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July 2026

Happy Canada Day! Celebrate across Durham Region with these fun, family-friendly events that are free to attend: 

📍Ajax Fairgrounds - 2 to 10 p.m. (fireworks)  

📍MacLeod Park, Cannington - 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. (fireworks)

📍Beaverton, various locations - 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. (fireworks)

📍Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex, Bowmanville - 5 to 10 p.m. (fireworks)

📍Downtown Newcastle - 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

📍Lakeview Park, Oshawa - 2 to 10 p.m. (fireworks) 

📍Esplanade Park, Pickering - noon to 5 p.m. 

📍Kinsmen Park, Pickering - 7 to 10 p.m. (fireworks) 

📍Palmer Park, Port Perry - 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. (fireworks)

📍Elgin Park, Uxbridge - 5 to 10:30 p.m. (fireworks) 

📍Victoria Fields, Whitby - 6 to 10 p.m. (fireworks)

After cheering on your favourite team at the FIFA World Cup™, trade match-day energy for a more laid-back pace in Durham Region. 

Located within an hour’s drive from downtown Toronto, breakaway from the banter and sleep under the stars with a one-of-a-kind getaway at Birchwood Luxury Camping. Skip the whistle for birds chirping as you explore more than 240 kilometres of trails at Trail Hub, located in the Trail Capital of Canada. 

Chase a different kind of adrenaline at Canada’s one and only Porsche Experience Centre Toronto, then shift from roar to restore with wellness rituals, massages, saunas and more at Thermea Spa. Finish strong by trading stadium chants for garden charm while wandering the historic Parkwood Estate. 

For even more ideas just outside the city, grab a copy of Open Skies and add these summer adventures to your plans.

Now that school’s out, Durham Region offers plenty of ways to keep families busy and entertained all summer long.

Go on an outdoor adventure like ziplining at Treetop Eco-Adventure Park or get up close with wildlife at the Soper Creek Wildlife Rescue. Cool off at the beach or splash pad, or plan for all-weather fun with kid-friendly spots such as NEB’s Fun World or Volt Raceway. Dining out can be easy too with plenty of restaurants that cater to even the youngest guests. 

However you plan your day, Durham Region makes it easy to enjoy family fun this summer.

Berry days are here, fill your basket in Durham Region! 

With strawberries in season—and blueberries, raspberries and other fresh fruit still to come—now’s the time to start planning how you’ll enjoy the flavours of summer. Whether you’re picking your own or prefer grab-and-go, Durham’s many farms, orchards and farmers’ markets offer plenty of options to make the most of the season. Just try not to eat all your berries before you get home!

Stop and smell the flowers with some of the best flower farm experiences near Toronto. Durham Region is where you’ll find fields of colour, from rows of lavender and towering sunflowers to colourful wildflowers.



Many local flower farms offer more than beautiful views, with options like pick-your-own bouquets, picnics, afternoon tea, yoga and pre-booked family photos. With lavender blooming in July and sunflowers in August, make sure to enjoy the season while it’s in full bloom.

Have a four-legged sidekick? No need to leave your best friend behind. Durham Region is your dog’s dream day out! 

Go for a new walk at one of Durham’s many dog-friendly trails and conservation areas, or let your pup run free at an off-leash park. You can even test their skills at the brand-new Canine Activity Area in Pickering. 

Grab a seat on a patio where tails are always wagging, and check out local events that put dogs front and centre. Looking to make a night of it? There are pet-friendly hotels, bed and breakfasts, and campgrounds, so you and your dog can stay a little longer. 

Bring along your pup this summer—Durham Region is full of spots your dog will love just as much as you! 

This summer, take the scenic route and explore Durham by bike, where every ride comes with a view. From waterfront trails and rolling countryside to charming small towns and local gems, there’s no shortage of stops to explore along the way. 

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or casual rider, Durham’s rural cycling loops are among the best ways to see it all. Plus, with newly installed cycling wayfinding signage, it’s easier than ever to navigate routes and discover destinations. 

Along the ride, keep an eye out for Ontario by Bike certified businesses, which offer amenities like bike parking, washrooms, water refills and rest-friendly stops.

Local Business Highlights

Find fresh flowers, fresh air and now fresh coffee at Bloom Espresso Bar at Sheridan Nurseries in Whitby. The café opened late last month and offers premium coffee, matcha and other refreshing drinks and baked treats.

Stop by The Little Bird Bakery in Oshawa for a sweet treat. The newly opened bakery can be found on King Street. It’s open daily, except Wednesdays, from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. or until sold out.

Soak up the sun and lakeside views at Town Brewery’s pop-up beer garden next to Paradise Park in Ajax. Town Brewery will be serving food and drinks, including non-alcoholic beverages, seven days a week, all season long. The space is family-friendly and accessible to all. Follow and discover what's on tap.

Basketful Farms is growing, taking over the market space at Watson Farms in Bowmanville. Keeping the history of this well-loved spot in mind, the team is staying true to local roots with farm-fresh, in-season produce—just like at their other locations.

A new spot for authentic chai has arrived in north Pickering. After building a following as a pop-up, High on Chai has opened a cozy space serving perfectly brewed chai, as well as other refreshing drinks and eats. View what’s on the menu. 

Boujee Bites returns July 9—trading gallery walls for historic tanks at the Canadian Tank Museum in Oshawa. Sample bites from some of the city’s top local restaurants and enjoy live 1940s-era music while exploring the museum’s legendary tanks and armoured vehicles. It’s a one-of-a-kind evening where great food, history and atmosphere come together. Purchase tickets.

On July 10, catch one of Canada’s most celebrated rock bands, The Trews, at Whitby Ribfest PLUS. The band will bring its top ten hits to the stage for one night only. Plus, Durham Tourism is giving you the chance to be there with two tickets up for grabs! Enter by July 6 to win two tickets. 

Give Rockstalgia a spin at the Orono Fairgrounds on July 11 and 12. From headliners and tribute acts to rising stars, this two-day festival covers rock favourites from the 70s to today. Add VIP experiences, camping, food trucks, vendors, jam sessions and workshops, and you’ve got a weekend that hits all the right notes. Buy your tickets. 

Experience a vibrant celebration of Indigenous culture and community at the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation Powwow, taking place July 18 and 19. The annual gathering features traditional ceremonies, dances and songs to celebrate life while honouring people past and present. Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for children aged 12 and under, and free for seniors over 65. Learn more and plan your visit. 

Whitby’s downtown transforms into a walkable playground on July 25 for the Home Sweet Home Festival. Stroll closed streets and explore local businesses, outdoor patios, the Whitby’s Farmers’ Market, and Station Gallery’s Artisan Marketplace. Throughout the day there will be cultural dances, performances and exciting family activities. Join the celebration. 

Art, music and culture come together at HABIBI CULTURE II in Oshawa on July 25. The family-friendly daytime showcase will highlight Southwest Asian and North African culture, with live performances, visual art, and hands-on activities including a kids’ zone and a community art piece. A ticketed evening after-party for those aged 19 and over takes place at BOND|ST Event Centre with live music and dance party. 

Looking for a tasty way to spend a summer afternoon? Join Durham Farm Fresh and Durham Tourism for a culinary demonstration and sampling on July 26 at Pingle’s Farm. 

Chef Alex Page will be serving up fresh, seasonal flavours during this live demo from 1 to 3 p.m. Enjoy a sample, then take the recipe home to inspire your next meal. Make a day of it by exploring blooming fields of lavender and wildflowers, picking farm-grown berries and taking in everything the farm has to offer.

The cooking demonstration and samples are free with regular admission fees to Pingle's Farm.

Take the heat off and still stay caffeinated with a visit to some of Durham Region’s downtown cafés that are ideal for summer sipping. After all, your coffee should be as chill as your day. So, start mapping out your next caffeine break with these coffee spots in Durham’s downtowns.

Play it cool with ice cream from some of Durham’s sweetest downtown spots. From classic cones to creative flavours and dairy-free treats, there’s plenty to scoop up at any (or all!) of these places to grab delicious ice cream.

Summer is best enjoyed outdoors so why not chill out at one of Durham’s downtown patios. Whether you’re chasing shade, soaking up the sun or people watching street-side, there’s a spot waiting for you at these patios to visit across Durham’s downtowns.

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.