Durham Tourism Visitor E-newsletter

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November 2023

Remembrance Day Poppy Campaign

As the nation’s powerful symbol of remembrance, millions of Canadians wear a poppy each year in honour of Canada’s Veterans, and to remember those who gave their lives in service of our country. The Poppy Campaign is an annual initiative of local Legion branches in support of Veterans and their families, leading up to Remembrance Day. This year’s campaign will run until November 11.

To support this year’s Poppy Campaign, #GetYourPoppy at your local Legion branch or one of their Poppy Campaign partners and wear it proudly; donate to the National Poppy Fund online or by mail; download a digital poppy at MyPoppy.ca; or, learn about inspirational Canadians who served and sacrificed using PoppyStories.ca.

Banish Burnout with Micro-Adventures

in Durham Region

Having something special planned to look forward to is a great way to beat burnout. Micro-adventures—or short trips that you can take in Durham Region—provide an opportunity to rest and reset, enjoy nature, or to learn something new. Whether you reset while connecting with friends, or you feel rejuvenated after a quiet walk in the woods, carving time out for yourself to pursue your passions is a burnout buster.

View the full blog post at DurhamTourism.ca.

Get Your Pumpkin Spice Fix in Durham Region's Downtowns

Ah, pumpkin spice season. Some love it and some love to hate it, but either way pumpkin spice season has become an autumn tradition. Here is a list of downtown Durham Region cafés and restaurants where you can indulge in your pumpkin spice passion. From pumpkin doughnuts, scones and even pumpkin tarts, we’ve built you the ultimate pumpkin spice bucket list to enjoy!

View the full blog post at DowntownsOfDurham.ca.

Durham Region's first paraclimbing competition

Aspire Whitby is Durham Region's largest indoor rock climbing and ninja warrior facility. They offer programming for youth and adults, as well as birthday parties, camps, lessons, adaptive climbing, fitness and more.

On November 18, Aspire Whitby is hosting Durham Region’s first paraclimbing competition. This competition will give participants an opportunity to compete in a supportive, friendly and positive environment, all while competing for a chance to win some amazing prizes and place on the podium. Aspire Whitby is proud to be a partner of The Canadian Adaptive Climbing Society and are certified to support those with any type of disability—giving all those interested an opportunity to climb. This competition is a recreation style competition, meaning it’s perfect for those looking to compete for the first time or for those just starting out on their climbing journey.

What is adaptive climbing? Aspire Whitby uses specialized equipment, strategies and instruction to support those with any type of disability. Some examples include traumatic brain injuries, heart attack survivors, members of our community with autism and/or Cerebral Palsy and mobility impairments, as well as others.

Get ready for an event like no-other where you'll be inspired by the determination, grit, and spirit of all competitors!

For registration and additional information, visit AspireClimbing.com.

Oshawa Tourism launches the Oshawa Culinary Compass

Some of Oshawa’s best eateries are hidden in plain sight. The Oshawa Culinary Compass is a collection of places that make up our unique food culture. Get to know reliable favourites, where locals gather and memories are made.

Explore a feast of authentic street food—from Poland to Thailand, or Jamaica to Sri Lanka—and discover the ever-evolving fusion that results when cultures and flavours are just meant to be together.

Whether you are looking for fine dining or a snack on the go, Oshawa has something delicious for everyone.

View the Oshawa Culinary Compass at OshawaTourism.com.

Trail Hub launches new signature disc golf course

Trail Hub is proud to officially launch its new signature Disc Golf Course. Disc golf is a sport that combines elements of traditional golf with the use of flying discs (like frisbees). Players throw the discs towards targets called "baskets" to complete each hole in the fewest number of throws.

The Disc Golf course at Trail Hub masterfully weaves the 18-hole design throughout their 6,000-acre property—situated at the highest elevation in the Greater Toronto Area. Players will enjoy a challenging, but playable collection of holes which involve breathtaking views from elevated tees, challenging chutes through our mature forests, and a wide cross section of other features and elevation changes.

The course is open to players of all ages and abilities. There are two sets of tees on each hole providing an appropriate level of challenge for all skill sets. The Disc Golf course at Trail Hub will be open for play year-round, weather permitting.

For course information and affordable play package details, visit TrailHub.ca.

New issue of ArtScene newsletter available online

PineRidge Arts Council produces an online publication six times a year called ArtScene, featuring members' upcoming events and interesting articles about the arts in Durham Region.

The latest issue is available online at PineRidgeArts.org.

Take the Durham Region Cultural Mapping Survey

Interested about the future of arts and culture in Durham Region? The Durham Regional Arts Collective is conducting a cultural mapping exercise and want your input! Share your thoughts by taking survey: https://forms.gle/yBf3K59UY8U9tgoU7.

The survey closes November 25.

Find holiday treasures along A Country Path

A Country Path invites you to find your holiday treasures this holiday season from November 12 to December 20. Enter to win a holiday basket valued at $300 by visiting multiple locations to find questions and answers. Submit your ballot with at least eight answers by December 20 to be entered to win!

To learn more and find a list of locations, visit ACountryPath.com.

Holiday events and parades across Durham Region

Durham Region’s organizing committees have been hard at work planning events to celebrate the most wonderful time of the year!

From tree lighting ceremonies to merry markets, Durham Region municipalities have plenty of memory-making activities for the whole family. Check them out in the listings below.

Bright and Merry Market

Date: November 16 from 5 to 9 p.m.

Location: Memorial Park (110 Simcoe Street South, Oshawa) and City Hall (50 Centre Street South, Oshawa)

Learn more at Oshawa.ca.

Once Upon a Christmas Celebration in Scugog

Date: November 24 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Location: Palmer Park (175 Water Street, Port Perry)

Learn more at ScugogChamber.ca.

Whitby Lights the Night Christmas Festival

Date: November 24 from 4 to 9 p.m.

Location: Whitby Civic Park (575 Rossland Road East, Whitby)

Learn more at Whitby.ca.

Winter Nights, City Lights

Dates: November 24 and 25 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Location: Esplanade Park (1 The Esplanade, Pickering)

Learn more at Pickering.ca.

Santa’s Spectacle of Lights and Santa Claus Parade

Date: November 25 from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

Location: Town Hall (65 Harwood Avenue South, Ajax) and the Ajax Public Library – Main Branch (55 Harwood Avenue South, Ajax)

Learn more at Ajax.ca.

Moonlight Magic and Christmas Market

Date: December 1 from 5 to 9 p.m.

Location: Historic Downtown Bowmanville (King Street and Temperance Street)

Learn more at Clarington.net.

Santa Claus Parades:

Beaverton Lions Santa Claus Parade

Date: November 17 at 7 p.m.

Location: Downtown Beaverton

Learn more at BeavertonLions.ca.

Bowmanville Santa Claus Parade

Date: November 18 at 10:30 a.m.

Location: Bowmanville

Learn more at BowmanvilleSantaClausParade.com.

Uxbridge Santa Claus Parade

Date: November 18 at 11 a.m.

Location: Uxbridge

Learn more at DiscoverUxbridge.ca.

Oshawa Santa Claus Parade of Lights

Date: November 18 at 6 p.m.

Location: Downtown Oshawa

Learn more at OshawaSantaClausParade.org.

Newcastle Santa Claus Parade

Date: November 19 at 5:30 p.m.

Location: North Street (start) to Brookhouse Drive (end)

Learn more at NewcastleSantaParade.

Cannington Lions Santa Claus Parade

Date: November 25 at 11 a.m.

Location: Rick MacLeish Memorial Community Centre (91 Elliot Street, Cannington)

Learn more at Cannington Lions Club Facebook page.

Pickering Santa Claus Parade

Date: November 25

Location: Glenanna Road

Learn more at Pickering.ca.

Scugog Santa Claus Parade

Date: December 2 from 5 to 8 p.m.

Location: Port Perry Fairgrounds to Downtown Port Perry

Learn more at ScugogChamber.ca.

Whitby Santa Claus Parade

Date: December 2 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Location: Brock Street North and Manning Road (start), Brock Street South and Trent Street (end)

Learn more at WhitbySantaClausParade.ca.

Sunderland Santa Claus Parade and Free Public Skate

Date: December 9 at 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. (skating) and 7 p.m. (parade)

Location: Sunderland Memorial Arena (20 Park Street, Sunderland)

Learn more at ChooseBrock.ca.

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.