Expect white-sand beaches and fewer crowds, Canada Reviews

Summer may be winding down, but before you start breaking out the autumn sweaters and planning pumpkin patch visits (as much as we love them), don’t pack away your beach bag just yet.

There’s a very charming small town about an hour east of Toronto that’s worth squeezing in for an end-of-summer visit. Cobourg is nestled on the shores of Lake Ontario and boasts a historic downtown, waterfront trails and a sprawling white-sand beach that could rival something you’d find on a coastal getaway (the TV industry has certainly taken notice).

And if you’ve been meaning to visit Cobourg as part of a summer day trip, but weren’t thrilled at the idea of battling peak-summer beach crowds, September is one of the best times to go!

As it’s the tail end of summer, you can still enjoy warm days by the water, only with noticeably fewer people. Head straight to Victoria Beach, which stretches for more than one kilometre along Lake Ontario and is known for its soft white sand. The beach is open daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m., so you can loll about throughout the day and then catch the most scenic sunset before driving home.

For a bit of ‘me’ time, just west of Victoria Park you’ll find West Beach, a quieter stretch adorned with sand and pretty little pebbles. From here, you can wander along the waterfront boardwalk between Hibernia and Ontario streets, or stop by the nearby ecology garden for an even more peaceful stroll.

Later in the afternoon, wander through the historic downtown core, which is only a short walk from the waterfront! King Street is lined with indie cafes, restaurants and local shops. Grab a coffee and a pastry from the Fabled Bean and an ice cream treat from Flavours & Dreams, then take some time to explore the picturesque streets and heritage buildings that have helped make Cobourg a popular filming location.

For a bit of local history, explore Victoria Hall. The grand neoclassical building dates back to 1860 and is one of Cobourg’s most recognizable landmarks. Inside, you’ll find the Art Gallery of Northumberland, where admission is free.

When you’re ready to refuel, opt for dinner with a view at Cucina Urbana Italian Kitchen & Wine Bar. This chic spot sits near the harbour and serves Italian fare from a patio overlooking the waterfront. Or head to George & Orange: the small gastropub on Orange Street serves up seasonal dishes and cocktails (open Wednesday-Saturday).

With Cobourg’s summer crowds starting to thin out, September is the perfect month to turn a day trip into a weekend getaway. This year, Movies Under the Stars continues well into September (including a special screening of the 1931 film Min and Bill, starring Cobourg-born Hollywood actor Marie Dressler). The Northumberland Hills Studio Tour also takes place this month, with artists around the county opening their studios to visitors.

The Cobourg Farmers’ Market is still going strong, too! It’s open on Saturday mornings at Rotary Harbourfront Park, so pick up some local produce before grabbing a coffee downtown and making your way to the beach.

After exploring Cobourg, check out this charming resort town that sits just 2.5 hours from Toronto: it has one of the world’s most epic sunsets!