If you’re searching for extraordinary day trips in the Durham Region, I have some delightful suggestions for you! Whether you’re interested in exciting destinations for kids, a romantic getaway, or an enjoyable outing with friends, these day trip ideas are sure to inspire you. You’ll have the opportunity to discover the hidden gems of Durham Region, featuring everything from fun farm experiences to stunning flower fields.
The best part about these day trip suggestions is that they come in pre-packaged itineraries. Groups of local businesses in northern Durham Region have partnered to create a series of curated routes known as Rural Routes. Each route provides an ideal itinerary to help visitors easily plan their perfect day trip, showcasing a variety of close-knit stops.
Having explored several of these Rural Routes, I’ve come to appreciate how they connect people with the farmers behind our food, the artisans who create our unique gifts, and much more. I’ve discovered many fantastic small businesses that keep me coming back, such as Concession 6 Studio for distinctive gifts and Tyrone Mill for the best donuts. I also love the wide variety that each route offers, from farms to historic sites, cideries, and artisan shops.
So, if you’re on the lookout for unique day trips away from Toronto, consider choosing one of these Rural Routes for a fun weekend adventure.
The Best Day Trips in Durham Region
Backroads of Brock
One of the top day trips in Durham Region, whether you’re coming from Toronto or another area, is the Backroads of Brock route. This journey takes you to several destinations between Sunderland and Beaverton.
The stops along the Backroads of Brock route highlight agritourism at its finest, featuring everything from vibrant sunflower fields to engaging farm experiences. This route is particularly enjoyable during the summer, especially for families.
My favorite stop along Backroads of Brock is The Sunflower Farm! This multi-generational farm boasts 20 acres of sunflowers, earning its reputation as one of the best sunflower fields in Ontario. It features Canada’s only sunflower-shaped trail, plenty of adorable photo spots, a viewing platform, and even some friendly goats! Additionally, Ursula, the amazing female farmer behind the sunflower fields, organizes a variety of exciting flower workshops and events throughout the season.
Insider tip: Tickets are half price on Mondays and Tuesdays!
An additional fun spot to visit is Forget-Me-Not Alpacas. This sustainable farm offers guided tours where you can meet their charming alpacas. Don’t forget to check out their shop for alpaca mittens and toques!
Food enthusiasts will enjoy a visit to Villa Vida Loca. This market features local produce, their own honey, baked goods, and more. You can explore the farm’s pollinator garden or visit with the hens. They also offer various dining options, including a fantastic farm-to-table dinner and a delightful smoke shack. If you’re considering a weekend getaway, they even have unique cabins available!
Other stops to explore: Buzzing Bees Adventure Farm and Pinedale Patch.
Sideroads of Scugog
If you’re searching for hidden gems in Durham Region, the Sideroads of Scugog route is a treasure trove of discoveries. This invigorating road trip features stops in and around Port Perry, showcasing a blend of agritourism and the arts.
One must-visit stop during the summer is Lavender Blu. For over 15 years, this family-run farm has cultivated lavender and shared its many benefits with visitors. As one of the top lavender farms, they offer unique experiences like self-guided tours of their eco-garden, workshops, outdoor yoga sessions, and more. Be sure to check out their charming boutique for fresh lavender products and other artisan goods.
Another noteworthy destination along the Sideroads of Scugog is Willowtree Farm. This multi-generational family farm is dedicated to sustainable practices and provides fresh, high-quality food.
Families will appreciate the expansive free playground and friendly goats located nearby. If you’re in the mood for strawberry picking, Willowtree Farm is the perfect spot. Their vast marketplace offers a delightful selection of fresh produce, preserves, local coffee, and baked goods. Kids (and the young at heart, like me!) will adore their whimsical Unicorn cookies!
I strongly recommend bringing a cooler on your visit to Willowtree Farm! Along with a variety of fruits and vegetables, there’s a butcher shop that sells mouthwatering hamburgers and steaks. Plus, if you’re seeking a great lunch spot during your Sideroads of Scugog adventure, Willowtree Farm serves up delicious sandwiches, available for dine-in or on their lovely patio.
Other stops worth exploring: Scugog Shores Museum Village & Archives, Jesters Court Pub & Eatery, Bonnie Thomson Glass, Applewood Farm & Winery, Forsythe Family Farms, META4 Contemporary Craft Gallery, Scugog Arts, Theatre On The Ridge, and more.
A Country Path
I had the pleasure of visiting all the stops along A Country Path last fall and thoroughly enjoyed each one! Since then, I’ve returned to a couple of spots because they are also fantastic places to visit in the summer.
A County Path is a rural route that meanders through the Clarington area. It’s a perfect day trip for food lovers thanks to the many farm stops, as well as cideries and wineries. However, it’s equally valuable for families with kids who wish to learn more about where their food comes from. There’s also a fun pumpkin farm that kids and adults will enjoy during the fall.
Almost every stop on A Country Path revolves around food and drink. One of the most popular culinary destinations is Tyrone Mills. This historic mill, built in 1846, offers more than just a glimpse into the past. A visit here allows you to experience the fascinating mechanics of the mill and see how it operates through its complex pulleys. Make sure to grab a few of their renowned apple cider doughnuts from the shop—they are some of the best donuts in Ontario! They also sell incredible pancake mixes and offer made-to-order pizzas on weekends.
My favorite farm stop on this route is Open Skies Farm. This charming farm stand is a hidden gem in Durham Region. In addition to a variety of fresh produce, Heather creates delicious preserves.
Adults will appreciate stopping at Archibald’s Orchard & Estate Winery and Geissberger Farmhouse Cider, both of which offer fantastic tasting experiences. Not a drinker? No worries—both places have a selection of non-alcoholic beverages as well. At Archibald’s, I particularly enjoyed the Mojito Mocktail!
Another splendid stop is Knox Pumpkin Farm! Visiting a pumpkin farm is one of the most enjoyable fall activities, and this location has so much to offer.
While several stops along A Country Path are open year-round, most are seasonal. Therefore, the best time to explore A Country Path is during the summer and fall.
Other stops include: Makers of Enfield, Sargent Family Dairy, Buy a Birdhouse, Timeless Essentials, Almet Farms, Gallery on the Farm, and 3Beez.Buzz.
Leaskdale Loop
One of my favorite day trips in Durham Region is the Leaskdale Loop. This scenic route showcases a delightful array of businesses located just north of Uxbridge. The Leaskdale Loop features numerous stops, from historic sites to farms and artisan shops.
The loop is accessible for visits on the second Saturday of each month, from May to October. They also host an Artisan Christmas Crawl on select weekends in November and December. While many of the small artisan shops and businesses are best enjoyed during Loop Days, you can also arrange visits at other times by calling ahead. Some stops are open beyond the designated days.
One remarkable hidden gem on this loop is the Thomas Foster Memorial. Inspired by the Taj Mahal, this breathtaking structure, built in 1936, features a summer concert series that should not be overlooked.
Another historic site worth visiting is the Leaskdale Manse, once home to Lucy Maud Montgomery. As a notable hidden gem in Durham Region, this site is now a museum where visitors can learn about the author and see where she penned many of her beloved books. It’s undoubtedly one of the top attractions in Uxbridge!
If you’re seeking unique home decor or gift ideas, don’t miss Concession 6 Studio. This creative couple crafts a wide variety of items, from beautiful paintings to playful wooden decor (of which I own several pieces!).
A must-visit spot for food lovers is Tindall Farm & Market. You’ll likely be welcomed by the resident chickens and geese before entering. Inside, a wide variety of fresh produce awaits, including cauliflower, broccoli, and the biggest zucchini I’ve ever seen! Additionally, Karyn creates delicious preserves and baked treats.
Other stops include: Greenmantle Pottery, Banjo Cider, Pefferlaw Creek Farm, Leaskdale Country Store, Leaskdale Live Edge, Hosta Hideaway, Out of The Barn, and Montgomeryshire Orchard and Nursery.
Tips for Planning Your Durham Region Day Trip
When planning your adventure along one of these Rural Routes, keep a few key points in mind for a successful outing.
1. Check Hours of Operation
Most of these day trips are best enjoyed on weekends, as many stops are closed during the week. Additionally, some businesses operate only on certain weekends or by appointment. Be sure to confirm the hours of operation for the locations you’d like to visit beforehand, or give them a call.
2. Pack a Cooler
These day trip ideas include several stops where you can purchase fresh produce, meats, cheeses, and more. It’s advisable to bring a cooler with you to safely transport these amazing finds, especially during the warmer months.
3. Allow Time for Discovery
The Rural Routes guide you along the scenic backroads of Durham Region. The more I travel through this area, the more hidden gems I uncover. In addition to the planned stops, ensure you allow time to discover even more intriguing places along the way.
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Escape the city and explore the backroads this weekend with one of these fantastic rural day trips in Durham Region. Enjoy shopping for fresh produce, discovering unique gifts, and making lasting memories with loved ones while supporting local businesses.
Disclaimer: I was hosted by Durham Tourism, but as always, all opinions expressed are my own.
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