Explore Durham Region under Open Skies: Our new guide

Residents know that Durham Region is more than a place. It’s where you can enjoy the warmth of the sun from a lakefront bench, the comfort of a locally brewed coffee and the crunch of gravel beneath your feet on a forested trail.

A fresh way to explore

Now Open Skies is calling you to experience Durham Region like never before. Whether you’ve lived here your whole life or are new to the region, Durham Tourism’s new getaway guide uncovers the landscapes, experiences and communities that you will want to visit. With 129 fresh ideas in easy checklist format, it’s your passport to culinary delights, cultural immersion, thrilling adventures and everything in between.

“Open Skies isn’t a travel guide,” shares Simon Gill, Director of Invest Durham and Durham Tourism. “It’s inspiration. Inspiration for magic weekend getaways. Inspiration for day trips that make your face sore from smiling so much. Inspiration for experiences you never knew were just around the corner.”

Endless possibilities

Durham Region offers the perfect blend of urban excitement and country charm. We are lucky to be home to a place where you can cycle through rolling countryside in the morning, enjoy a farm-to-table lunch in a small-town café, and catch live music in a bustling downtown by night. With eight cities and towns, dozens of smaller communities, 14 downtown and main streets and access to three lakefronts, there is a lot to experience in all four seasons.

“One of Durham Region’s greatest strengths is its diversity,” says Regional Chair John Henry. “From the Trail Capital of Canada in Uxbridge to the Apple Capital of Canada in Newcastle, every corner of our region offers something unique.”

Why tourism matters

While Open Skies sparks exploration and adventure, tourism’s impact runs deep. Across Canada, the tourism sector is growing and in demand. According to a
Canadian Tourism Data Collective report, tourism activities in 2024 generated $129.7 billion in revenues across the country. This momentum is also reflected locally. A tourism profile by the Ontario government found more than nine million people visited the York Durham Headwaters region in 2022, spending over a billion dollars.

“We will always love welcoming visitors to Durham Region, but with so much to offer here at home, we are finding more and more that residents are enjoying staycations,” says Gill. “It helps our small businesses thrive, creates jobs and brings energy and life to our communities.”

A local perspective

While Open Skies was designed to attract visitors from across the province and beyond, it’s also meant to inspire residents about all there is to discover here at home.

Staying local means trading long airport lines for spontaneous road trips, enjoying farm-to-table meals with ingredients grown nearby. It’s a chance to reconnect with familiar places in new ways. Every dollar spent here helps build a stronger, more vibrant Durham Region.

“It’s a reminder of what makes our communities special, and that adventure, culture, and connection are never far away,” adds Chair Henry. “We want residents to feel proud and inspired to share Durham with others.”

Ready to discover?

So, what are you waiting for? Whether you're a longtime local or a first-time visitor, Open Skies is your key to unlocking the best of Durham Region. Explore it online at DurhamTourism.ca/discover or pick up a copy at select locations. Keep your luggage light and your dollars in Canada. Durham Region is ready to welcome you—under open skies.