Photo: © Courtesy of Northumberland County Tourism
1. Towns & Villages
Northumberland County chefs, bakers, shop owners, performers, and artisan makers welcome you to their communities—Port Hope, Cobourg, Grafton, Colborne, Brighton, and the Trent Hills communities of Campbellford, Hastings and Warkworth, among others—for a taste of incredible Ontario hospitality. Northumberland’s historic downtowns feature boutique shops, independent eateries, and beautifully preserved main streets.
2. Nature
Home to 15 conservation areas, two forests, two provincial parks, over 10 nature reserves, and multiple beaches and waterways, Northumberland is an outdoor lover’s dream. Tackle an aerial course at Treetop Trekking Ganaraska or hike some of its 118 km of trails (including over five km of universal trails designed to minimize barriers to accessibility) for unique views.
3. Cycling
Road cyclists and mountain bikers can set course for top-ranked signed routes, trails, and connections to the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail and the Ontario Greenbelt Route. Northumberland is home to 50+ Bike-Friendly Certified attractions, accommodations, eateries, and bike shops to visit along the way. Visit cycleroutes.ca for information.
4. Large Landmarks
Check out larger-than-life landmarks like The Big Apple in Colborne, Canada’s giant two-dollar coin, and the 300-ft Ranney Gorge Pedestrian Suspension Bridge in Campbellford. See a massive 26-ft free-standing robot and friends at Primitive Designs in Port Hope, a 12-ft walleye named Pisces Pete in Hastings, and the Presqu’ile Point Lighthouse in Brighton.
5. Cute Creatures
Connect with alpacas at Old Mill Alpacas, say hello to sweet donkeys at PrimRose Donkey Sanctuary, meet a new animal friend and book a vegan farm stay at Promised Land Animal Sanctuary, or sign up for a Goat Shmurgle, Toodle Tour, or Horse Shnooble package at Haute Goat.
6. Craft Beverages
Sample suds from Church-Key Brewing in Campbellford, Cold Springs Brewery in Cold Springs, Focal Brewing Co. in Hastings, Ganaraska Brewing Company in Port Hope and Northumberland Hills Brewery in Cobourg. Cider lovers can find their next sips from Dirty Dog Cider Co. in Colborne, 401 Cider Brewery or Rice Lake Hard Cider in Baltimore.
7. Exceptional Eats
Indulge in award-winning delights from Canada’s Sweetest Bakery—Dooher’s in Campbellford. Port Hope’s Olympus Burger consistently appears on top-ten lists in Canada and beyond. Centre and Main Chocolate Co. (Warkworth) and Mercury Chocolates & Gelateria (Cobourg) craft internationally award-winning artisanal chocolate varieties, often featuring local ingredients. Campbellford’s Empire Cheese is known for its variety of Grand Champion cheddars.
8. Specialty Shops
From Port Hope (The Bee Works Gift Shop and Herma’s Fine Foods) to Warkworth (The Village Pantry) to Brighton (Special Effects Lifestyle Boutique and Northumberland Fine Food), and many villages in between, Northumberland’s gourmet food and specialty shops await discerning epicureans.
9. Farm Freshness
Take home a fresh taste of place from seasonal farmers’ markets in Campbellford, Cobourg, Hastings, Port Hope, and Codrington. Prefer fresh-picked? Enjoy pick-your-own fruit, vegetables, and even flowers at local farms. Seasonal goodness is easy to find at farm markets and roadside stands across Northumberland County. Now in season: pumpkin patches and corn mazes. Coming up: tree farms and holiday markets.
10. Waterways
If getting out on the water floats your boat, there are multiple marinas accessible from Lake Ontario, Rice Lake, and the Trent–Severn Waterway. From canoeing and kayaking to sailing or cruising on a houseboat, there are many ways to enjoy the waves—and maybe catch a few fish while you’re at it.
11. Sensational Shows
Take in a professional theatre production at Capitol Theatre—a National Historic Site and one of the last remaining North American examples of an “atmospheric” theatre space. Visit Victoria Hall in downtown Cobourg and be inspired at the Art Gallery of Northumberland—a cultural hub and the County’s largest collecting public art gallery—exhibiting historical, modern, and contemporary Canadian art. Catch a performance at the Concert Hall at Victoria Hall, which hosts artists from around the world. Connect with nature and creativity at Westben, staging world-class open-air musical performances on a 500-acre farm for over 25 years.
12. Golfing
Hit the links at one of 11 golf courses—from a historic Scottish links course to Robbie Robinson’s championship fairways. Northumberland’s rolling hills create some of the best golf vistas in Ontario. Fans of disc golf can take on an 18-hole course at Haute Goat Farm in Port Hope, while shorter games await at Cobourg Disc Golf Club or the Brighton KOA (in season).
13. Retreats
Take time to relax, rejuvenate, and recharge with a wellness getaway. Ste. Anne’s Spa in Grafton offers a multitude of treatments, seasonal outdoor pools, and year-round hydrotherapy experiences. Discover what makes it one of Canada’s most popular destination spas. Cuddle up and relax in your own personal snow globe at Fieldstone Spa, or take a cold plunge then float your cares away at Mindful Meridians (Cobourg). Book a sauna and salt cave session at Shantee Healing (Port Hope). Guests at Fells Meadows (Castleton) can explore 100 acres of peace and serenity, including private nature trails and a labyrinth. Nurture your inner creative and learn a craft such as weaving with natural materials at The Branch Ranch (Warkworth) or Wind & the Willow (Grafton).
Sign up for the newsletter and plan your visit to Northumberland County by visiting northumberlanding.ca
Upcoming Events
October
Roseneath Fall Fair — Oct 3–5
Cobourg Harvest Fest — Oct 4
Cobourg Ghost Walks — Friday nights to Oct 31
How We Got to Jersey – A Tale of Two Frankies — Oct 24–26
Jokes & Goats Comedy Festival — Oct 17–18
Vintage Film Festival — Oct 17–19
Ghouly Goat Spooktacular — Oct 31
Phantom Farm — Weekends from Oct 10–31
November
Critical Mass Pumpkin Parade — Nov 1
Warkworth Perfect Pie Contest — Nov 1
Campbellford Outdoor Market — Nov 8
Art Gallery of Northumberland Juried Exhibition — From Nov 8
Cobourg Christmas Magic Market — Nov 21
Hansel & Gretel Holiday Panto at the Capitol — From Nov 21
Ye Olde Haute Goat Festive Market — Nov 22
Port Hope Candlelight Festival — From Nov 28
The Fir Tree at Westben — Nov 29–30
December
Colborne Moonlight Magic — Dec 5
Warkworth Magic Under the Stars — Dec 5, 12, 19
Grafton Outdoor Christmas Market — Dec 6
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No place puts you more in touch with nature and yourself than a stay in Northumberland. Just an hour outside of the Greater Toronto Area, this land of rolling hills is crisscrossed by lakes and streams to create a visitor’s paradise in any season.