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June 2026

When the action ramps up in Toronto for the FIFA World Cup™ this summer, balance that high energy atmosphere with a little downtime in Durham Region. Less than an hour’s drive from downtown Toronto, you’ll find scenic trails, relaxing spa escapes and unique experiences perfect for recharging before or after the big game.

Step back in time at Parkwood National Historic Site to explore the 55-room mansion and enjoy high tea by their beautiful gardens and fountain. At Trail Hub, explore forested trails, gentle paths and challenging terrains before sitting down to a farm-to-table meal at Nest. Recharge at Thermea Spa Village and make it a getaway with an overnight stay at one of the region’s welcoming accommodations.

Cheer on Canada at Ajax’s free outdoor watch parties. Kick things off June 12 at the Ajax Fairgrounds as Canada takes on Bosnia and Herzegovina. There will also be food vendors, family activities and entertainment. On June 18 and 24, the action moves to Pat Bayly Square. Plan your game day in Ajax.

Whitby is getting in on the action with two watch parties hosted alongside Whitby FC. On June 12, watch Canada’s first match on a giant inflatable screen at Civic Park. Then on June 18, gather outside the Whitby Soccer Dome to watch Canada take on Qatar. Plan your game day in Whitby.

Good food starts close to home. From June 1 to 7, Local Food Week invites you to taste your way through Durham Region and discover the flavours grown right here. 

With farmers’ markets now in season, you can pick up some fresh produce at one of Durham’s many farmers’ markets and farm stands and check out what’s in season with Durham Farm Fresh. 

Feast locally by dining out at a Feast On® certified business that supports local food and drink. Or get cooking with fresh, locally sourced ingredients and make something delicious with recipes from Chef Alex Page that celebrate the spring harvest. Try his spring caprese salad with cheese curds and cider mojito dressing. For dessert, you can’t go wrong with this whipped ricotta and maple rhubarb pound cake. Get the recipes. 

Enjoying local food is always in season. Discover Durham’s food scene and be a part of Local Food Week.

Get rolling this June with Bike Month. Whether a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, Durham Region’s network of trails and loops offers something for every pace. 

Plan your route with rural cycling loops that wind through quiet country roads, vibrant downtowns and along the waterfront. It’s now even easier to navigate with new on-road cycling loop signage installed throughout the Townships of Brock, Scugog and Uxbridge. When you’re ready for a break, stop at designated Ontario by Bike locations for cyclist-friendly amenities like bike parking, washrooms and water refills.

Throughout Bike Month, log your rides at SmartCommute.ca or on the app for a chance to win a $100 gift card. Visit three or more Bicycle Friendly Businesses for a chance to win more prizes, including a Durham Tourism getaway. Weekly webinars (every Thursday in June from noon to 1 p.m.) offer opportunities to learn about cycling safety, infrastructure and active transportation from expert speakers. Each session offers a chance to win a $50 gift card. Visit durham.ca/BikeMonth to learn more and join the celebration! 

Treat dad to a global feast during Oshawa Fiesta Week. The festivities run June 21 to 27, starting with a street festival along Centre Street South and a concert in Memorial Park. Spend the rest of the week making your way through 14 cultural pavilions around the city, each offering its own unique food, music and traditions. Plan your delicious day with dad. 

Plan a summer road trip and take the scenic route through Durham Region. Whether by car or by bike, these curated rural routes are perfect for a day trip or a weekend getaway. 

Discover Durham’s charming small towns, scenic countryside and hidden gems along the way. From farm markets and cideries to local shops and rich history, each route offers its own mix of experiences, flavours and places to explore at your own pace while supporting local.

If your vacation plans or weekend getaways are close to home this summer, upgrade your staycation with unique overnight stays across Durham Region. 

From cozy cabins and luxury camping to nights by the racetrack and falling asleep to the roar of lions, there are plenty of ways to turn a simple night away into something memorable—all just a short drive away.

Must-Visit Summer Festivals In Durham Region

Durham Region is bringing the energy this summer! From live music and street festivals to outdoor markets and cultural celebrations, the calendar is packed with can’t-miss moments all season long.

Experience downtowns filled with music, food and local vendors like Whitby’s Home Sweet Home Festival on July 25. Crank up the classics at Rockstalgia in Orono on July 11 and 12, then celebrate South Asian culture and community at Durham Summerfest on August 22 and 23. 

From crowd favourites to new voices, the music goes all summer long with events like the Barns2Beaches Music Tour on August 18, and Convergence Music and Art Festival on September 19 and 20.

Whether you’re in it for the music, the food or the atmosphere, summer doesn’t stop in Durham Region!

Local Business Highlights

Stop by The Sweet Spot at their brand-new storefront location in downtown Sunderland. You’ll find both sweet and savoury treats, from classic sprinkle doughnuts to Buffalo chicken buns. Pair it with a handcrafted coffee or one of their signature dirty sodas. The Sweet Spot is currently open Tuesday to Saturday. Plan your visit and treat yourself. 

From its start as a food truck in British Columbia, Anyway Fruit has officially put down roots in Port Perry. Serving up Latin-inspired fruit bowls, smoothies and juice, Anyway Fruit always offers something refreshing. View their menu and add them to your next visit in Port Perry. 

Sip into summer with Gabe and Pancha’s Coffee Bar, now popping up at Witzke’s Greenhouses in Courtice. They’ll be serving up their specialty coffee with beans from Jacked Up Coffee, along with zero proof cocktails and light snacks, all summer long. They’re also planning some fun workshops and paint kits with Crafted.Art Bar. 

Bowmanville’s Volt Raceway continues to rev up the fun for all ages. Little racers aged three to 12 can play, climb and explore in the new race-themed Volt Kids Play Zone. The multi-level playground has slides, tunnels and soft obstacles designed for big energy and non-stop fun. Plan your visit.

Jacked Up Coffee’s little blue truck is rolling into Grass Park in Brooklin all summer long. Sip in the sunshine and enjoy freshly brewed coffee daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Follow along for updates. 

Ribfest season is heating up across Durham Region this June! Kick things off with some smoky BBQ in Ajax from June 5 to 7. Next, head to Bowmanville June 12 to 14 and then Pickering from June 19 to 21. Each stop guarantees award-winning ribs, live music and vendors in a family-friendly atmosphere. Between events, find even more crave-worthy eats in Durham’s food truck guide.

As the Trail Capital of Canda, Uxbridge knows its stuff when it comes to unforgettable trail experiences. So where better to celebrate International Trails Day on June 6 than at Elgin Park? Join guided walks, interactive exhibits and connect with local experts while enjoying live entertainment, games and activities for the kids. Be sure to stop by the Durham Tourism tent while you’re there! The event runs from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. with free admission and parking. Plan your morning of outdoor fun.

Enjoy a bloom-filled weekend at the Oshawa Peony Festival on June 6 and 7 at the Oshawa Botanical Gardens. Stroll through more than 300 varieties of these stunning flowers, offering a colourful way to celebrate spring. The free event also features a juried flower show, live music, food vendors, an artisan market and fun for the kids in the children’s area. Make a day of it.

Paddle your way along the winding Nonquon River to the shores of Lake Scugog on June 6 for Canoe the Nonquon. Whether you’re an amateur or a professional, the 20-kilometre race welcomes all skill levels and raises money for the Scugog Shores Museum Village. Get ready to dip your paddle in and  register for the race.

Celebrate Pride Month with this lineup of vibrant events! On June 6, the Pride Durham Parade rolls through Ajax followed by entertainment and activities at the Ajax Community Centre. On June 13, celebrate Youth Pride Durham with a free, family-friendly event at Durham Regional Headquarters in Whitby. Enjoy a DJ, performances, a magic show and a Resource Village. Keep the celebration going with the first-ever North Durham Pride Country Festival in Port Perry on June 20. This is a community-focused event celebrating the region’s unique culture, agricultural roots and small-town pride. 

From June 11 to 13, the annual Springtide Music Festival takes over downtown Uxbridge. The three-day celebration brings together a wide range of musical genres, well-known headliners and emerging talents performing across multiple venues. Get tickets and start planning your weekend.

Feel the ground shake as the tanks roar at The Canadian Tank Museum in Oshawa! From June 12 to 14, Aquino Tank Weekend puts you right in the action with live battle reenactments, one-on-one tank showdowns and entrance to the museum with close-up access to more than 60 military tanks and vehicles. Between shows enjoy food trucks, relax in the beer garden and keep the little ones entertained in the Kids’ Zone. Book tickets for this action-packed experience.

Celebrate 50 years of creativity at the Visual Arts Centre of Clarington. The not-for-profit public art gallery is honouring its five decades of delivering contemporary art with a major group exhibition. Homecoming runs from June 12 to December 6 and will include 12 Clarington-based artists alongside a series of public programs. Join the anniversary celebrations. 

Turn up the volume June 25 to 27 for Whitby Music Fest! Now in its second year, this growing festival brings live music to almost every corner of downtown Whitby, from Celebration Square to stores, restaurants and coffee shops. Tickets are required for main stage performances at Celebration Square. Otherwise, all other shows are free. Find ticket information. 

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.