Port Hope is located in the United Counties of Northumberland and Durham, on the shore of Lake Ontario. The name Port Hope was formally confirmed by the Legislature of Upper Canada on March 6, 1834.

Close to Peterborough, Brighton, Cobourg, Belleville, Colborne and Havelock, Port Hope Yacht Club welcomes visitors to tie up to the harbour with full accessibility to the club and kitchen amenities until 10 PM. Port Hope Harbour was dredged in 2003 allowing plenty of depth to accommodate average size boats. A short walk from the yacht club offers a variety of shops, several eating establishments, and pubs.

The Canadian Fire Fighters Museum, located opposite the Ganaraska River at 95 Mill Street South collects, preserves, researches, and displays fire apparatus, fire equipment, photographs and related archival materials for visitors to Port Hope.

Port Hope accommodation offers motels, Bed and Breakfasts, Inns, camping, and cottages.