Things to do in Durham Region: Quick Summer Guide

Catch Some Waves

Cruise the waves in style the summer! There are many spots in Durham Region that offer paddle board, kayak, canoe and pedal boat rentals. Hours and availability may vary so check their website in advance for details.

Paddle board, kayak, canoe and paddleboat rentals:

Port Perry Marina rents kayaks, canoes, and pedal boats
Freedom Canoe & Kayak rents canoes and kayaks (Caesarea)
Makai Paddle Surf rents paddleboards (Pickering)

Tim’s Party Centre rents kayaks (Bowmanville)
Paddle Pirates rents kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards (Pickering)

If you already have a paddle board, why not kick it up a notch and learn some new skills with a lesson from Taga Lawa in Oshawa. They offer flat water SUP instruction and SUP surf instruction.

Pickering Nautical Village Beach Park

Cool Off

Cool off this summer at one of many Durham Region’s beaches, outdoor pools, splash pads or even a water park. For outdoor pools or water parks, check their website and regulations to book a time to visit in advance. As for beaches, always check the Health Department beach status report prior to swimming and follow all posted signs.

Water park:

Cedar Park Resort (Bowmanville)

Outdoor pools:

Beaches:

List of Durham Region beaches

Splash pads:

Pickering Splash Pads

Wilmot Blueberries in Hand

Pick Your Own (PYO) Farms

There are so many great foods being grown in our beautiful farming country sides. Enjoy the flavours of Durham by visiting a farm to pick up or pick your own delicious local food. It doesn’t get fresher than from the farm! Start your flavour adventure today.

Willowtree Farm has PYO strawberries (even in September!), raspberries and pumpkins. (Port Perry)
Brooks Farms has PYO saskatoon berries, peas, raspberries, gooseberries, currants, apples, squash
and pumpkins. (Mount Albert)
Forsythe Family Farms has PYO sweet peas, beans, tomatoes and pumpkins. (Uxbridge)
Blackstock Berries has PYO strawberries and blueberries.
Wilmot Orchards has PYO blueberries. (Newcastle)

Watson Farms has PYO strawberries, peas and beans. (Bowmanville)
Bragg Farms has PYO potatoes. (Bowmanville)
Linton's Farm Market has PYO strawberries. (Oshawa)

Check out our Local Food Directory or Durham Farm Fresh to see a full listing of farms selling local food in Durham Region.

The Sunflower Farm Sunflower Field

Surround Yourself in Summer

Photo: Kailey Jane Photography

Nothing says summer quite like a field of flowers. To find your Instagram worthy shot, visit one of Durham Region’s sunflower and lavender farms. With sunflowers blooming in August and lavender bloom is July and into early August, it’s best to book early to reserve your spot to take your shot.

Sunflowers:

Lavender:

Wildflowers:

Alpacas

Make New Friends

Adventure you say? Alpaca my bags! There are many places to have an animal experience, from alpaca farms, petting zoos and fun farms. You could even try goat yoga or go for a horseback trail ride. Always check out each attraction’s website before attending as many require you to pre-book your visit.

Golder at Wooden Sticks in Uxbridge

Hit The Green

Finding a place to golf in Durham Region has never been easier. From mini putt, or mini golf if you will, to driving ranges and golf courses, there is something for golfers of every level.

Golf courses:

List of Durham Region golf courses

Driving ranges:

Cedarhurst Golf Club (Beaverton)

Mini golf courses:

Cedar Park Resort (Bowmanville)
Pickering Playing Fields

Harmony Creek Golf Centre (Oshawa)
Sandbaggerz (Port Perry)

Couple Fishing at Port Whitby Marina

Go Fishing

Durham Region is home to the best fishing in the Greater Toronto Area. It is highlighted by world-renowned multi-species fishing on Lake Ontario, Lake Simcoe, Lake Scugog, Bowmanville Creek and several other connecting tributaries. Discover more information to help plan your next fishing trip.

If a fishing charter is more your style, there are many options to choose from on this curated Durham Tourism list.

Hit the Track

Cars Racing at Canadian Tire Motorsport Plus

Looking for some excitement, why not spend a day at the track? From live horse racing to race cars, there are thrills to be had trackside in Durham Region:

Horse racing:

Ajax Downs

Motor sports:

Canadian Tire Motorsport Park (Bowmanville)

Man Cycling on Whitby Waterfront Trail

Hit the Trails

Whether hiking or cycling, Durham Region’s trails and on-road cycling routes will lead you through a variety of breathtaking landscapes — from the beautiful scenery of Lake Ontario’s Waterfront Trail to the rolling hills of the Oak Ridges Moraine. Visit our cycling map or our trails map to plan your summer trails to do list.

Trail map and guides:

Nestled in the centre of the East Duffins Headwaters and Durham Forests network of trails, Trail Hub is a community hub for mountain bikers, hikers and nature lovers to access over 240 kilometres of local trails. The view is magical. The trails are epic. The food is delicious. Your adventure awaits!

Climber on Treetop Trekking

Get Active

If you’re looking for adventure, why not try something different? From treetop zip lines, beach volleyball, paintball or hitting a few at the batting cage, there is lots of outdoor fun to be had in Durham Region.

Beach volleyball:

Ziplining:

Treetop Eco-Adventure Park (Oshawa)

Batting cages:

Pickering Playing Fields Batting Cages

Paintball, airsoft, microball, laser tag:

Disc golf:

Newcastle Disc Golf

Pickering Museum Village Actors

Cultivate Culture

Durham Region is home to a vibrant arts, culture and live music scene. Whether you want to rock out to a live band or visit historical estates and museums there are lots of cultural activities to enjoy.

Driftwood Theatre (Port Perry)

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