Feel fresh, country breezes and the warmth of spring on your face. You’ll find some of the best sights, smells and tastes of the season in Ontario – just off Highway 401 in Northumberland County (about an hour’s drive east of Toronto and west of Kingston).
Although we’re close to the city, it’s amazing how much of the country you can experience here – in 2000 sq. km (772 sq. mi) of natural beauty, located between Lake Ontario and Rice Lake.
Here are a few things you can see and do for a great Ontario getaway:
Spring Drives, Spas & Scenic Spots
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Escape the city to experience Ontario lilacs in bloom and smell their heady fragrance. The Millennium Trail is great for spring lilacs and has good accessibility.
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Go for a hike in Peter’s Woods, one of the oldest forests around – or explore the Northumberland County Forest and other nearby trails.
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Move your whole health (and perhaps put your best face) forward at a spa or wellness retreat. We’ve got award-winning rural getaways and some fresh, unique spa treatments.
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Get an aerial view of spring all around you when you cross the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge, on foot, or by bike. Enter at Ferris Provincial Park or use the day parking area in Campbellford.
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Speaking of bikes, you may want to bring one along. Northumberland is a great Ontario cycling destination, with lots of signed routes and trails (including a flat, scenic portion of The Great Lakes Waterfront Trail).
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We’re also a destination where many birds of a feather flock together. At Presqu’ile Provincial Park you can see a large migration of shorebirds. Get a day pass, explore the marsh boardwalk, take a stroll to the historic lighthouse or feel sand between your toes on the beach.
Farm Escapes & Ontario Fresh Food
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Take in a nearby farm escape and get up close for a warm snuggle (or shmurgle) with baby goats), trek with a few majestic (and curious) alpacas, or taste award-winning, 100% raw honey.
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Our farmers’ markets start in May and run until late fall. You can check locations and times here.
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Our small towns and villages offer a fresh take on rural hospitality. Taste a juicy burger that takes delicious to new heights at Olympus Burger in Port Hope – also noted to have one of the best burgers in Canada.
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Drive around to discover some tasty food truck finds, like Academy Hill Grill’s smoked chicken poutine packed with local cheese curds and crispy onions. There are lots of savoury stops for you in Northumberland County on our Food Truck Google Map.
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Did we hear you say “patio please”? With many Northumberland communities located along the water, you’ll find some great patio dining spots for warm spring days: The Whistling Duck (Brighton) or The Dockside Bistro (Campbellford) to name a few. And in Port Hope and Cobourg, you can enjoy patio bars and restaurants close to the beach. For more info, check out our great eateries or get a taste of what Ontario Culinary has to say about us.
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We’ve got lots of sweet rewards, from butter tarts made with Ontario maple syrup (try the Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour), to popular family bakeries with warm donuts that are delicious doozies (follow our own Northumberland Baking Trail).
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Get a Kawartha Dairy ice cream cone piled high at Empire Cheese – and take home some fresh, warm cheese curd made at this local farmers’ co-op. Many of Empire’s award-winning cheeses will pair well with the county’s wide range of local craft beer and cider.
The best part of Northumberland is that there’s no rush here. A slow vacation or relaxed day is the way things roll. You can find fresh, spring adventures at your own pace. We’d love to see what you discover. Connect with us on Facebook and Instagram to share your adventures by using the hashtag #northumberlandt.
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