Top 10 Things Near Toronto To Add To Your Summer Bucket List
Left: Parkwood Estate by mandy_sparkleshinylove | Right: The Sunflower Farm
There’s so much to do just outside the city in Durham Region that it would be nearly impossible to fit it all into one list—truly, we could go on, and on, and on. To make it easier, we chose 10 of our favourite must-try experiences to enjoy in Durham this sunny season.
Sip on local brews by the waterfront
A pup-friendly patio with cold pints and wood-fired pizza? Does it get better than this? Enjoy a Pump House IPA and brewtiful views of the Whitby waterfront pier—open Wednesdays to Sundays all summer long! The beer garden has many beers on draught, as well as a variety of wines, ciders, canned cocktails and non-alcoholic options.
Walk the grounds at Parkwood Estate
Whether it be a walk through the gardens, a tour of the greenhouse, a crafty workshop in the historical estate, or a sip of bubbly on The Tea House patio—you can’t go wrong with a visit to Parkwood Estate. Home to many favourite movies and TV shows—including Billy Madison, The Boys, and more—this gorgeous jaw-dropping estate will have you scheduling your next visit before you even leave the grounds.
Wander through The Sunflower Farm
Explore 20 magical acres of beautiful blooming sunflowers at The Sunflower Farm in Beaverton! Walk through Canada’s first-ever sunflower shaped trail and take in the beauty of thousands of sunflowers along the way. Shop fair trade certified merch, bird seed, potted plants, mason jar bouquets, local Beeverton Honey, sunflower cookies by Eat My Shortbread Company, and more at this multi-generational family farm, just 1.5 hours from Toronto.
Spend the day by the bay
Want to plan the perfect day in Pickering? It starts at Pickering’s waterfront. If you’ve ever been down by the bay, then you know lunch at Big M Burgers is non-negotiable. Enjoy a delicious burger, poutine (if you’re a poutine lover, this one is a must), and one of their famous milkshakes, and then work off your meal with some waterfront fun!
Craft your own cocktails
Learn how to craft your own cocktails using high-quality spirits and local ingredients at the award-winning Durham Distillery. You can enroll in public classes, or book a private class with up to 12 of your friends for a special experience. Whichever way you choose to go, the distillery promises a highly interactive event exploring the art of mixology for all experience levels.
Go blueberry picking
If you’re planning on visiting a pick-your-own berry farm this season, picking blueberries at Wilmot Orchards is a special treat! With three pick-your-own patches, the orchard offers nine different varieties of blueberries. Pick a pint of fresh berries, then stop by the farm store to enjoy a refreshing cup or cone of blueberry ice cream, and bring home some delicious baked goods or preserves to enjoy later!
Sip cider at Applewood Farm & Winery
Patio season is upon us, and there’s no better place to soak up the sun than on the beautiful patio at Applewood Farm & Winery. Relax among the farm fields while sipping on award-winning fruit wine, cider and meade. Check the farm's website for pick-your-own details, special events, and live music.
Downtown shopping and waterfront walk
Sip the day away on the downtown patio at Marwan’s Global Bistro with bubbly and beautiful hibiscus champagne, explore the local shops for unique finds, and then head to the waterfront for dessert at The Perfect Scoop to enjoy handmade gelato and ice cream—the perfect summer’s day with vibes you just can’t find anywhere else.
Crush your cravings with food truck eats
Durham Region is all about the eats. Find everything from delicious street fare in retro vans and vintage trucks, to roadside pit stops perfect for any craving, to foodie fanatic events that will leave you in a food coma (in the best way possible). There is no shortage of delicious food trucks in Durham Region to crush your cravings.
Take a driving tour
Businesses in Durham's rural destinations have created itineraries that make it easy to drive (or cycle) to a mix of small businesses. Follow these routes to visit art studios, historical sites, farms, breweries, cideries and attractions.
While you’re out exploring Durham Region, we’d love to hear what new experiences you tried and loved the most. Tag @DurhamTourism in your social posts so we can follow along!