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About Port Hope Rapids

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Several very small step cascades and rock rapids can be found along the lowest reaches of the Ganaraska River before it empties to Lake Ontario. The river happens to run right through the Town of Port Hope, and parkland stretching all along the river gives easy access to the rapids. A number of wide, very low rocky steps stretches along almost 500 m of the river.

A retaining wall lines both sides of the river, and guard rails help to keep visitors from falling into the shallow gorge. In the south end of town, the river fills the entire channel. From just south of Walton St and several blocks north, however, the river is rimmed by bare rock on either side.

Just north of Walton St there is a break in the guard rail that includes a ramp down to river level. During low to moderate flows, visitors explore the area along the river bed. Fishermen are quite common; the river remains one of the best for trout and salmon. Another access point, albeit less civilized, is found on the east side of the river, upstream from Ontario St.

The Ganaraska Trail runs along the river behind the historic downtown, making for a nice walk. This is by far the first water over bedrock that you will encounter on your way east from Toronto. The rapids start about 100 m south of Walton St and continue north to beyond the footbridge at Barrett Street.

Some Key Facts
Region Eastern
County Northumberland
Near Port Hope
Watercourse Ganaraska River
Watershed / % Lakes 2 / 9%
Ownership Town of Port Hope
Landscape Urban
Size Very Small
Type Low Step Step
Modification Bridges, Retaining Walls
Access Easy
Top / Bottom Easy / Moderate
Trail conditions Paved, bare rock
Hiking Time 3 min
Coordinates 43.9506,-78.2922
Parking
43.9495,-78.2928
Site ID WOO.NOR.004
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Finding Port Hope Rapids

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Visiting Port Hope Rapids


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Waterfalls of Ontario Project

This project has been online since 1999, in print since 2003, and on social since 2011. (See archives: 2003, 2012, 2018). It was the first to inventory and map Ontario's waterfalls for recreational purposes. With your continued help, it grows. Learn more...
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This page last updated on April 20, 2024. Earlier versions can be examined on Archive.org, dating back to 2003.