A Taste of Winter in Northumberland

Winter is a great time to enjoy nature, treasure a romantic weekend, or visit one of the many local eateries in Northumberland County.

Savoury Selections

Take a food adventure with a twist by visiting Port Hope for their annual Delicious Dates featuring a number of participating restaurants offering rich, seductive flavours and special features.

Outdoor Skating

Outdoor skating rinks are the perfect opportunity to get outside and enjoy the winter months. Hit the ice and skate with family and friends at the Rotary Harbourfront Outdoor Skating Rink in Cobourg a few steps away from the harbour. Rest your legs afterwards and warm-up with a tasty treat at the Millstone Bakery.  

In Port Hope, the outdoor rink at 32 Caroline Street is free and operates daily (weather permitting) from sunrise to 10 pm. Grab a dozen crazy cookies and a hot chocolate from Dreamer's Café to get a boost of energy before hitting the ice.

Golden Beach Resort has both shoreline skating at Rice Lake (if the weather holds), or they groom a rink pad on land. Follow your skate with a visit to the Boat House Café to warm up just steps from the ice.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing is a great way to trick your body (and the kids) into being more active than you realize. Explore interesting trails where winter nature is far more untouched than most ski trails. Snowshoe signed trails are at the Ganaraska Forest and Northumberland County Forest or use one of the many conservation areas and enjoy the tranquillity of winter. While you're out snowshoeing, try your hand at being a Winter Wildlife Detective at Presqu'ile Provincial Park or on any of Northumberland County's trails. Explore to find animal tracks and identify them using snapshots on Presqui'ile's informative blog.

Fat Biking

Pedal through winter on our well-signed trails. A fat bike is simply a mountain bike with extra-wide tires. Fat biking on snow or ice has become popular with hardcore cyclists as a way to stay in shape during the winter and as a fun activity for those who enjoy a cycling challenge.  

Head out to the Northumberland County Forest and ride the Woodland Trails for a 3, 7 or 9km looped trek. Follow it up with a meal at Scenery Drive Restaurant just south of Woodland Trails for home-made goodness (renowned for their coffee made from water sourced from a local aquifer).

Romantic Getaways

Cuddle in front of a warm fire, dine on local food and enjoy the winter beauty of Northumberland's Hills. View a complete list of Northumberland's B&B's and Inns or start planning with these romantic accommodations:

• Ste. Anne's Spa Winter Retreat - views of Lake Ontario, food, accommodation, and use of spa facilities
• Woodland Garden's B&B - country setting, cozy fireplace, games room, sauna and delicious Finnish breakfast
• Brighton Inn - small town setting, excellent breakfast menu, walking distance to shops
• Mackechnie House - restored 1800s home, full breakfast, and walking distance to shops 
• The Waddell - historic hotel, balconies overlooking Ganaraska River and right on Port Hope's main street for shopping

*Note, please contact each venue or business to confirm current operating hours. Hours of operation are subject to change.