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August 2025

Ditch the keys and let Durham Region Transit (DRT) tour you through some of Durham Region’s beautiful destinations and scenic routes.

Whether you’re heading to the beach, exploring trails, catching a show, or discovering the charm of small-town Durham, DRT makes it easy to get there. With bike-friendly buses, and access to local events and attractions, your summer plans just got a whole lot simpler. From the waterfront to the theatre, your summer starts with your DRT! 

Dream big this summer with some of Durham Region’s ultimate staycation spots. Durham offers a slew of unique overnight stays that make staying close to home feel like a true escape.

Enjoy a view of the stars from the comfort of your cozy geodesic dome on Scugog Island. Go camping alongside the roar of the racetrack. Or maybe sounds of wildlife is more to your liking?

Whether you’re pitching a tent, bunking in a cabin or trying something completely new, there’s an escape to fit every vibe in Durham Region! Even your fur-ever friend can join with these pet-friendly options for overnight stays. 

So why travel far when adventure is waiting just beyond your doorstep?

Fill up the tank, open your maps app and let Durham Region’s scenic rural routes lead the way to your next adventure.

Explore the Uxbridge Beer and Cider Trail where you can visit craft breweries and cider houses—and responsibly enjoy local beverages along the way. Try yoga surrounded by sunflowers or catch a live outdoor theatre show on the Sideroads of Scugog. Step into history with the Leaskdale Loop and walk in the footsteps of author, Lucy Maud Montgomery. Bring the kids for a colourful game of I-spy on the Durham Region Barn Quilt Trail, or wander down A Country Path for a taste of the rural life with farm-fresh flavours and small-batch sips. 

This series of road trip itineraries are perfect for weekend escapes or spontaneous day trips.

Summer has hit its golden hour—sunflower season is in full bloom! Add a little sunshine to your day with a visit to one of Durham Region’s many sunflower farms. Wander among the towering blooms, soak up the rays and capture some picture-perfect moments.

The floral fun doesn’t stop there. Durham’s wildflower fields are also bursting into colour. Take a slow stroll, connect with nature and bring the wild beauty home with a pick-your-own bouquet.

Berry season is still going strong in Durham Region, and now’s the perfect time to enjoy the next summer showstopper: blueberries.

This month marks the beginning of blueberry season, and local farms are bursting with berries you can pick on your own or pick up a farm-fresh pint. Raspberries are also still hanging in there with late-season picking going until mid-August. You might even spot a few lingering strawberries! 

Beyond the pick-your-own experience, Durham Region’s fresh berries are also ‘berry’ busy making appearances at local farm stands and weekly farmers’ markets.

Either way, berry season won’t wait—enjoy your sweet pick today before they’re gone!

Whether you’re gathering for a meal, setting up for a backyard lunch, or looking for new meal ideas to try, you can’t go wrong with this refreshing Summer Fattoush with Pistachio Mint Dressing by Chef Alex Page.

Mix things up a little with a fresh salad using local produce from The Barrett Centre—the perfect summer meal to enjoy solo or wow your family and friends. 

Downtown Cannington just got cooler with the arrival of Chill Zone. Open every day but Monday, this ice cream shop serves classic scoops, refreshing smoothies and other cool sips. Make this your go-to place to chill out with a treat. 

Roll up to the School Bus Café in Uxbridge this summer for coffee with heart! Staffed by adults with special needs, this retrofitted school bus serves fresh brew and sweet treats with a side of community spirit. Catch it Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 7309 Centre Road. Heads up—it’s cash only! 

Enjoy scenic sips and summer bites at this new lakeside gem in Port Perry. Waterfront Kitchen and Bar serves up casual elegance with a view that’s hard to beat! Unwind and soak in the summer vibes on their patio overlooking Palmer Park and Lake Scugog. 

Mark Your Calendars

Brighten your weekend at The Sunflower Farm with a flavour-filled treat on August 2. As part of Market Days, enjoy a culinary demonstration and tasting with Chef Alex Page from 1 to 3 p.m. The demo is free, but regular admission fees to The Sunflower Farm apply. Secure your tickets. 

It’s a jam-packed August in Oshawa. On August 6 and 27, enjoy the timeless sounds of the Oshawa Civic Band at Memorial Park. Theatre on the Ridge performs at the Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park on August 14 and Oshawa downtown roars to life on August 22 for Kars on King. Find details for all the fun at Oshawa City Events webpage. Cap the season off with Convergence—the music and arts fest energizes Oshawa September 19 and 20. 

The Emerging Artist Showcase Tour is back with a new name, Barns2Beaches, and plays Oshawa’s Ed Broadbent Waterfront Park on August 7. This free, family-friendly outdoor concert promises an unforgettable evening of music featuring Canada’s next generation of rising stars. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and enjoy a selection of food vendors while taking in the open-air setting of this vibrant city park. Find show info. 

Over two dozen food trucks will be serving up great eats from August 8 to 10 at the Pickering Food Truck Fest. While August 15 to 17, it’s three days of mouthwatering barbecue at the Oshawa Rotary Ribfest. It doesn’t have to stop there, keep the foodie momentum going with this ultimate guide to food truck season in Durham Region. 

Savour the best of the season by shopping at a local farmers’ market. Think sun-ripened tomatoes, crisp lettuce and those sweet cobs of corn. You’re guaranteed fresh, flavourful ingredients and best of all you’re supporting our region’s growers and producers. With a whole list of farmers’ markets to choose from, you can find fresh local produce to shop every day of the week in Durham Region! Check out our list of local farmers' markets. 

While all good things come to an end, there is something to celebrate about the end of summer—the start of fall fairs in Durham Region! Carnival rides, live music and of course, all that tasty fair food! Start planning now for a season of unforgettable memories. The first fair of the season takes place August 30 to September 1 in Port Perry. Mark your calendars for the full lineup of fall fairs in Durham Region.  

In Case You Missed It

Don’t let the second half of summer slip by without experiencing these local gems. Step into the past with a walk at Parkwood Estate. Craft your own cocktail at Durham Distillery or paddle the waterfront at Frenchman’s Bay. Find more inspiration on this list of top 10 things near Toronto to add to your summer bucket list. 

There’s nothing like the good vibes you feel at a summer concert. Whether it’s an acoustic set at a craft brewery, the headliner at a festival, or your favourite band on tour, the excitement is undeniable. Gather your crew and check out a performance in Durham Region. Catch the artists making music this summer at these Durham Region live music venues.  

Whether you’re a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, Durham Region’s on-road cycling loops offer something for everyone. Explore scenic countryside, vibrant downtowns, and hidden gems across the region. Along the way, you’ll be welcomed by bike-friendly businesses, cozy cafes, and charming attractions that make every ride memorable. Enjoy Durham Region by bike. 

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.