Make the most of August: Savour your summer with DRT

If you’re feeling like the sunny days are flying by, it’s time to hop on a Durham Region Transit (DRT) bus and savour the summer. Before school starts—routines pick up and cooler weather rolls in—there are many things to do and places to go. The best part? You don’t have to travel far. Whether you’ve been meaning to spend a day by the lake, wander through a local farmers’ market, explore a new trail, or visit somewhere you’ve never been before, Durham Region has plenty of places to enjoy before the sun sets on summer. With DRT, exploring different corners of Durham can be part of the adventure.

Looking for inspiration? Here are a few August adventures worth adding to your list. Before heading out, check the DRT website for the latest routes and schedules to help plan your trip.

Enjoy Durham’s waterfront

With DRT connecting communities across Durham Region, spending a summer day by the water is only a bus ride away. Pack a picnic, meet up with friends, or simply enjoy a walk on the shoreline before summer ends.

Ajax Waterfront Park

75 Cumberland Lane, Ajax

Getting there: Route 224 or 227

Take in the lake views, enjoy a walk along the waterfront or find a spot to relax by the shore.

Lakeview Park

1450 Simcoe Street South, Oshawa

Getting there: Route 901

Spend the afternoon by the lake with plenty of space to relax, enjoy a picnic or cool off by the water.

Kiwanis Heydenshore Park

589 Water Street, Whitby

Getting there: Route 315

Catch the sunset, watch the boats come and go, or enjoy a walk along the waterfront.

Millennium Square

1 Esplanade, Pickering

Getting there: Route 100

Take in the views of Frenchman’s Bay, explore nearby shops or enjoy a meal by the water. 

Shop local and make a day out of it

If your ideal summer morning starts with a coffee in hand and nowhere to rush off to, a local farmers’ market is a great place to start. With fruits and vegetables at their peak, August is the perfect time to pick up fresh produce, browse handmade goods and support local vendors. Stick around and explore the surrounding downtown – grab lunch on a patio, pop into a local boutique or treat yourself to an ice cream before heading home.

Port Perry Farmers’ Market

215 Queen Street, Port Perry

Getting there: Route 905 or 618

Browse local vendors, then take a stroll through downtown Port Perry or enjoy the waterfront just a short walk away.

Uxbridge Farmers’ Market

2 Victoria Drive, Uxbridge (Elgin Park)

Getting there: Route 605 or 905

Stock up on fresh, local products, then wander through downtown Uxbridge to browse the shops, grab a coffee or settle in for a meal.

Brooklin Farmers’ Market

1 Carnwith Drive West, Brooklin (Grass Park)

Getting there: Route 302

After visiting the market, spend some time exploring Brooklin’s local shops, cafes and restaurants – all within walking distance.

Explore the outdoors

Not every summer adventure needs an itinerary. Sometimes all you need is a good pair of walking shoes, a water bottle and a few hours outside. Watch for wildlife, stretch your legs or simply enjoy the fresh air at one of Durham Region’s outdoor spaces. It’s an easy way to recharge without travelling far.

Lynde Shores Conservation Area

623 Halls Road South, Whitby

Getting there: Route 917

Walk the trails, watch for wildlife and enjoy a peaceful escape surrounded by nature.

Great Lakes Waterfront Trail

Multiple access points across Ajax, Bowmanville, Oshawa, Pickering and Whitby

Getting there: Routes 224 and 227 (Ajax), 505 (Bowmanville), 403, 407, 421 and 901 (Oshawa). 100 and 101 (Pickering). 315, 392, 403 and 917 (Whitby).

Walk, cycle or simply enjoy the lake views along one of Durham region’s most scenic trails.

Beavertown Park to Pier Discovery Trail

24 Harbour Park Crescent, Beavertown

Getting there: Route 618

Follow the trail through Beavertown to the Lake Simcoe waterfront, ending with a walk on the pier.

Discover something new

Not every August day is made for the outdoors if you’re looking to cool off or spend an afternoon trying something different, Durham Region is home to museums and historic sites that are just a bus ride away.

Parkwood Estate

207 Simcoe Street North, Oshawa

Getting there: Route 901

Step inside one of Durham Region’s best-known historic landmarks and take a walk through the beautifully maintained gardens.

Lynde House Museum

900 Brock Street South, Whitby

Getting there: Route 301

Explore the oldest home in Durham Region and learn about Whitby’s early history.

Make the most of what’s left of summer

Sometimes the best summer memories are made close to home. Whether you checked one place off this list or plan to visit a few more before the season ends, there are still plenty of opportunities to enjoy August in Durham Region.

Plan your trip with DRT and discover where the rest of summer takes you.