Port Perry Is A Charming Durham Getaway Spot
Have you been to Port Perry yet? There are so many things to do in Port Perry and if you haven’t visited yet… it’s time to go.
If you’re looking for a laid-back yet scenic and picturesque town to visit, Port Perry is the place to be. Stepping into this town is like going back in time, except you’ll still enjoy the modern perks.
How To Get To Point Perry
Travel to Port Perry can take more than an hour from Toronto. There are several ways to travel if you’re coming from Toronto to Port Perry.
You can take the bus from Toronto Union Station. You can also take a train from Whitby Go station which will arrive directly at the Port Perry train station. This is the fastest way to get there.
Or, you can also drive, which is the most cost-efficient (yet exhausting) method of transport going into this adorable little town.
A Brief History Of Point Perry
Let’s go back in history a little bit.
Port Perry was first surveyed and discovered by Major Samuel Street Wilmot in the year 1809. Then a certain Reuben Crandell with his wife created a homestead in the area in 1821.
Then, another settler, Peter Perry came to town and constructed structures and homes on the shore of Lake Scugog, which eventually became known as Port Perry. It was then acknowledged as a village in 1871.
Find out more about the village’s history and its rivalry with Prince Albert and Manchester, it’s entertaining and inspiring!
10 Fun Things To Do In Port Perry This Weekend
You’d think you wouldn’t have things to do in Port Perry as it’s a quaint little town. However, there are so many things to enjoy while you’re on a trip to this interesting destination.
Here are some of the best ways to enjoy your Port Perry visit.
1) Spend A Day Enjoying Lake Scugog
For starters, you can just stroll around and spend some time walking along Lake Scugog.
Lake Scugog is not a natural lake but rather a man-made one. It was originally two lakes connected by a marshy area. However, due to the flooding of the two lakes as a result of a dam that was built in 1834, it became one and is now known as Lake Scugog.
Spending time around the lake is very relaxing. It’s the perfect spot to just breathe, unwind and reset your mind.
2) Roam Around Downtown Port Perry
Although the town is not big, it still has so much to offer. There are interesting structures and establishments that you can visit while you’re strolling around Port Perry downtown. From visiting parks to hanging at wineries, there are many attractions. We found a list of them for you here.
3) Spend A Day On The Waterfront
Port Perry has a great waterfront park where you can have a picnic, sit or stroll around, and enjoy the view. There are also different activities you can enjoy at the front Perry waterfront.
You can fish, climb the water tower, visit the farmer’s market and the marina, or just hang out and have a barbecue with friends at the park.
4) Stop By The Piano Inn and Cafe
The Piano Inn and Cafe is amazing. The location is great because it’s right in downtown Port Perry, just a few minutes away from many other exciting establishments. Additionally, the food is great and their staff is really friendly – even the owner is there to accommodate the guests.
They also have complete amenities for the guests, and the atmosphere is peaceful and quiet even though it’s located downtown.
5) Touch History At The Old Mill
The people of Port Perry are doing their best to preserve this old mill as it’s now the oldest grain elevator in Canada. The Currie Port Perry Grain Elevator, as they call it, holds so much history of the trade and business in Port Perry from the 1800s to the 1900s.
It also has a very interesting history, connected to the construction of the railway station in Port Perry. It’s currently around 125 years old as of this writing.
6) Visit The Scugog Shores Museum Village
Now, if the Old Mill is not interesting enough for you, historically, come to this part of town and you’d be carried back through time.
This village has been preserved perfectly, they created a museum out of the entire village. Visiting this village will take you back to the 1800s, with all the well-preserved houses, blacksmith shops, schools, churches and other village structures.
It’s amazing how they’re able to maintain the museum village. There are also tour guides to walk you through the history of the different areas in the village while you stroll around.
7) Stroll Through Palmer Park
Palmer Park is not just your usual park. It’s a good location for fishing, boating, and boardwalk.
Walking around the park is relaxing as you enjoy the view of the lake and the beautiful nature around Port Perry. You can also take the Waterfront trail, which starts from Palmer Park going to Town Hall, where you can also find more establishments and restaurants.
8) Catch A Show At The Town Hall Theatre
Port Perry is really a town filled with history, artistry and music. One of the main highlights in this town is the Town Hall Theatre where they hold concerts, plays, and other performances.
They have a variety of performances from historical plays, musicals, contemporary concerts and even magic shows.
9) Haunt A Ghost Tour
Since Port Perry is an old town which has preserved so much of its history and structures, it’s not unusual for people to talk about ghosts and paranormal phenomena. Whether they’re true or not, no one really knows.
However, if you have a brave heart and are up for the challenge, just say it and someone will be willing to help you on your quest to find the ghosts of Port Perry. You might want to start at Ghost Road.
10) Wash It Down With A Brew At Old Flame Brewing Co.
If you’d rather stay around and enjoy the night or after you’ve chased the ghosts away from Port Perry, this could be the spot to stop for the night.
The Old Flame Brewing Co has a wide selection of beers brewed in-house. They also have a variety of cured meats available, perfect to be paired with their cheese selections.
The ambience is also very cozy, relaxing and refreshing at the same time.
When Is The Best Time Of Year To Visit Point Perry?
Honestly, anytime is the perfect time to visit Port Perry. Whether it’s summer or winter, there are so many things to do in Port Perry, you’ll never get bored.
Just make sure to check first if the places you’d want to visit are open before going, to make sure you’d get the best out of your trip. Some close during the winter, so it’s wise to do your research beforehand!
Related: Looking for other fun things to do? Here are the Best Amusement Parks In Toronto
