Northumberland County: Beaches, Forests, and Small Towns

Northumberland County combines sandy beaches on Lake Ontario with the rocky shores of Rice Lake and rolling hills in between. Rural experiences, outdoor activities, and small towns shape the character of the region. When choosing a vacation rental, you can start by asking yourself what kind of vacation days you’re looking for: beach time, forest trails, or discoveries related to history and culture. The region’s diverse landscapes and offerings provide different kinds of inspiration.

Choose Forest Trails and Routes to Suit You

Northumberland County Forest has more than 118 km of trails and welcomes more than 100,000 visitors annually. It has more than 45 km of hiking trails, including the eastern connection to the Oak Ridges Hiking Trail. Three universal trails are named the Carstairs Universal Trail, Beagle Club Heritage Trail, and Porcupine Trail at Woodland Trailhead.

The Porcupine Universal Trail is a 1 km loop with a wide, smooth granular surface, information panels, and rest benches. The Carstairs Universal Trail is 3.2 km long in total; it also offers four possible loops ranging from 750 m to 2.2 km. The slopes are gentle, and the trail surface is over 2 m wide. The two routes described therefore differ not only in length, but also in that several loop distances are specified for Carstairs.

If you’d also like to explore the wider region, Ganaraska Forest offers a different selection: it spans Northumberland County, Peterborough County, the City of Kawartha Lakes, and the Regional Municipality of Durham. Year-round activities include hiking, mountain biking, horseback riding, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and nature watching. The trail network comprises several hundred kilometres. More than 35 km of signed, groomed, and tracked trails are available for cross-country skiing; marked snowshoe trails cover more than 10 km. A day pass or forest membership is required for entry. Both are available from the GRCA online store; day passes are also available at the self-service kiosk at the entrance to Ganaraska Forest Centre.

Beaches and Birdlife at Presqu’ile Provincial Park

Presqu’ile Provincial Park is located in Brighton and offers a 2.5 km sandy beach. Dogs are prohibited on the beach at all times. A 1 km boardwalk through the marsh leads to the largest protected marsh on the north shore of Lake Ontario. In spring and fall, the park is an important stopover for migratory birds. So far, 338 bird species have been recorded there, including 130 breeding species; these numbers may change as more observations are made. The beach, boardwalk, and bird stopover each offer a reason to visit, while the clear rule about dogs should be taken into account when planning your day.

History and Culture in Northumberland County

In the municipality of Port Hope, the grounds around Wesleyville Church and the schoolhouse, as well as the Wesleyville Nature Trail, are open to visitors. Port Hope also offers heritage tours of landmarks and places of interest on foot or by car. The Trent-Severn Waterway, a National Historic Site of Canada, runs through Northumberland County and connects neighbouring communities. These historical and cultural attractions complement a stay that might otherwise be focused mainly on the landscape and outdoor activities.

On September 18, 2026, Northumberland County opened the purpose-built Northumberland County Archives and Museum in Cobourg. It serves to preserve and share the region’s history, records, artefacts, and stories. Check the museum directly for current visitor information before your visit.

Regional Highlights and More Places to Visit

Culinary discoveries can also take you further afield: the Kawarthas Northumberland Butter Tart Tour visits 13 bakeries serving butter tarts. Northumberland County combines outdoor experiences in its forest and at Presqu’ile Provincial Park with cultural stops and regional food offerings. The priorities you choose can help guide you in selecting a suitable vacation rental.

Discover more destinations: Cobourg, Campbellford, Brighton, Grafton, Bewdley, Colborne, Roseneath, Port Hope, Gores Landing.

For the overview of the wider region: Ontario.