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May 2026

The FIFA World Cup™ comes to Toronto this summer. When the “beautiful game” takes over the city, Durham Region will offer a different kind of beauty, defined by scenery and room to breathe. Searching for less roar and more restore? No chants, just charm? 

Less than an hour’s drive from downtown Toronto, find your own pace with wellness spas, historic sites, luxury camping and outdoor adventures. Explore gentle paths or more challenging terrains at Trail Hub. Unwind at Thermea Spa Village, the largest of its kind in Ontario, or get behind the wheel at Canada’s only Porsche Experience Centre Toronto. Extend your getaway with an overnight stay, like sleeping under the stars at Birchwood Luxury Camping.

From relaxation to adventure, Durham Region is the perfect escape before or after match day.

Experience the most vibrant celebration of spring at Pingle’s Tulip Days—the largest tulip experience in the Greater Toronto Area!

This year, Pingle's Farm has doubled the number of tulips from 2025 to an impressive one million tulips across 30 varieties! Wander through colourful fields, stop at photo-perfect prop stops and gather your own blooms at the build-a-bouquet tulip bar. Along the way enjoy live music, games in the Pingle’s playland, and specialty food and drink stations serving Insta-worthy and well-worth-it treats.

Celebrate Mom and enjoy something beautiful together with food and drinks that are as special as she is. Start the day with a coffee date at one of Durham Region’s most Instagrammable cafés. Keep the celebration going with a meal at one of these Insta-worthy restaurants, where the setting is as inspiring as the food. Raise a glass to Mom at one of Durham’s Insta-worthy cocktail spots, where great drinks meet great style. 

If you’re craving a getaway without the long drive, why not turn your next adventure into a staycation close to home? Summer will be here before you know it, and campsites and other unique accommodations book up fast.

Whether you’re planning a weekend away with friends or scheduling travel plans with family, Durham Region has plenty of unique accommodations and campgrounds to enjoy. Explore scenic hiking trails, soak up the sun by the waterfront and share a laugh or two around the campfire. It’s proof that a great getaway doesn’t have to be far away.

Craving something delicious on the go? Durham Region’s food trucks deliver big flavours and must-try eats wherever your adventures take you.

From gourmet burgers and loaded fries to global street food, great food is never far away in Durham. Prefer lots of options in one place? Food truck alleys and markets make it easy to sample multiple vendors in a single visit, while the festival season brings Durham’s food trucks together alongside live music and outdoor fun at some of the season’s biggest events.

Get Around With DRT This Spring

Hop on board Durham Region Transit (DRT) for fun, easy spring adventures. Transit-friendly routes connect you to everything the season has to offer, so you can enjoy the day without worrying about parking or traffic!



Browse fresh blooms and enjoy a coffee or treat at local garden centres. Explore Durham’s creative spaces at art galleries and studios, or find family fun at high-energy attractions across the region.

Wherever you go, make the journey part of the experience. Best of all, kids 12 and under ride free.

Local Business Highlights

Brunch lovers and date-night diners agree: Bella Notte Ristorante is worth booking a table for. The popular Whitby restaurant was named to OpenTable’s list of Canada’s top 100 brunch and lunch restaurants and its top 100 most romantic restaurants. Find out why diners fell in love.

Racing season returns to Ajax Downs on May 6. Opening day kicks off the start of Quarter Horse racing, delivering fast-paced excitement and a lively day at the track for all ages. As the only venue in Ontario offering Quarter Horse racing, Ajax Downs brings a one-of-a-kind experience to Durham Region. New to Ajax Downs? Start with these first-time tips. 

Coming soon to downtown Cannington: Coucou Café and Kitchen. Made for slow mornings and long lunches, Coucou is aiming to be the kind of place where both guests and staff feel at home. Follow on Instagram for opening updates.

Well-known in Oshawa for its bold flavours, Ayothaya Thai Kitchen has opened a second location in Pickering. The restaurant is known for its authentic Thai cuisine and high-quality ingredients, bringing the same experience to its newest location in Durham Region. Explore the menu. 

Saturday nights in Oshawa are made for The Aftermarket. The curated outdoor night market will take over a section of Victoria Street every Saturday night from May 30 to September 26. Wander, snack, shop and discover what’s local. Discover The Aftermarket.

Immerse yourself in Scugog’s vibrant arts scene at small town BIG, running May 1 to 10. Presented by Scugog Arts, in collaboration with local partners, the festival brings together a diverse lineup of arts and culture across multiple venues. Events include live music, visual arts, movement, comedy, workshops and more. Browse the events schedule. 

Maplefest returns to downtown Bowmanville on May 2. Stroll four city blocks filled with craft and food vendors, while stocking up on maple syrup from your favourite local producers. Enjoy live music throughout the day and take in kid-friendly activities that make Maplefest an easy outing for all ages. Admission and parking are free. Plan your visit. 

Don’t miss the Three Days Grace Alienation tour at Tribute Communities Centre on May 4, with special guests Finger Eleven and Royal Tusk. The band, which got their start outside Peterborough, has grown into an international powerhouse, selling out arenas and earning millions of album sales and billions of streams worldwide. Get concert tickets. 

Grab a seat for movie night at the Whitby Central Library. Join DRIFF in a Jiff on May 7 for a screening of Silver Linings Playbook, starring Jennifer Lawrence and Bradley Cooper. Tickets are free, but registration is required. Save your spot. 

Get ready for a night of big laughs with comedy legend and actor Chris Tucker. He brings his high-energy stand-up to Pickering Casino Resort on May 22, delivering fast-paced stories and sharp humour. Get tickets to Chris Tucker live. 

Diva Night returns to Port Perry on May 29. Grab your friends and enjoy an evening of shopping, dining, music and fun as downtown businesses roll out special offers, experiences and surprises. This year’s ‘Saddle Up’ theme invites guests to dress in their best boots, denim and western flair. Learn more. 

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.