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July 2024

Picture is split in two. On the left is a long narrow fountain with gardens on the side and a woman walking in front of it. On the other half of the picture is a field of sunflowers

Top 10 Things Near Toronto To Add To Your Summer Bucket List

Looking for some summer inspiration? Now is the ideal time to explore and try new things—and Durham Region is the place to do it!

Just outside Toronto, Durham offers a never-ending list of possibilities that will—well—make your summer bucket list overflow.

But don’t worry, from outdoor adventures to beautiful surroundings and to new drinks and eats, we’ve narrowed down the list to our top 10 favourite experiences that will make your summer unforgettable!

Ultimate summer bucket list

Happy Canada Day!

From fireworks to festivals to parades, across Durham Region there are plenty of ways to celebrate Canada Day with family and friends:

Ajax, Ajax Downs, 2 p.m. to fireworks at 10 p.m.

Bowmanville, Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex, 5 p.m. to fireworks at 10 p.m.

Beaverton, various locations, 9 a.m. to fireworks at dusk

Cannington, MacLeod Park, 9 a.m. to fireworks at dusk

Oshawa, Lakeview Park, 2 p.m. to fireworks at 10 p.m.

Pickering, various locations, Noon to fireworks at 10 p.m.

Port Perry, Palmer Park, 10:30 a.m. to fireworks at 10 p.m.

Uxbridge, Elgin Park, 6 p.m. to fireworks at dusk

Whitby, Victoria Fields, 5:30 p.m. to fireworks at dusk

More fun events in Durham Region

woman walking in a strawberry patch holding a partially filled quart of strawberries

Where To Go Berry Picking Near Toronto This Summer

Fresh fruit is both nutritious and delicious—and scoring it locally makes it taste even sweeter!

Across Durham Region strawberries are ripe for the picking, and other fruit is well on the way. Check out the In Season Calendar at Durham Farm Fresh to plan your pickings, and then check out our picks of the patches.

From farms, orchards, and country markets, we’ll fill you in on the spots where you can fill up on berries that are either pick-your-own or prepicked.

Best berry picking spots

Picture is split in two. On the left is a single pink peony. On the right is a couple watching the sunset over Darlington

Durham Date Ideas: When You Don't Want To Spend A Lot Of Money This Summer

With the days being long and warm, summertime is a fun time to take in Durham Region with someone special.

But coming up with that perfect date night (or day) doesn’t have to break the bank.

Whether it’s a first date or you’re looking to treat your long-term partner, we’ve rounded up this list of summer date ideas—with your wallets in mind.

Budget-friendly date ideas

Summer Fun In Durham Region

Two people on the beach and having a picnic with pizza and wine

Picture-Perfect Picnics for National Picnic Month

Celebrate the sunny days of July with National Picnic Month.

Savour delicious food, spend time in nature, and socialize with friends and family in some of the best parks and waterfronts across Durham Region.

We’ve paired the best places to grab some takeout with the best places to enjoy them. There’s enough on this list for a month full of picnicking adventures.

Take a look at our picks and let's picnic!

a road cuts through farmers' fields. there is a house in the top of the picture

Summer Road Trips

If you’re searching for a new day trip or weekend adventure, look no further than Durham Region.

From family fun adventures to exploring the back roads, we’ll help you make memories with this list of summer road trips in Durham Region.

Plus, plan the ultimate rural adventure along the Sideroads of Scugog! Featuring seven businesses across the Township of Scugog, enjoy the twists and turns as you experience some of the most picturesque agricultural land in southern Ontario.

Check out what rural adventure awaits along the Sideroads of Scugog.

Picture is split in half. on the left is a field of sunflowers. on the right is a field of lavender with a picnic laid out in the foreground.

Best Destinations For Farm Fresh Flower Experiences Near Toronto

Enjoy a wondrous day wandering through wildflowers, lounging in lavender fields, or finding shade among the sunflowers when you visit the flower farms in Durham Region!

Besides picking your own bouquet, many farms also offer afternoon teas, yoga sessions, and pre-booked family photography.

The season doesn’t last long, so book early to reserve your spot. Lavender blooms in July and early August, and sunflowers bloom in August. Some farm visits are by appointment only, so please review their websites before visiting.

Find farm fresh flower experiences

Cool Off In Durham's Downtowns This Summer

Woman holding out a small child's bucket with three ice cream cones inside.

12 Places to Grab Delicious Ice Cream

On a hot summer day ice cream is one of the best ways to cool off.

So, we’ve curated this tasty to-do list of ice cream shops in Durham’s Downtowns—including dairy free or vegan options.

Now all you have to decide is whether to spread your visits out over the whole summer, or power through our list in one week!

Discover Delicious Ice Cream in Durham’s Downtowns.

Outdoor restaurant patio with tables, chairs and umbrellas at dusk.

14 Patios to Visit

It’s officially patio season!

And the eclectic mix in Durham Region will not disappoint, especially in our downtowns.

That’s where after-dinner strolls, sweet treats, and window shopping can round out a perfect summer day.

We’ve narrowed the options down to 14 distinct Durham Region downtown dining experiences.

14 Patios to Visit in Durham Region's Downtowns - Downtowns of Durham

Cup of iced coffee held up in the foreground with a showcase of bakery items in the background.

Where to Find Iced Coffee

If summer has you feeling drained and in need of a pick-me-up, an iced coffee is a great way to cool off.

Here are 12 places to get iced coffee and other iced drinks in the Downtowns of Durham Region.

Where to Find Iced Coffee in Durham’s Downtowns - Downtowns of Durham

On left is bowl of charred chili and strawberry salsa. On the right is a quart of fresh picked strawberries placed in the patch

Page’s Platefuls: Charred Chili And Strawberry Salsa

You can’t enjoy summer without freshly picked strawberries! Chef Alex Page uses them in his recipes and on his table every single day they are in season.

While you can’t go wrong with strawberry treats and desserts, Chef also recommends using them in savoury dishes. Think spiced chutneys bursting with the flavour and sweetness of strawberries, or pickled (yes pickled!) and tossed into salads with tangy local goat cheese or better yet—a smoky, spicy, fresh salsa.

Try making this charred chili and strawberry salsa at home. This dish features two products from Applewood Farm and Winery: their fresh strawberries and their Smokin’ Apple Iced Cider .

You can enjoy this dish atop grilled steak, fish tacos, fresh cheese, or simply serve with tortilla chips and enjoy!

View the full recipe for Charred Chili and Strawberry Salsa

Local Business Highlights

The Springwood in Whitby is being celebrated for its farm-to-table excellence. The Culinary Tourism Alliance recognized the eatery on its field guide to the best food and drink in Ontario. Since opening in May 2023, The Springwood has proudly focused on locally sourced ingredients, seasonality, regenerative farming practices and minimizing waste. It’s one of a number of restaurants across Durham Region that has Feast On® certification. Book your table at The Springwood.

Chef leaning on the outside window of restaurant.

Fans of The Bollywood Taco have been enjoying the Indian-Mexican fusion at this Oshawa takeout spot for years, but now Toronto Life is making sure the rest of us don’t miss out. Combining the best Mexican and Indian flavours with traditional ingredients, it’s no surprise people keep coming back for more. Check out their menu to plan your visit.

Two people riding their bikes on a trail on a sunny day

Congratulations to Trail Hub in Uxbridge for being named one of this year’s Best Bicycle Friendly Businesses by Ontario By Bike. The annual awards recognize businesses that excel at providing services to cyclists and supporting the cycling community. Grab your bike, and find out why Trail Hub describes itself as “the ultimate outdoor destination in the Greater Toronto Area.”

Plate of food showing eggs benedict and a green mixed salad.

Another accolade for Urban Pantry in Uxbridge. The farm-to-table restaurant has made OpenTable’s Top 100 Restaurants for Outdoor Dining in Canada.

Book a table to find out why their patio is a favourite local spot.

Discover more to love in Durham Region

Mark Your Calendars

Go fly a kite at the annual Kite Day at the Uxbridge Historical Centre on July 6. Bring your own, or make one there, and then send it soaring on Quaker Hill.

Kite Day is free, but donations are always welcome.

Dwayne Gretzky is coming to Whitby July 11. The Whitby Sunrise Rotary Club is bringing the band to town for a free concert at Victoria Fields Park as part of Whitby Ribfest Plus.

Gates open at 6 p.m. While the show is free, donations are welcome at the gate.100 per cent of all donations go back to the community!

Save the dates and grab the wet wipes for some great upcoming eats. Whitby Ribfest - July 12 to 14 at Victoria Fields Park, Pickering Food Truck Fest from August 9 to 11 at The Esplanade Park, and Oshawa Rotary Ribfest from August 16 to 18 at Lakeview Park. Find more upcoming food truck events.

Looking for a fun afternoon with friends or a tasty new way to explore Whitby or Brooklin? Then Whitby Food Tours is a great place to begin your next culinary adventure. Guided walking tours of Whitby and Brooklin’s food scene can be booked now through August. You must be 19+ to participate. Plan your tour here.

Enjoy traditional ceremonies, dances, and songs at the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation Powwow on July 20 and 21. The annual gathering and celebration of Indigenous culture at Scugog Island, Port Perry is open to everyone. Plan your visit.

Promotional poster for Scugog beer and cider event

Get ready for a weekend filled with exceptional craft beverages, delicious food, and vibrant community spirit at the 2024 Scugog Beer & Cider Festival! Taking place on August 2 and 3 at Palmer Park in Port Perry, this festival promises an unforgettable experience for all attendees. Get your tickets now for the Scugog Beer & Cider Festival.