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February 2025

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Set Your ā€˜Out Of Officeā€™ With Durham Region

Escape from work this winter and treat yourself to a well-deserved day off. Itā€™s easy to do when you book a ā€œvery important meetingā€ with Durham Tourism. 


In need of excitement? Hit the slopes at Brimacombe. Crave peaceful reflection? Immerse yourself in art at The Robert McLaughlin Gallery. Need to recharge? Visit the saunas at Thermƫa Spa Village


Once youā€™ve chosen your itinerary, weā€™ll cover you at work by blocking the day off in your calendar (keeping in mind that spa reservations and admission tickets must be booked and paid for separately). 


Itā€™s that easy. Weā€™ll also email you an itinerary that includes other fun stops and eats along the way. So, go ahead, take that day off, you deserve it! 

Plan your 'Out of Office' escape
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How To Celebrate The Ultimate Valentineā€™s Day

The most romantic day of the year is fast approachingā€”and yes, weā€™re talking about Valentineā€™s Day. 


To take the pressure off, weā€™ve come up with a list of the best confections, flowers and dinner reservations to make your Valentineā€™s Day in Durham Region the sweetest ever! Youā€™ll also show your love for local when you shop at any of the more than 100 local businesses featured in our gift guide. 

Shop our Valentine's Day gift guide

For More Inspo

Whether youā€™re celebrating on Galentineā€™s Day (February 13) or keeping the love going on Valentineā€™s, grab your best gal pals and get ready for an unforgettable celebration with our list of 14 Ways To Celebrate Galentineā€™s Day in Durham Region. Find everything from chill hangouts to adrenaline-fueled activities to events. 

Whatā€™s Valentineā€™s Day without chocolate? As February 14 fast approaches, thoughts and taste buds will turn toward the decadent delights of chocolateā€”a welcomed treat that needs no occasion to indulge. And chocolate lovers know the place to get their favourite bonbons, bars and hot chocolate is at One More Cocoa in Whitby. Fall in love at first bite at One More Cocoa, or check out our list of chocolate and beer pairings to try a new combo. 

If youā€™re looking for even more great ways to spend Valentineā€™s Day, we have you covered. A lunch date in one of Durhamā€™s downtowns can be just as romantic and special as an evening celebration. Or, how about celebrating Valentineā€™s with a unique, alcohol-free night out? Weā€™ve created a list of NoLo nights out and to top it off, paired our mocktail picks with fun activities that will ensure you have the best time ever. 

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10 Outdoor Activities To Enjoy In

ļ»æDurham Region This Winter 

Thereā€™s snow place like Durham Region to make the most of the winter season! Located less than an hourā€™s drive from Toronto, Durham Region has plenty of exciting sports, scenic trails and snow-filled fun to get you outdoors and braving the winter weather this season.


Experience the slopes or try snow tubing, enjoy the peace and tranquility of Durham trails by horseback, celebrate the season at an outdoor event, try something new like cross country skiing or snowshoeing, and so much more. 

Discover the outdoors
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Things To Do On Family Day Weekend

Bring the family together and cheer on the Oshawa Generals on the Family Day long weekend. The Gens are home for two games on February 15 and 17. Before you go, check out our insiderā€™s guide for everything you need to know about visiting an Oshawa Generalā€™s gameā€”tickets, food, things to do nearby, and more. 

Looking for a fun outdoor activity to enjoy with the whole family? Lace up your skates and head to the Scugog Lakefront Skate and Market! Over the weekend, you can explore local vendors and grab a bite to eat from Louieā€™s Cafe. Weather permitting, the outdoor rink is free to use and open daily from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Always check rink conditions before you go. 

Wish you could be somewhere warm for the Family Day long weekend? Skip the plane ride and pay a visit to these tropical restaurants that will make you feel like youā€™re on vacation. Youā€™ll enjoy authentic cuisine and beautiful dining experiences without leaving Durham Region.

You can also get out of the house (but stay inside) at any of our adventure picks for cold winter days. Weā€™ve put together an action-packed list of indoor family attractions from five-pin bowling to Durhamā€™s first indoor archery. 

Explore more upcoming events in Durham Region
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Local Businesses To Visit This Month

Satisfy your cheese cravings with a stop at Gangster Cheese in Uxbridge. Take your pick of gourmet grilled cheese sandwichesā€”they proudly boast of putting anything you can think of inside oneā€”or try their mac n cheese or poutine. If your need for cheese still isnā€™t satisfied, finish your meal with a slice of cheesecake. 

Planning an event in Durham Region? Check out the boutique wedding and event venue, Palais Noir, in Ajax. Owned and operated by Sandra Colair, an event decorator, this venue offers premium services at competitive prices, ensuring the community gets the best experience possible for a variety of life events, including baby showers, birthdays, weddings, and celebrations of life. Learn more about this community-centered space

Ajax residents know that the place for an authentic Jamaican patty is at The Original Patty Gyal. Since 2020, owner Carlene Honigan has been serving up these tasty snacks in almost a dozen flavours. Find out what inspired Carlene and how she beat the odds to become a success

Discover more to love in Durham Region
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Save The Date: Maple Syrup Season 

It wonā€™t be long before winter is over and weā€™ll be tapping into one of the sweetest times of the year in Durham Regionā€”the maple syrup harvest.

 

Events run from March through May so start planning your calendar now.  Visit the sugar bush with Pefferlaw Creek Farms or enjoy maple syrup tastings at Purple Woods Maple Syrup Festival and Brooks Farms Maplefest. Celebrate the season with street festivals in Sunderland and Bowmanville. Whether youā€™re a long-time fan or a first-time visitor, thereā€™s something for every sweet tooth. 

Plan your maple syrup celebration
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Upcoming Events

February 1: Beaverton Town Hall Players 

February 2 and 16: Uxbridge Indoor Farmersā€™ Market 

February 2: Tim Bastmeyer Live at The Second Wedge 

February 2: Harlem Globetrotters 2025 World Tour 

February 2: Hyprov with Asad Mecci and Colin Mochrie from Whose Line Is It Anyway? 

February 4 to 25: Tuesday Trivia at The Second Wedge 

February 6 to 27: The Second Wedge Run Club on Thursdays 

February 7: Cooking Decorating Workshop ā€“ Valentine's Day 

February 7: Guided hike with Oak Ridges Trail Association 

February 7 and 14: The Neighbours Art Hive 

February 8: Stained Glass Workshop 

February 8: Circle of Joy: A Celebration of Community and Togetherness! 

February 8: Black Vendor Village 

February 8: In Conversation with Christina Leslie 

February 9: Valentineā€™s Gemstone Bracelet Making Workshop 

February 9: Sweet Valentineā€™s Candle Pouring Workshop 

February 13: Black History Month Celebration with Dr. Rosemary Sadlier 

February 13: Aaron Goodvin with special guest River Town Saints 

February 14: Valentineā€™s Date Night and Illusionist Show 

February 14: Guided Hike with Oak Ridges Trail Association 

February 15: Valentineā€™s Tea 

February 16: Coin A Rama 

February 16: Charm Bracelet/Necklace Workshop 

February 16: Tribute Communities Centre Zamboni Experience 

February 17: Ajax Winterfest 

February 21: TIFF Ajax Film Circuit Presents ā€œSing Singā€ 

February 22: African Dance Class 

February 22: Flamboyant Franz Liszt Resonates with Zee Zee 

February 28: Josephine: A Musical Cabaret 

February 28: Guided Hike with Oak Ridges Trail Association 

February 28: Eli Young with Special Guests Hailey Benedict and Alexa Goldie 

Find more events in Durham Region this month
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In Case You Missed It

Surprise your Valentine with dinner out at Three Six Kitchen in Bowmanville. Itā€™s the perfect spot for a romantic evening of well-crafted drinks and delicious food made with local ingredients. Read more about Three Six Kitchen

Jack Doak knew exactly what he wanted. He just wasnā€™t sure where it would go. A lifetime entrepreneur with a lengthy career in the fitness industry, he was ready to launch his next ventureā€”a brewery. Learn more about the backstory of the Old Flame Brewery in our Downtowns of Durham blog.

Whether youā€™re catching up with the girls, going for after-work appetizers or planning date night, there are lots of picture-perfect Durham Region hot spotsā€”with the right vibeā€”for your next night out. Find out where to capture the best night ever

Read the latest updates on our blog 
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For unique trip ideas or to plan your perfect day, visit DurhamTourism.ca, or call 1-800-413-0017. If this information is required in an accessible format, contact Durham Tourism.