Home / Outdoor Adventure

Outdoor Adventures

 Post your comments to our Outdoor Adventure Blog 

---

Northumberland County has a spectacular natural environment offering a wide range of four season outdoor adventure activities for all to enjoy. Rural and urban landscapes surrounded by water makes it a perfect atmosphere to enjoy the outdoor experience. No matter what outdoor activity you enjoy, you are sure to be satisfied. Request a copy of our Outdoor Adventure Map or download it online, and get ready to enjoy Northumberland's great outdoor adventures!

Fishing
With over 24 public fishing spots, Lake Ontario, Rice Lake, Ganaraska River and the Trent-Severn Waterway, Northumberland is a prime location in Ontario for angling.  Many species of fish can be found here from walleye, bass, salmon, trout and crappie, just to mention a few!  Charter a boat, fish the shorelines, take the kids fishing on Rice Lake, or try fly fishing one of the many rivers and streams. Read more>

Cycling
Northumberland has rolling hills and a proliferation of quiet, undulating paved country roads with picturesque views of Lake Ontario, Rice Lake and the Trent Severn Waterway, making this area an exciting spot for cycling. As part of the proposed Eastern Ontario Bike Train initiative, so it will be easier to get here with your bike.  Five challenging pre-designed cycling routes with scenic views and accommodations,your cycling vacation has never been easier. If mountain biking is what you prefer, the rolling hills provide an excellent mix of twists and turns in both the Ganaraska and Northumberland forests.  Read more>

Trails 
With over 15 conservation areas, two provincial parks and 37 trails totaling over 1000 km,  Northumberland offers biking, jogging, hiking, snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, or horseback riding. Well known hiking areas include Presqu'ile Provincial Park, Ganaraska Forest, Peter's Woods, Oak Ridge's Moraine, and the Northumberland Forest to mention a few. Grab an Outdoor Adventure Map and experience nature at its finest. Read more>

Boating
Surrounded by water, Northumberland is a recreational boater's paradise in Ontario. With Lake Ontario in the south, Rice Lake to the north and the historic Trent -Severn Waterway (TSW) at Northumberland's north east boundary, there are countless opportunities for those who love to live life on the water.  The Trent-Severn Waterway is open for navigation from late May to mid-October and is a wonderful way to view the picturesque landscapes and be part of this internationally known waterway. You can take your pleasure craft, rent a boat, canoe, or kayak through the locks, with many marinas, campsites, and public and private boat launches easily accessed. Sailing on Lake Ontario offers an experience like no other.  With transient slips available in Cobourg, Brighton and Port Hope marinas, sailors and land lovers can enjoy the best of both worlds with nearby boutiques and cafes. Read more>

Camping
There are numerous opportunities for campers to enjoy the great outdoors in Northumberland County. The County has many unique camping areas, including two provincial parks and a variety of private campsites. Presqu'ile Provincial Park is a favourite among nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike. Families will enjoy the Nature Centre, Lighthouse Interpretive Centre, sandy beaches, and various activities taking place throughout the park, making Presqu'ile an ideal getaway. To the north of the county is Ferris Provincial Park located on the Trent-Severn Waterway. This relaxing area is rich with nature and beauty. View the rushing waters of the Trent River and Ranney Falls from the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge. Fish the Trent River or just relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery. Rice Lake offers many cottage rentals, campsites and RV sites. Go fishing, visit the Alderville First Nations Reserve, canoe the lake, or hike one of the many trails in the area.  For a more rustic feel try one of the campgrounds located in the heart of the County and take advantage our rolling hills and the gorgeous views.  Read more>

Birding
Bring your binoculars' for bird watching in Northumberland as we are home to some prime birding in Ontario. Presqu'ile Provincial Park is considered one of Ontario's best bird watching locations. Over 329 species have been recorded in the park, which is best known for the large numbers and diversity of waterfowls, warblers, and shorebirds that migrate through each spring and fall. With over 15 conservations areas, five conservation reserves and two provincial parks its no wonder Northumberland is a bird watching heaven.  Read more>

Swim
You can swim and sunbathe on the beautiful sandy beaches on Lake Ontario in Port Hope, Brighton (at Presqu'ile Park), and at Victoria Park, Cobourg's popular beach.  Rice Lake offers swimming at Bewdley and Gores Landing and the Trent- Severn Waterway has swimming in Hastings and Campbellford. Also, most resorts and cottage rentals have their own private beaches.  Rivers and creeks provide a quiet escape and are suitable for wadding or taking a dip. Cobourg and Port Hope have indoor pools and Campbellford and Cobourg both have outdoor pools. Read more>

Scuba
If you're looking for more than just a swim, give Brighton a try for your scuba diving adventure. It has a unique island character and 800 km of spectacular coastline for diving. Presqu'ile Provincial Park is a boomerang-shaped spit of sand and limestone that juts sharply into Lake Ontario, with two shipwrecks to explore. Or try Port Hope, where the P.B. Locke is finding her place on the charts of Great Lakes shipwrecks!  Read more>

Golf
Northumberland has a variety of golf courses and we're proud to boast that Timber Ridge in Brighton is rated as one of the top 100 courses in Canada.  Nestled like jewels amid clean, peaceful, natural settings, local clubs offer competitively low rates and a selection of special packages. Get a copy of the Outdoor Adventure Map, grab the clubs and get swinging!  Read more>

Geocaching
Geocaching is an entertaining adventure game for all ages and can be enjoyed all year round. With Northumberland's diverse landscape of forested and urban areas, your outdoor treasure-hunting game will be sure to fascinate young and old. With your GPS (Global Positioning System) unit in hand start your journey by checking out the caches in the county, and let the treasure hunt begin.  Read more>

Snowmobiling

Northumberland County's crisp cold air, sparkling new snow, and lengthy well-groomed trails winding through winter woods lends to a perfect tour of Ontario's snowmobiling trails. Enjoy the spectacular scenery, uncongested trails and welcoming accommodations throughout the rolling hills, farmland and countryside. Read More >