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Visitor Guide

 

There's so much to see and do in Northumberland County

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Front cover of the Great Northumberland Road Trip guide with a car driving down a country road away from the camera

Lilac Tour

 

Lilac Tour

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  • Themed Drives
    • Curds, Cows and Beer Tour
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The end of May is an excellent time to celebrate spring and enjoy fragrant lilacs. Refer to our Google Map which will give you three themed lilac tours to choose from.

Picturesque Picnics 

This tour gives you the opportunity to picnic at one of four locations with all of them offering views of our waterways: Ganaraska River, Rice Lake, Ball's Mill Pond or Lake Ontario.  

Your group can begin and end with some shopping in Port Hope and Cobourg respectively, then head for the hills where you'll see a vast array of lilacs. Stop and say hello to cows and sheep on the quiet back roads dotted with farms.

Drone view of islands in Rice Lake with clouds rising off the water in summer

Dining Through the Lilacs

For those who enjoy having an indoor, sit-down meal; this route's for you. Stop at the gluten-free bakery run by Ste. Anne's Spa where you can find light fare that can be served under a sheltered patio (best for small groups). At Castleton, make a point of visiting the general store so you can be taken back in time and buy an ice cream cone to boot. Farther along in Colborne is a chance to eat ribs, pulled pork, poutine or hamburgers alongside the world's biggest apple.

The twists and turns of this route not only offer food with flare but also sweeping views of Lake Ontario, especially at the Haldimand Conservation Area at Wicklow Beach.

Drone view of The Big Apple restaurant, mini-golf and rest stop with blue sky on a summer day

Trent Hills Treats

Shopping creates the theme of this route where you can explore the main streets of Warkworth, Campbellford and Brighton to find artisan items, eateries and bakeries. There's even more excitement at the end of May (into June) when the Warkworth Lilac Festival takes place.

If you're looking to walk some more, consider a hike on The Great Trail which will take you on our famous Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge and the beautifully shaded Ferris Park.

Make any of these routes a weekend getaway and stay in the rolling hills at an inn, cottage or hotel with your group.

2 lilac blooms sitting on bright leaves in Spring

 

*NOTE: Please check with individual businesses and attractions for up-to-date hours of operation and health and safety protocols.

 

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  • Discover
    • Arts & Entertainment
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    • Heritage
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