Cobourg

Cobourg is the largest town in Northumberland County with more than 20,000 (genuine and friendly) people. With 2 exits from Highway 401, Cobourg is easy to get to and is only about 95 km (59 mi) east of Toronto. Cobourg shines bright as a vacation destination due to its wonderful waterfront (beach, harbour and marina) along Lake Ontario with lots of places to eat and to shop – as well as its amazing history. Victoria Hall is just one example of incredible architecture, built in the mid-1800s as a show-stopping town hall. Explore Cobourg on a heritage walking tour around town.

Here are a few tips and highlights to help you plan your getaway here:

Cobourg Beach, Harbour & Marina 

• Get some fresh air along the boardwalk, developed to connect the harbour with Cobourg beach.
• Take a look at the boats bobbing in their slips at the picturesque Cobourg harbour and marina.
• Explore the other pathways that take you through Victoria Park and into the historic downtown.
• The Ontario Great Lakes Waterfront Trail passes through Cobourg. (You’ll find a detailed map here.) Bring your bike and cycle on flat terrain along the waterfront.
• If you’re a long distance cyclist, Cobourg is a great starting point since it’s the beginning of the Rice Lake Ramble and the Shelter Valley signed cycling loops. 

Great Ontario History & Culture 

• Stop into Victoria Hall, which serves as the town hall and is a key tourist attraction. Vic Hall (as the locals call it), was built on Cobourg’s strong regional importance in the 1850s. It was designed by architect Kivas Tully, and built with stone neo-classical flourishes. Local influencers (of the day) hoped Cobourg might become the capital of Upper Canada. In the end, that honour went to Ottawa.
• While at Vic Hall, be sure to visit the Old Bailey Courtroom (inspired by the original in London, England). Cobourg’s courtroom held some important, historic trials, and is now used as the Council chamber.
• History buff alert: The West Wing of Victoria Hall houses the former office of James Cockburn, a Cobourg lawyer who was a Speaker of the House and helped build the constitutional foundations for the Dominion of Canada.
• You’ll also discover art and culture in Victoria Hall when you visit the Art Gallery of Northumberland which showcases featured exhibitions as well as permanent collections.
• Before you visit, check online for live performances at the Concert Hall at Victoria Hall. An evening here can add something extra memorable to a great Ontario getaway.
• If you choose to visit Cobourg by train, you’ll get off the platform at the Cobourg Railway Station. The original building was designed in 1896 to showcase Romanesque Revival architecture. VIA Rail offers daily passenger service to Cobourg along the Toronto – Ottawa/Montreal route.
• Other fun and interesting places to visit include an 1860s cottage and barracks at the Sifton Cook Heritage Centre – and the former home of Marie Dressler (the first Canadian female Academy Award Winner). Marie Dressler House has been expanded to also include the Canadian Women in Film Museum. 
• For other area attractions, check out our Arts & Entertainment page here.

Restaurants, Bars & Fresh, Local Food

• Enjoy great food and drink close to the waterfront: Cucina Urbana, Taps & Corks on King, and The El – each have an outdoor patio, and their own, fresh take on local. The Buttermilk Café serves up huge pancakes, fresh lunches and a great helping of hometown history. And Craft Food House offers power bowls (to fuel up for those  beach walks) and zesty, creative cuisine. 
• Thinking of a picnic at Victoria Park or at Cobourg Beach? You’ll want to explore The Market & Smør, Cobourg’s downtown market focused on fresh groceries and treats to go – and zero food waste. 
• If you happen to visit on a Saturday morning, you’ll be welcomed by locals at the Cobourg Farmers’ Market at Rotary Harbourfront Park. 
• For European style loaves and fresh, crusty sourdough, plus other snacks, Millstone Bread is a must-stop right near Cobourg Beach.
• Slip into Mercury Chocolates & Gelateria for some world-class chocolate and authentic gelato (in Italian: ice cream that’s amazing). 
• Take your time driving along County Road 2 (old Highway 2) and you’ll discover Betty’s Butter Tarts for award-winning treats (also noted on the Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour). On the same route, stop into Burnham Family Farm Market known for seasonal, local produce and fresh baking, as well as its giant corn maze in the fall. 
• For other suggestions around town, you can check out the food and drink listings at Experience Cobourg or in our Eat & Drink section.

Festivals & Events

• Rock on with country stars and rockers at Northumberland Rocks Back, raising funds for the United Way and local charities. 
• On July 1st, head downtown to see The Canada Day Parade. It’s great fun, with the historic main street as a backdrop for photos. Stay around to see live entertainment, sample local food and drink, and enjoy the Cobourg Waterfront Festival. 
• Build your own sandcastle in the sun – and see some classic works of sand art – at the Cobourg Sandcastle Festival, a popular family event in August. 
• Taste some amazing ribs with a side of some great tunes at the Northumberland RibFest & Music Festival.
• During the holiday season, take the young (and young-at-heart), to see Santa make a special stop at Cobourg’s night-time Santa Claus Parade. Get a pic of Santa up close while holiday lights sparkle in the downtown shops.
• For more area happenings, check Cobourg’s Events Calendar here.

Where to Stay

You find lots of places to stay in the Cobourg area – from a historic cottage or B&B near Lake Ontario, to a convenient hotel or motel within easy reach of local attractions and Highway 401. Check out our Accommodation Directory for some listings.