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January 2025

Exhausted from the holiday season? Why not take time for yourself and book a day out of office to visit Durham Region.  

We’re giving you the go ahead to go OOO! To make it easy, Durham Tourism has put together winter-friendly itineraries. Hit the slopes at Brimacombe, unwind at Thermëa Spa Village, or take in the art at Robert McLaughlin Gallery. You decide!

Visit our website, select an option, and we’ll block off the day in your calendar. We’ll also email you a suggested itinerary that includes other fun winter stops and eats along the way. (Note that any spa reservations and admission tickets must be booked and paid for separately.) 

Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or a bit of both, Durham Region is an easy escape. So, go ahead, set your OOO, and get ready for your winter adventure! 

Indoor Adventures For Cold Winter Days 

Warm up your weekend mornings with this delicious brunch suggestion from Chef Alex Page.

We’ve gone to the archives to bring you this French Toast Casserole with Fruit Wine Spiced Berry Syrup. This recipe is prepared ahead of time and left to sit in the fridge overnight. In the morning all you have to do is get out of bed and place your dish in the oven to bake.  

Featured ingredients include eggs and honey from Villa Vida Loca Market, jersey milk from Sargent Family Dairy, and maple dessert wine from Archibald's Estate Winery. 

Local Business Highlights 

Lloyd’s Lunchbox has a menu for sandwich lovers in a space that makes you feel at home. Located just east of the Four Corners intersection at Brock and Dundas in Whitby, owner Kyle Farnum spent a year restoring the building to its former glory before he opened the doors to what is now a well-loved local lunch spot. Discover the flavours and ambiance at Lloyd’s Lunchbox. 

Ontario Culinary’s 4 Getaways for Ontario Cider Lovers profiles some of Durham Region’s exceptional cideries. Slabtown Cider, Pingle’s Farm Market, Trail Hub and Urban Pantry were recognized for their perfect mix of cider and countryside setting. Another plus—all these stops are Feast On®-certified. 

Take a winter road trip and discover the best of Uxbridge and Scugog. Explore heritage buildings while learning the local history, savour a farm-to-table dining experience and then end your day with a nature walk. See what Uxbridge and Scugog have to offer in

this itinerary. 

Market at 70 King is bringing some great eats to downtown Oshawa. The 95-year-old building that used to house the historic Genosha Hotel has been refurbished to reflect its historic glory with a food hall that rivals some of the best in the world. Learn more about the redesigned space in Durham Tourism's Downtown of Durham's blog. 

Mark Your Calendars

Get first dibs on tickets for this year’s Boujee Bites. Purchase by January 31 to get a special discounted price for this outstanding tasting event that features the best gourmet cuisine, craft beverages and artistic flair in Durham Region. Boujee Bites takes place June 19 at the Robert McLaughlin Gallery in Oshawa. Get your early bird tickets. 

Enjoy some laughs when comedian Brent Butt brings his tour to Oshawa at the Regent Theatre on January 30. Best known as the creator and star of the TV series, Corner Gas, Butt’s career in stand-up comedy stretches five decades. Find out how to get tickets. 

Before Ella, Tina, Billie, or Beyoncé – there was Josephine. The St. Francis Centre in Ajax is presenting this one-woman biographical musical that combines cabaret, theatre, and dance to tell the story of the iconic Josephine Baker, the first African-American international superstar. Get tickets and explore the 2025 St Francis Centre Line up.

Hockey fans will want to catch The Faceoff. It brings together Alumni from the Toronto Maple Leafs and Boston Bruins for a lively match up at the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa on January 25. Explore upcoming events and get tickets. 

Mike Birbiglia is a comedian, writer, director and actor who has performed his award-winning solo shows worldwide, from the Sydney Opera House to the West End of London to Broadway. Catch him at The Arena at Pickering Casino Resort February 1. Get tickets and see all events.

In Case You Missed It

Jack Doak knew exactly what he wanted. He just wasn’t sure where it would go. A lifetime entrepreneur with a lengthy career in the fitness industry, he was ready to launch his next venture—a brewery. Learn more about the backstory of the Old Flame Brewery in our Downtowns of Durham blog. 

Start the new year off by feasting your way through the best sandwich spots in Durham Region. We’ve put together a list of hidden gems with classic offerings to options of the deep-fried-mind-blowing variety. Create your to-do list of sandwich spots. 

The sandwich sidekick—the pickle—deserves its own fan club. So, plan a taste adventure with our dill-ightful picks and relish the best in pickles from the traditional jarred condiment to main meal to a mind-bending dessert. Follow our pickle lovers guide to Durham Region. 

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.