Canada Day, July 1, is one of our favourite weekends of the summer. It's the first holiday of the kids' summer break and it's a great way to celebrate the end of their school year.
Every year, we look forward to the Cobourg Waterfront Festival. My husband and I have been coming to the Festival since the 90s and even managed to work it into our wedding day - who wouldn't want wedding photos on the beach, with a clown and popcorn? The arts and crafts tents have grown significantly since we started coming and they've added the International Market as well. Since having our kids, the Festival has given us even more to look forward to with a pancake breakfast, midway rides, parade, beach time and, of course, lots of treats from food vendors (funnel cakes and cotton candy anyone?). The highlight of the event is always the Canada Day Fireworks - Cobourg puts on a spectacular show that could rival anything put on in major cities across the country.
The Festival is full of energy, shopping and delicious treats which is a ton of fun but it's also great to balance that with some family-friendly, active outdoor adventures. I'm thinking about -
- a family bike ride on the The Great Trail (a ride on a national trail is perfect for Canada Day!) or the Waterfront Trail, we could even stop for a picnic along the way. On second thought, a family drive along the waterfront trail will take us right to Colborne's Wicklow Beach for some great rockhounding fun - even for the dog.
- a family hike at the Nawautin Nature Sanctuary and Wetland. The peace and tranquillity of this short looped trail that leads to a picturesque covered bridge is a great way to spend some quiet time with family. It's right at Lake Ontario.
- an afternoon at Little Lake's shoreline in between Brighton and Colborne - a small, warm swimming area away from the crowds; or fish license free from any shoreline the entire Canada Day week.
- Presqu'ile Provincial Park, Brighton - walk through woods or marshland or go for a swim at the sandy beach.
To get a break from the sun or the rain, we could also enjoy:
- a tour of Victoria Hall or the Sifton Cook Heritage Centre in Cobourg
- Colborne Art Gallery - hosting an exhibition featuring a local artist over the Canada Day weekend.
- Northumberland Tourism's Top 5 Road Trips to visit places like a donkey sanctuary, antique carousel, winery, lavender farm, world's largest apple, chocolate and cheese outlets.
There are a number of other festivals and events happening in Northumberland County over the Canada Day weekend including celebrations in Port Hope, and Trent Hills.
Contact Us
