Brighton

Brighton is a quiet, vacation gem in eastern Ontario. Part of the Municipality of Brighton, this friendly community is located at the eastern edge of Northumberland County (between Toronto and Kingston off the 401). The town of Brighton hugs Lake Ontario, nestled in nicely above the boomerang-shaped peninsula that forms Presqu’ile Provincial Park – a renowned nature and bird-watching haven surrounded by limestone and sandy shorelines. With its soothing lakeshore breezes, rolling beach waves, and wide open sky, Brighton is a relaxed, lakeside getaway, just a short drive from Canada’s largest urban centre. 

Here are a few things you can see and do on your road trip here:

• Discover a tranquil part of Lake Ontario at Presqu'ile Provincial Park. Enjoy one of Ontario’s longest sandy beaches. (Note: no dogs permitted on the 2.5 km sand beach.) Visit the historic lighthouse. 

• Go for a nature walk in this birder’s haven along Presqu’ile Park’s Marsh Boardwalk (about 1 km), or access the beach using the Accessible Beach Mat, both projects of The Friends of Presqu’ile. You’ll find 16 km (10 mi) of nature trails throughout the Park.

• Camp at Presqu’ile (one of southeastern Ontario’s most popular Provincial Parks) spanning 982 ha (227 acres) with waterfront, hillside and forest campsites for tenters and RVers. There are even some constructed walled tents and a cabin.  

• If you’re an avid cyclist, take the Presqu’ile Promise Cycling Route, a 69 km cycling loop along the lakeshore, with some hilly country roads further north that offer breathtaking vistas.

• More of a casual cyclist? Bring your bike and cycle on this fairly flat part of the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail, which offers stunning water views.   

• Paddle within the shelter of Presqu'ile Bay in a kayak, canoe or on your own SUP. 

• Take a scenic hike through the Proctor Park Conservation Area, and the looped trails alongside Butler Creek. (Trailhead behind Proctor Simpson Barn Theatre.)

• Further north, near Hilton and Codrington, explore the Goodrich-Loomis Conservation Area, with 12 km (7.5 mi) of 4-season trails, good for hiking, cycling, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. 

• Want to head out for some boating or fishing? You’ll find a boat launch at the nearby marina in Gosport.

• Golf at the excellent, par 71 Timber Ridge Golf Course – a unique combination of parkland and links style holes – with views of the rolling hills of Northumberland County.

Restaurants, Patios & Shops 

• Enjoy gourmet cuisine at The Gables, known for its creative, tasting plate dinners, as well as sumptuous brunches. This beautiful, historic home provides a cozy setting, as well as outdoor patio dining. Check hours for reservations. 

• Relax with a craft beer or glass of Ontario wine on The Whistling Duck Restaurant’s roomy patio. Enjoy a tasty menu of options while overlooking Presqu’ile Bay.

• Stop into Lola’s Café for some organic farm fare and homemade bread, or other daily creations. Early in the day? Get started with one of their to-die-for cinnamon buns with some organic, fair trade coffee. 

• Next door, get great new looks from fashion buyer, owner and model Lisa at Willow Lifestyle Boutique.

• Pop down the street to Special Effects Lifestyle Boutique to see Sheryl and Jason. You can enjoy a glass of Ontario wine at the wine bar, while getting some great interior design ideas. Look for that special wardrobe item, find a gourmet gift, or even get rates on Sheryl’s lovely Airbnb.

Festivals & Outings

• Head to Applefest in September to celebrate Brighton’s agricultural history, where the streets are full of local vendors and pop-ups with regional crafts and foods, as well as celebrations of everything apple. 

• Presqu'ile Provincial Park welcomes the public to celebrate two special events: the migration of waterfowl in the spring, and the migration of monarch butterflies in the fall.

• For some fast-paced excitement, check out the Brighton Speedway outside of town with its .5 km (1/3rd mile) clay oval.

• Want to take in some history? Experience what it might feel like to be a prosperous settler in the Victorian era at Proctor House Museum.

• Visit the Codrington Farmers’ Market or stop at farm stands along Highway 2. 

Where to Stay

• Find Brighton-and-area cottage resorts, campgrounds, inns, B&Bs or hotels using our Accommodation Directory.