things from bamboo natural yoga garments and antiques/treasures to custom-designed jewellery, handmade presents and handcrafted miniatures.
