Discover a 2,000-sq-km outdoor playground east of Toronto between Lake Ontario and Rice Lake that’s a big breath of fresh air—with fresh food and drink to match. Northumberland County chefs, bakers, shop owners, performers and artisan makers welcome you to their communities—Port Hope, Cobourg, Grafton, Colborne, Brighton, and the Trent Hills communities of Campbellford, Hastings and Warkworth, among others—for a taste of incredible Ontario hospitality.
Outdoor Adventure Awaits
While Northumberland’s rolling hills and scenic views may be reason enough to get outside, its 15 conservation areas and more than 10 nature reserves make repeat visits worth the drive. Many recreational trail opportunities can be found in both Northumberland County Forest north of Cobourg and Ganaraska Forest north of Port Hope, which is also home to Treetop Trekking.
Presqu’ile Provincial Park in Brighton features a sandy beach, campsites, and two visitor centres, but it’s really its 338 recorded bird species that make this migration hotspot something to tweet about.
Ferris Provincial Park in Campbellford offers unique viewpoints from its 300-ft pedestrian suspension bridge over the Ranney Gorge.
Avid hikers and Sunday strollers alike can enjoy nature along Northumberland County’s 118 km of trails—including over five km of universal trails constructed to minimize obstacles to accessibility.
Road cyclists and mountain bikers can set course for top-ranked signed routes, trails and connections to the Great Lakes Waterfront Trail and the Ontario Greenbelt Route. Visit cycleroutes.ca for more information.
If getting out on the water is what floats your boat, there are multiple marinas accessible from Lake Ontario, Rice Lake and the Trent-Severn Waterway. From canoeing and kayaking to sailing or cruising on a houseboat, there are a variety of ways to enjoy the waves and maybe catch a few fish while you’re at it.
Hit the links at one of 11 golf courses, from a historic Scottish links course to Robbie Robinson’s championship fairways, Northumberland’s rolling hills contribute to some of the best golf vistas in Ontario.
Fans of disc golf can challenge themselves to an 18-hole course at Haute Goat Farm in Port Hope, while players looking for a shorter game can play nine holes at Cobourg Disc Golf Club or at the Brighton KOA (in season).
Rural Meets Urban
Northumberland’s historic downtowns feature boutique shops, independent eateries, and beautifully preserved main streets. Book a stay at a heritage hotel or travel a little further off the path for a closer-to-nature getaway. Try an off-grid tiny cabin at Island Spirits or Fells Meadows, a luxurious walled tent on the ground or in the trees at Whispering Springs, or a fishing cottage on Rice Lake.
Take in a professional theatre production at Capitol Theatre—a National Historic Site and one of the last remaining North American examples of an “atmospheric” theatre space. The 2025 mainstage season features 11 individual productions. Coming soon: Alice in Wonderland, Waitress, Steel Magnolias and Rez Gas, a world premiere musical about discovering home.
Visit Victoria Hall in downtown Cobourg and get inspired at the Art Gallery of Northumberland—a cultural hub and the County’s largest collecting public art gallery—exhibiting historical, modern and contemporary Canadian art. Take in a performance at the Concert Hall at Victoria Hall, which was once the site of a grand ball for HRH Edward, Prince of Wales and now plays host to artists and performers from around the world.
Connect with nature and creativity at Westben—staging world class open-air musical performances on a 500-acre farm for over 25 years. Season 2025 starts in June with a fully staged version of The Wizard of Oz, followed by an array of concerts featuring artists such as Lighthouse, Rose Cousins, Dominique Fils-Aimé, and seven-time Juno Award-winning Inuit recording artist, Susan Aglukark, to name a few.
Northumberland’s attractions only get more spectacular from there. Check out larger-than-life landmarks like The Big Apple in Colborne, Campbellford’s giant two-dollar coin, a massive 26-ft freestanding robot and his friends at Primitive Designs in Port Hope, and a 12-ft Walleye named Pisces Pete in Hastings.
Wonderful Wellness
After all the excitement, take some time to relax, rejuvenate, and recharge with a wellness getaway. Ste. Anne’s Spa in Grafton offers 35 different spa treatments, seasonal outdoor pools, hydrotherapy experiences, and the list goes on. Discover what makes it one of Canada’s most popular destination spas.
Cuddle up and relax in your own personal snow globe at Fieldstone Spa in Cobourg, where each geodesic dome comes complete with extra heated blankets, a fireplace and cozy socks to keep you warm.
Nourish body, mind and spirit with wellness therapies ranging from Ayurvedic treatments at Northumberland Heights Wellness Retreat & Spa to singing bowl sound experiences and salt cave sessions at Shantee Healing; and cold plunge to floatation therapy at Mindful Meridians PEMF & Float Centre.
For those seeking a sanctuary to get away from it all, guests at Fells Meadows can explore 100 acres of peace and serenity, including private nature trails and a labyrinth.
Visit one of Northumberland’s retreats in nature offering meditation, tai chi, qigong, yoga, and other healing therapies, such as Harmony Dawn Retreat Centre in Hastings or Lotus Heart Centre in Brighton.
Nurture your inner creative and learn a craft such as weaving with natural materials at The Branch Ranch in Warkworth or Wind & the Willow in Grafton.
Connect with alpacas at Old Mill Alpacas, say hello to sweet donkeys at PrimRose Donkey Sanctuary, meet a new animal friend and book a vegan farm stay at Promised Land Animal Sanctuary, or sign up for a Goat Shmurgle, Toodle Tour, or Horse Shnooble package at Haute Goat.
Taste Northumberland
Visitors can take home a fresh taste of place from seasonal farmers’ markets in Campbellford, Cobourg, Hastings, Port Hope, and Codrington.
Craft beer aficionados can sample suds from Church-Key Brewing and Fogorig Brewing in Campbellford, Cold Springs Brewery in Cold Springs, Focal Brewing Co. in Hastings, Ganaraska Brewing Company in Port Hope and Northumberland Hills Brewery in Cobourg. Cider lovers can find their next sips from Dirty Dog Cider Co. in Colborne (on-farm store opening spring 2025), 401 Cider Brewery at The Big Apple in Colborne or Rice Lake Hard Cider in Baltimore.
For folks who prefer food of the fresh-picked variety, you can pick-your-own fruit, vegetables, and even flowers at one of our Northumberland farms (or buy fresh-picked) when in season.
Epicureans will appreciate the unique take-home tastes from Northumberland’s gourmet food and specialty shops. From The Bee Works Gift Shop’s Port Hope boutique featuring all things honey, to award-winning artisanal chocolate shops like Centre and Main Chocolate Co. in Warkworth and Mercury Chocolates & Gelateria in Cobourg, to Alderville’s Butter Tart Empire Bakery; you’ll find a fine range of flavours for all palates.
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