Plan a Rural Overnight Sojourn in Durham Region

Plan a rural sojourn (temporary stay) in Durham Region

There’s something very special about travelling and experiencing new things, but it’s even more dear when we’ve not ventured far from home. Whether you’re looking to spend time with a loved one, make memories with friends or take a solo sojourn, you’ll find that you don’t have to travel far to feel recharged. Take the path less travelled and explore the beautiful back roads, quaint downtowns and farm fresh food of Durham Region!

We’ve put together four overnight getaways, all less than an hour and a half- drive from Toronto, where you can explore, sip and savour the region’s beautiful towns. Each rural sojourn includes something old, something new, something fresh and something you. So get out and find a beautiful place to get lost in, and when doing so, maybe you’ll find something too.

Scugog

From its lakefront views to historic downtown, the Township of Scugog has been featured in numerous films and television shows—and for good reason. The beautiful main street of Port Perry is lined with shops, restaurants and heritage buildings, making it the perfect place to escape for a getaway. Whether you want to have a massage at a day spa, hunt for art at a gallery, try your hand at the casino slots, or rent a boat and hit the lake, there’s adventure waiting for you in Scugog. Here is our curated list so you can plan the perfect rural adventure.

Something old – heritage stops:

• Scugog Shores Museum Village – featuring the Ojibway Heritage Interpretive Lands to explore the link between nature and the early Ojibway, plus 11 restored buildings that show what life was like in the mid to late 1800s.
• Town Hall 1873 – live theatre and concerts in a historic building.
• 1857 Grain Elevator – Canada’s oldest grain elevator.
• Old Flame Brewery – a brewery located in a heritage building.
• Redmans Antique Barn – thousands of antiques.
• Port Perry’s Vintage Market – vintage finds from more than  30 vendors.

Something new – a cool place to stay:

• Piano Inn 1884 – a lovely inn located above the Piano Café in a historic downtown building.
• Great Blue Heron Casino Hotel – brand new hotel in Port Perry.
• Goreski’s Landing Cottage and RV Resort – overnight camping, rental cabins.
• Springwater Trailer Resort and Campground – overnight camping.
• WindReach Farm - fully accessible on-farm accommodation.

Something fresh – a local food experience or farm visit:

• Willowtree Farm – visit their store, enjoy a family lunch or visit the animals.
• Lavender Blu – hobby farm, lavender garden and artisan studio.
• Port Perry Farmers Market – lakefront farmers market, open seasonally on Saturdays.
• Natures Bounty – apple orchard, open seasonally in the fall.
• Two Blokes Cider – farm-based cidery.

Something you – a shop to find that perfect something:

• Port Perry clothing shops.
• Port Perry home decor shops.
• Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation Convenience and Gift Store – apparel, spiritual wellness, games, gifts and more.
• Port Cheese Co. – find your new favourite cheese.

Brock Township

Leave the city behind and escape to the Township of Brock. Deemed Ontario’s smallmouth bass capital, this getaway offers beautiful and quaint countryside delights with century-old architecture for visitors to enjoy each season. Located on the scenic shoreline of Lake Simcoe and the Trent-Severn Waterway, this family friendly community is brimming with recreational activities. In the summer months, spend the day fishing, boating, exploring the extensive trail network or soak up the sun and relax on one of Brock’s public beaches. You can also step back into history with its many heritage destinations. Make sure to book your museum tours in advance to ensure availability.

Something old – heritage stops:

• Beaver River Museum – museum that includes a log house and stone jail.
• Cannington Historical Society and Museum – 1860s cabin with original family artifacts, railway station and blacksmith shop.
• Sunderland and District Museum – historical articles and records.
• Brock Historic Cemeteries – learn about local history.

Something new – a cool place to stay:

• Grant House Bed and Breakfast – executive suites with private balconies.
• Shortiss Boutique Hotel – offers four private and unique suites in a newly renovated historical property.
• Fair Havens Family Camp – suites, guest rooms, housekeeping trailers and overnight camping sites.
• Summer Breeze Trailer Park – overnight camping sites.
• Trout Water Family Camping – overnight camping sites.

Something fresh – a local food experience or farm visit:

• The Shortiss Cafe – delicious baked goods and coffee.
• Underground Bakeshop – fresh-made baked goods and fresh local items like honey and coffee.

Something you – a shop to find that perfect something:

• Downtown Beaverton and Cannington home decor shops.
• Downtown Beaverton and Cannington fashion stores.

Uxbridge

Uxbridge has been classified as the Trail Capital of Canada. Throughout the seasons your can walk, jog, hike, cycle, cross-country ski, snowshoe or even ride along the trails on horseback. A rural treasure nestled among rolling hills of the Oak Ridges Moraine in north Durham, the Township of Uxbridge has some of the finest farmland in southern Ontario. A wide variety of recreation opportunities await, including world-class golf courses, more than 300 kilometres of seasonally managed trails, downhill and cross-country skiing, public outdoor skating on Elgin Pond, mountain biking and more. \While in Uxbridge, visit the home of a famous Canadian author or see a temple inspired by the Taj Mahal.

Something old – heritage stops:

• Leaskdale Manse – National historic site and beloved homestead of Lucy Maud Montgomery.
• Uxbridge Historical Centre – five-acre site with 10 buildings and more than 10,000 artifacts and archives.
• Thomas Foster Memorial – a Taj Mahal inspired memorial open for seasonal tours and Friday night concerts.
• Uxbridge Music Hall – historic restored cultural centre with live theatre, films and music.
• Historic Trail – winds through the oldest parts of Uxbridge and features six historical information plaques.
• John McCutcheon Way – Trans Canada Trail – crosses Trestle bridge built in 1872.
• Historical Walking Tour – self-guided tour that features 37 destinations.
• Lucy Maud Montgomery Trail – self-guided journey to follow in the footsteps of the author of Anne of Green Gables. 
• Pubic Art Tours – self-guided walking, biking or vehicle art tours.

Something new – a cool place to stay:

• Chalet Claremont Bed and Breakfast – five-bedroom country home surrounded by 40 scenic acres on the Oak Ridges Moraine.
• Fawks Nest Country Estate – Cottage rental or rustic barn glamping suites.
• Grangeways RV Park and Family Camping – 300 fully serviced sites for overnight camping.
• Trailside Bed and Breakfast – bed and breakfast with heated pool.
• Wooden Sticks Golf Course Cabins – six on-site luxury two-bedroom cabins.
• Woodsong Country Bed and Breakfast – studio suites on 43 acres of rolling woodland with pond and waterfall.

Something fresh – a local food experience or farm visit:

• Tindall Farm and Market – produce farm with on-farm market.
• Uxbridge Beer and Cider Trail – breweries and cideries off the beaten path.
• Uxbridge Farm Trail – features a farmers’ market and on-farm markets.
• Uxbridge Culinary Trail – features everything from baked goods to poutine.

Something you – a shop to find that perfect something:

• Downtown Uxbridge home decor shops.
• Downtown Uxbridge clothing shops.
• Leaksdale Loop – local art studios, markets and more on the second Saturday of every month from April to December.
• Foggy River Farm – herbal teas and botanical skin care.
• Blue Heron Books – two-time winner of the best bookstore in Canada award, located in 200-year-old building.

Clarington

Clarington boasts a unique blend of rural and urban living. Whether you choose an action-packed, adrenaline-pumping experience by visiting one of their many destinations, or  are looking to travel at a more leisurely pace exploring their historic sites, there's no shortage of adventure in Clarington.

Visit one of Canada’s oldest water-powered mills where you can purchase fresh-baked apple cider donuts or freshly ground organic flour. Relax with a scenic  drive along A Country Path and enjoy their beautiful countryside. Experience local agriculture by visiting an orchard, shop at a farmers’ market, or pick berries at one of Clarington's 400 working farms.

With a mix of rural charm and urban comfort, they have something for everyone.

Something old – heritage stops:

• Tyrone Mills – water-powered mill built in 1846, features scenic views, fresh-baked goods and wood fired pizza.
• The Sarah Jane Williams Heritage Centre – offers self-directed tours of exhibits.
• Heritage Properties Interactive Map – view Clarington's heritage inventory, and designated properties.

Something new – a cool place to stay:

• The Hive Bee and Bee – retro executive home with private full-house rentals.
• Best Western Plus – features an indoor pool and complimentary full hot breakfast.
• Our Valley View Bed and Breakfast – incredible views of the valley, full hot and cold breakfast.
• Rising Spirit Bed and Breakfast Wellness Retreat – on five acres along the Ganaraska river, features a two-course homemade breakfast and wellness activities.
• Safari Getaway Bed and Breakfast – stay overnight at the Jungle Cat World Wildlife Park.
• Comfort Inn and Suites Hotel – 72 rooms and pool facilities.
• Susan’s Sanctuary Bed and Breakfast  – guest rooms in a century home.
• Holiday Inn Express and Suites – indoor heated pool and complimentary breakfast.
• Cedar Park Resort – family campground and water park.
• Cedar Valley Resort – family trailer park and campground.
• Darlington Provincial Park – features camping sites, a beach and nature trails.

Something fresh – a local food experience or farm visit:

• Farms and Markets – over 20 farms and markets featuring fresh bread, apples and experiences like pick-your-own potatoes.
• Clarington Farmers’ Market – open Sundays from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., May to October.
• Archibald’s Orchard and Estate Winery – orchard tours, wine and cider tasting, seasonal apple picking and fun events.

Something you – a shop to find that perfect something:

• A Country Path – farmers, artisans and special product producers.
• Bowmanville downtown fashion boutiques.
• Bowmanville home decor shops.