How a spontaneous visit with goats turned into a small-town adventure filled with film magic.
Sometimes the best travel stories begin without a plan. On a sunny August morning, my daughter and I set off on an impromptu drive to Port Hope, Ontario—a small town I’d visited once before and remembered fondly. What began as a quick stop to commune with goats turned into a whimsical day trip that unfolded unexpectedly. This unplanned jaunt reminded me why I love exploring Ontario’s charming corners.
Haute Goat: Where the Kids Are Wild (Literally)
Located just outside Port Hope, Haute Goat is a 200-acre farmstead with sweeping views and a whole lot of personality. We only stayed about 15 minutes, but the energy of the place left a lasting impression. A group of goats, also called a trip (fitting for Trip Jaunt!), greeted us in hilarious fashion—especially the babies. Bounding around with bursts of joy, their antics made it impossible not to smile.
The Icelandic horses, munching hay through slow feeders, exuded calm, while the aloof alpacas offered a masterclass in unbothered elegance. Animal behaviour fascinates me—so pure, so present. One moment, a goat may lock eyes with you; the next, it’s off to chase a breeze. It’s these small, unscripted exchanges that make mindful travel so enriching.
Tips for Visiting Haute Goat:
- Website: hautegoat.com
- Book a goat yoga class or one of their “shmurgle” goat cuddle experiences if you have more time.
- Visit during Goatchella.
- Wear closed-toe shoes (dab them in the tub of disinfectant before entering) and bring water on hot days.
- Perfect for families, animal lovers, and joy-seekers.
- It’s pay what you can and based on an honour system
Port Hope: Small Town, Big Character
With a population just over 17,000, Port Hope sits an easy one-hour drive east of Toronto, tucked along Lake Ontario’s north shore. The historic downtown is straight out of a postcard: walkable, vibrant, and dotted with unique shops and heritage buildings.
We popped into a bookstore, Furby House Books, where I couldn’t resist a cheeky day planner covered in expletives. Life’s too short not to laugh daily. The clerk, sensing our curiosity, handed us a self-guided film location map—and that’s when our journey took a cinematic turn.
Filming ‘IT’ in Port Hope: From Pennywise to Pretty Streets
Though I’m not a fan of horror films, I’ve always loved filmmaking. Having studied in Los Angeles and Vancouver, I appreciate the craft behind a good location scout. And whoever handled the job for Stephen King’s IT (2017 and 2019) deserves applause—because nearly every scene is within walking distance downtown.
Capitol Theatre
From the Capitol Theatre to vintage façades transformed into fictional Derry, Maine, the town plays its part brilliantly. With the printed guide in hand, we retraced movie moments, weaving Hollywood fantasy into our real-life day.
No Balloons Were Harmed in the Making of This Scene
In the second IT film, one scene features the Robertson Street Bridge, dramatically adorned with hundreds of red balloons—a chilling visual that was actually achieved through CGI special effects. As someone who values sustainability and avoids single-use plastics, I was genuinely relieved to learn that no actual balloons were used. It’s a small but meaningful example of how filmmakers can lean into digital creativity without harming the environment. Nice touch, Hollywood.
Film Buff Tip:
Explore more filming locations in Port Hope and nearby Ontario towns: Movie-Locations.com – IT (2017)
Lunchtime Surprise at Turtle John’s
When hunger struck, it was the mural on Turtle John’s Bar & Grill that pulled us in. The menu read like classic pub fare—burgers, fries, fish and chips—but nestled among the usuals was something unexpected: Butter Chicken.
As it turns out, the owner is a Sri Lankan chef who recently sold his Montreal steakhouse and settled in Whitby. He’s added global flair to the menu, offering warm, rich flavours that reflect the culinary diversity of South Asia. While Butter Chicken hails from Delhi, Sri Lankan curries bring their own vibrant kick, often spicier and more coconut-rich than their Indian counterparts.
Dining Tip:
- No-frills, family-friendly atmosphere.
- Pool table and loads of TVs showing sports and local news
- Great for travellers curious about fusion menus in small towns.
- Ask your server for daily specials—they may surprise you.
The Scenic Route: Bond Head and Beyond
Rather than take the highway home, we opted for the scenic route—Hwy 2 to Lakeshore Road, a quiet country drive flanked by fields, trees, and cyclists enjoying the late-summer heat. That’s when we stumbled upon Bond Head, a charming historic community nestled by the water. Though we only passed through this time, we made a mental note to return.
After a day of goats, ghost towns, and good food, it was time to head back to our own herd—our beloved cats waiting at home.
The Takeaway
A day trip doesn’t need grand plans to be meaningful. Whether you’re enjoying the antics of baby goats, browsing indie bookstores, or standing where actors once faced off with a killer clown, joy can be found in the unlikeliest of places. Port Hope reminded me that small towns often hold the biggest surprises—and when shared with someone you love, even a spontaneous outing becomes a memory worth savouring. And will I see the film now that I have visited some of the locations? Nope! I could barely get through the movie trailer!
Quick Travel Facts:
- Location: Port Hope, Ontario
- Distance from Toronto: ~1 hour drive
- Must-See: Haute Goat, Capitol Theatre, downtown shops, film locations
- Lunch Stop: Turtle John’s Bar & Grill
- Scenic Bonus: Bond Head via Lakeshore Road
- Pick-Up: A copy of the self guided Walking Tour of IT filming locations at the tourism office on Queen Street
Every journey leaves a mark, and small choices can make a big difference. Choosing eco-friendly stays, supporting local communities, and being mindful of plastic use help preserve the beauty of the places we visit. Respecting wildlife, conserving resources, and travelling sustainably ensure future generations can experience the same wonders. By treading lightly and embracing responsible travel, we create meaningful connections and lasting memories. Here’s to adventures that inspire and footprints that honour our planet. Safe and mindful travels!
Photo Credits:
All photos by author unless otherwise indicated.