Photo Credit: Robert Taylor
Just an hour east of Toronto, and adjacent to Regional Municipality of Durham, Northumberland County offer delightful and exciting adventures within its boundaries. From quaint farms to glamping, lakeside fun, and adventures through forests, this county bordering Kawarthas, is a worth a weekend and more of your time!
Here are 25+ Outdoor Adventures in Northumberland County:
Birding at the Presqu’ile Provincial Park
The Presqu’ile Provincial Park has an impressive 337 wild bird species and a world-class spring bird migration for shorebirds in the month of May. Sitting on the shore of Lake Ontario, it is a lovely place for birding and camping. Details
Lakeside fishing at Rice Lake
Since the 1950s, this fishing and boating destination has more fish per acre than any other lake in Ontario. During the Spring and Summer seasons, fish are more abundant, boasting bass, muskie, and walleye to name a few. Details
Boating on the Trent-Severn Waterway
This 240-mile waterway is a series of canals, rivers, and lakes that make up a maze of incredible waters around pastoral farmland and rugged granite hills. Boaters are free to choose to travel from any one point to another, but are guaranteed a peaceful day on the waterway. Details
Explore the Ganaraska Forest
Go trail riding at the Maple Crescent Farm
Adjacent to the Ganaraska Forest is the Maple Crescent Farm – a beautiful countryside farm with well-kept pastures and incredible opportunities for riding and boarding. It is a relaxing and truly breathtaking getaway with a family-style atmosphere with plenty of support for both new and experienced riders. Details
Cross the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge
The Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge is located at the Ferris Provincial Park. Just south of the waterfalls, this long bridge is high above the rushing water and is an exciting site inspired by the Capilano Bridge in B.C, built by Royal Canadian Air Force base engineers from 8 Wing, CFB Trenton. Details
Go on a self-guided walking tour in Port Hope
Stop by the Visitor’s Centre at the Capitol Theatre building, pick up a walking tour map or access the Google Map on your phone, and head to some of Port Hope’s most significant destinations such as the Hamlet of Osaca, the Farini Bridge and Gardens, and local restaurants like the Sugar Dust Bakery, and the Social Bar and Table. Details
Get a hole-in-one at the Warkworth Golf & Country Club
The scenic 18-hole course set against well-landscaped trees and greenery will entice all to visit and enjoy the Warkworth Golf Club. The club house on site has a bar, dining area, and patio, as well as tournaments and fun events for those who want to get a little bit competitive. Details
Go cycling at Shelter Valley
Ride with the waterfront breeze from Lake Ontario on this long 50-kilometer trail from Cobourg to Grafton, and go back-round cycling in Shelter Valley. Along the way, the views are vibrant and exciting, and there are several noteworthy stops such as the Marina’s boardwalk, and a few homey places to grab a bite to eat. Details
Hang out at Victoria Beach
Explore the Peter’s Wood Provincial Nature Reserve
This nature reserve has some of the most stunning and picturesque scenery in all of Ontario. It contains the sole-surviving Oak Ridges Moraine old growth forest in Ontario, as well as many trails and opportunities for recreational activity. The soft and unique light at the reserve is much appreciated by photographers and visitors alike. Details
Go “glamping” at the Whispering Springs Wilderness Retreat
Go Paddle Boarding at Cobourg Beach
Cobourg Beach is a gem all year long. The local harbor is docked with boats from all over the world, and the beach is spotless and spacious. The waters of Lake Ontario are perfect for paddle boarding, and OM SUP is the only company that provides a mindfulness-based paddle boarding experience. Details
Go Treetop Trekking in Ganaraska Forest
Ganaraska Forest is famous for its multi-use site, but among the most popular is treetop trekking. With 6 aerial courses, including 10 zip lines for ages 9 and up, visitors are attracted by the sense of adventure and ability to be connected to nature in a fun and daring way. Details
View the Toonie Monument in Campbellford
You might be wondering why a structure of this giant Canadian coin exists. This huge toonie was erected in recognition of Brent Townsend, a Campbellford artist who designed the polar bear embossed on the coin. Details
Stroll around the Crowe Valley Conservation
Take a breather from a busy city at the Crowe Valley Conservation. This natural land is highly preserved and managed by Conservation Authorities and boasts some of Mother Nature’s greatest creations, such as lakes, streams, wetlands, waterfalls, forests, and caves. Details
Make friends with the Donkeys at Primrose Donkey Sanctuary
If you’re seeking an activity that is out of the norm, the Primrose Donkey Sanctuary can provide just that. The sanctuary is highly dedicated to the protection, rescue, and rehabilitation of neglected donkeys, hinnies, and mules, and seeks to educate the public about the intelligence and kindness of the animals. Details
Visit the Cricklewood Farm
The Cricklewood Farm offers a pick-your own with over 40 varieties of fresh apples, raspberries, sweet corn, squash, and pumpkins. Although produce is seasonal, there is a 6- acre maze and a 1-acre mini maze that children of all ages can get lost in, as well as a quaint market that sells snacks, cheese, baked goods, honey and jam. Details
Visit the Cedar Park Resort
The Cedar Park Resort is a popular daytime destination for daycares, schools, and families. All visitors indulge in the pool and waterpark, and have tons of fun with the mini golf course, tennis court, and park playground areas. Since 1955, the resort has provided a great family fun site with options for camping too. Details
Visit ZimArt’s Rice Lake Gallery
The ZimArt Gallery is a serendipitous hidden gem located on a five-acre property overlooking Rice Lake. Art displayed outside on the field is all imported directly from artists from Zimbabwe and help to raise funds to support vulnerable children in Zimbabwe. Details
Go on a Northumberland Studio Tour
Northumberland County’s most talented Artists open their studios for you to explore. The participating Artists are tucked away in historic towns such as Port Hope and Cobourg and throughout the beautiful Northumberland Hills. September 7 & 8, 2019 – 10 AM to 5 PM Details
Meander the Millenium Lilac Trail
Photo Credit: Lilac Festival
This trail allows you to experience the blooming lilacs of the Spring season. Open for all to enjoy and get in touch with nature, it is a great opportunity to view the attractive purple and white flowers on an impressively lush area in charming Warkworth.
Go ATVing in the Northumberland County Forest
Well-maintained, 40 kilometers of ATV trails at the Northumberland Country Forest are primed for a fun day out on an ATV. Details
Go scuba diving
Whether you want a scuba or snorkeling experience indoors or out in the open sea, several diving schools give you a professional and exciting experience from beginner to advanced levels. Start your underwater adventure and check out an array of activities such as underwater photography and fish identification.
For more information, See Here & Here
Get your Goat on
Rambling the Northumberland Hills, Haute Goat is a 200 acre farm stocked with Nigerian Dwarf goats, Icelandic horses, alpacas, chickens and more! With options for picnicking or farm bought lunch and a marvellous view of frolicking goats and the nice aroma from the huge flower gardens with Northumberland hills acting as backdrop, a visit to Haute Goat is delightful trip for animal lovers. Details
Walk the Purple Labrynth
Enjoy meditative walk in the nine circuit, modified Neo- Medieval lavender labyrinth, which measures over 30 meters in diameter at Laveanne Lavender Fields, Campbellcroft. In addition to exploring the farm, yoga exercises are also available early in the morning in the lavender farms.
Cycle the famous Trans Canada Trail
Celebrate this national trail that spans from the Pacific coast to the Atlantic coast, to the coat of the Beaufort Sea. Although the longest recreational trail in the world, the section located in Northumberland is a scenic and quiet getaway that is considered a relaxed bike route that crosses several waterways. Details