Toronto 
Leave the hustle and bustle of Toronto behind and escape to Ontario’s feel-good town – rich in history, beautiful beaches, and shopping! In the 1900s, Cobourg was a prime destination for wealthy Americans when a car ferry connected Rochester to Cobourg.
Photo Credit: Cobourg Tourism
Many built summer homes here and came to enjoy yacht races and pavilion dances! Many of these stately homes and pavilions can still be seen today and add to the charm and character of Cobourg.
Getting there:
Just an hour’s drive east of Toronto on the 401, exit 474 at Division St and head south for about 10 minutes, following the signs to downtown. At the bottom of Division St, you will find public parking lots, and from here, everything can be explored on foot. Waterfront hourly parking rates are $5.00/hr from Victoria Day Weekend to Thanksgiving Day.
Credit: Town of Cobourg
Or, if you prefer, sit back and relax and leave the driving to someone else and take the Via Rail, which offers several trains per day from Union Station. Taxis are readily available upon your arrival in Cobourg.
Morning:
One of the highlights of Cobourg is its famous waterfront with one of the best beaches in Ontario. Kick off your shoes and relax on the soft sandy beach and go for a dip in the calm, blue waters. For the little ones, there is a splash pad and play equipment with monkey bars and climbing structures.
Or stroll along the boardwalk from the beach to the marina – a popular stop for boaters from Canada and the USA.
Where the marina ends at Hibernia St, turn right, and you will find the Cobourg Ecology Garden, which is excellent for bird watching and discovering native plants, flowers and bugs.
If you feel like being active, consider renting a paddle board, canoe or kayak for the day from Green Canoe Outfitters, just a short walk north at 90 King St West.
Lunch
After all that sun, sand and adventure, time for a bite! The beach canteen offers quick snacks and ice cream, or you can enjoy a picnic lunch in Victoria Park. A 22-acre park adjacent to the beach offers picnic tables and plenty of lawn space to throw down a blanket under a shady tree and take a break from the sun. An excellent spot for a group get-together, birthday party or romantic siesta.
If you prefer to try one of Cobourg’s great restaurants, a short walk up Division St., just south of King St., you can find Craft Food House offering locally sourced, healthy meals with a lovely outdoor patio. Or another local gem located at 8 King St, just above Victoria Park on the north side, is Corfu Grill, a long-established family restaurant serving delicious Mediterranean food.
Afternoon
With your stomachs full of delicious food, stroll along Cobourg’s historical downtown King St., where you can find many unique shops selling vintage products and reclaimed treasures.
For music lovers, at the top of Victoria Park, there is ZAP Records. A quirky and unique record shop no music geek should miss. A little further down at 26 King St, say hello to Katherine O’Mally Greer, owner of With All My Art, a treasure trove of arty, chic and funky furniture, accessories and decor.
Photo Credit: Cobourg Tourism
If you enjoy art and history, be sure to make a stop at the beautiful and stately Victoria Hall located in the center of town on the south side. Built in the 1850s and opened by the Prince of Wales, it is considered one of Ontario’s great treasures. It now houses the Art Gallery of Northumberland, the Grand Concert Hall and the James Cockburn Room.
In July and August, they offer free architectural walks on Thursday mornings from 10:00 am-1:00 pm.
Craving some more history? Then take the short walk to 141 Orr Street and the Sifton-Cook Heritage Centre. In this historic old building, you will discover a lot about Cobourg’s history, including the importance of their early railroads – there’s an outdoor operating model railway on site. Nearby, back on King Street, is the Marie Dressler house, birthplace of the 1930s Academy Award-winning actress.
If you rather follow a self-guided tour, here are some walks to explore historic Cobourg:
- Ginny & Georgia Self-Guided Walking Tour: Calling all fans of the Netflix hit series Ginny & Georgia! Embark on an exclusive self-guided walking tour that takes you to various key locations featured in the show, all within the picturesque Town of Cobourg.
- The Poppy Trail: Dive into Cobourg’s wartime past and discover the town’s significant contributions during that time.
- Commercial Core Heritage Conservation District: Immerse yourself in the mid-to-late 19th-century commercial development that defines the Commercial Core District. Marvel at the charming period architecture and streetscapes as you stroll through a sampling of Cobourg’s heritage.
- East Heritage Conservation District: Explore one of Cobourg’s oldest residential neighbourhoods, where incremental residential growth can be witnessed. Be sure to admire the historic homes from the street, as they are private property, and savor the town’s unique heritage.
- George Street Heritage Conservation District: Discover the architectural diversity of George Street, which showcases different styles such as Classical Revival, Gothic Revival, and Ontario Cottage Vernacular. Though it was once intended to be a major thoroughfare, the railway station’s relocation changed its course.
- West Heritage Conservation District: Journey through the West District, where the town’s economic activity boomed in the late 19th century. Marvel at the vernacular designs of workers’ homes and soak in the essence of Cobourg’s heritage.
Dinner
After all that shopping and history, you’re sure to have worked up an appetite, so before returning to the town, treat yourself to a special dinner at one of the town’s restaurants.
When to go
Seasonally the best time of year to visit is between May and October, when you can truly enjoy all the wonderful outdoor activities and festivals available.
Here is a list of some festivals to help you plan the best time to go.
Cobourg Festival Dates (subject to change)
FARMERS’ MARKET: Fresh, local fare every Saturday morning behind Victoria Hall from May to October
COBOURG HIGHLAND GAMES: Scottish dancing, strong men, and the pipes and drums on June 15 & 16, 2024
SUMMER WATERFRONT FESTIVAL: Harbourfront art and artisans tents, entertainment and family fun – Canada Day Weekend
SIDEWALK MUSIC FEST: Downtown shopping event of the summer August First weekend – August 3 to 5, 2023
SANDCASTLE FESTIVAL: Pro sculptors compete at the beach – August 12, 2023
RIBFEST: Meat-lovers! Finger-licking secret recipes August 18-20, 2023 in Victoria Park
For more information – Cobourg Tourism
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Thanks for sharing this amazing blog. I was excited to visit these places after reading this. Keep up the good work.
I’m planning a day Trip, to Cobourg, for Canada Day. Is there a place where my family and I can do a BBQ.