Walton Street in Port Hope is all dressed in flags and waiting for a parade. Even the citizens appear to be getting in the mood for Canada Day. TED AMSDEN/QMI AGENCY

If you are still looking for a place to celebrate today, the charming town of Port Hope, Ont. is doing Canada Day up big with a car show, the annual Calithumpian Parade, live entertainment, food booths, a beer tent, and fireworks.

About a one-hour drive east of Toronto, Port Hope is one of Canada's oldest and prettiest towns. It has a well preserved downtown and some 300 houses and buildings with heritage designations as well as lots of boutiques and antiques shops. There are plenty of good restaurants and outdoor patios to sit and enjoy a cool beverage.

The Capitol Theatre, which dates back to the Depression, is a must-see and has a full lineup of plays during the summer season. Accommodation includes B&Bs, inns and the quaint Dorset Manor Spa, part of the well known St. Anne's Spa. For outdoor enthusiasts, the area has waterfront trails, cycling routes, golf and even zip-lining at the new Tree Top Trekking at the Ganaraska Forest Centre.

For more on the Canada Day celebrations and other upcoming events and festivals, including Artists and Artisans Tours, All Canadian Jazz Festival and the historic House Tour, contact porthopetourism.ca or call 1-888-767-8467 for a free information package.