Ganaraska River Trail

The Ganaraska River runs through the middle of Port Hope, an Ontario town on the north shore of Lake Ontario, and a footpath follows its banks for part of its course. The Ganaraska River Trail is accessible from several points in town, including Barrett Street and Jocelyn Street, and it offers an easy walk or jog along the water, with views of the river, the old stone and brick buildings of the town and the trees that line the banks. The path is suitable for walkers of all ages and is also used by cyclists.

The surface is natural rather than paved, a mixture of grass, packed earth and gravel, and in one stretch a boardwalk carries you through damp woodland beside the water. That gives the walk a softer, more rural feel than the city streets nearby, and it makes it easy to forget that the main street is only a few minutes away. Mature willows and maples shade the banks, and ferns and wildflowers grow along the edges in the warmer months. Be prepared for some mud after rain.

The river is well known to anglers because of the autumn runs of salmon and trout that travel upstream from Lake Ontario, and the sight of fish at the weirs and shallows is one of the town’s seasonal attractions. In spring, rainbow trout also move upstream. Herons, kingfishers and ducks use the stream, and the corridor is a good place for casual birdwatching. Port Hope’s historic downtown, with its nineteenth-century streetscape, lies a short walk away, so the trail combines naturally with a visit to the shops and cafés of Walton Street. East Beach and the harbour area are close by, and the Port Hope Art Gallery and the library are also within an easy stroll.

Further north, the Ganaraska Forest, a large tract of woodland on the sandy hills above the town, offers longer trails for hiking and cycling, and it is a common next stop for those who want more distance. Spring brings high water, summer gives shade and autumn colour, and each season changes the character of the riverside. The river has also flooded in the past, and the town’s flood-control works are part of the story you will see along the banks.

Visitors can park in municipal lots near the town centre and walk to the trail, and it is free to use at any time. The trail suits families, dog walkers, anglers and anyone who wants a quiet break from sightseeing. Wear sturdy shoes, bring insect repellent in summer, and allow an hour or two for a relaxed outing.