Northumberland County is Ontario’s hidden gem for summer adventure.

This beautiful region – where rolling hills meet lakeside charm and small-town warm meets natural beauty – offers a perfect combination of outdoor escapes, family-friendly attractions, and peaceful moments in nature.

Whether you're looking to paddle along peaceful waterways, hike scenic trails, or relax by a beach, Northumberland has something for every kind of summer explorer. We are sharing six must-try activities that capture the best of summer in Northumberland.

1. Tee Time

Golf in Northumberland County offers scenic fairways, rolling hills, and lakeside views. From the tree-lined greens at Dalewood in Cobourg to the relaxed countryside charm of Ash Brook in Port Hope, each course welcomes seasoned golfers and casual players, with affordable rates, and a laid-back vibe - perfect for summer days under the sun.

2. Summer Adventure in Ganaraska Forest

The Ganaraska Forest, spanning over 11,000 acres just north of Port Hope, is a sprawling natural playground that comes alive in the summer. It offers an unparalleled variety of outdoor experiences for nature lovers, families, and thrill-seekers alike.

Multi-Use Trails & Outdoor Recreation

Hiking: Whether you are out for a short nature walk or a long trek through rugged terrain, the forest offers trails for every level of experience. Summer brings blooming wildflowers and a soundtrack of birdsong that makes every hike feel immersive
Mountain Biking: Riders can explore thrilling singletrack routes and challenging climbs. There are gentle loops suitable for beginners
Horseback Riding: Designated equestrian trails wind peacefully through the forest and many local stables offer guided rides if you do not have your own horse
Geocaching: This family-friendly activity turns the forest into a living treasure map. Using GPS coordinates, adventurers hunt for hidden caches placed throughout the woods - a fun, interactive way to discover the forest’s secrets

Treetop Trekking Ganaraska – A High-Flying Adventure

Zip Lines: Soar through the treetops on high-speed zip lines that give you a bird’s-eye view of the forest below
Aerial Obstacle Courses: Challenge yourself on rope bridges, climbing nets, swinging logs, and wooden platforms - all suspended up to 70 feet above ground

3. Presqu’ile Provincial Park: A Summer Escape by the Shore

Located along the northern shores of Lake Ontario near Brighton, Presqu’ile Provincial Park is one of Northumberland County’s most cherished summer destinations. Don’t miss a visit to the Presqu’ile Lighthouse, a historic gem that stands proudly at the tip of Presqu’ile Point. Known for its beaches, diverse ecosystems, and peaceful shoreline trails, the park offers a blend of relaxation, recreation, and nature-based discovery.

Beach Time

Presqu’ile’s sandy beach stretches for over 2.5km, making it one of the longest natural freshwater beaches in Ontario. It is ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and picnicking for families and children

World-Class Birding

The park is a birdwatcher’s paradise, home to over 300 recorded species of birds, including warblers, sandpipers, and herons. Spring and late summer are especially vibrant during migration seasons. Visit the Presqu’ile Lighthouse Interpretive Centre or the park’s many bird blinds and observation points to learn about the region’s rich avian life. Don’t forget your binoculars!

Marsh Boardwalk & Nature Trails

One of the park’s most unique features is the Marsh Boardwalk, a 1.2km floating trail that takes visitors deep into the wetlands. Along the way, you will pass through cattail marshes and open water, spotting turtles, frogs, and wetland birds. Interpretive signs make it educational as well as scenic, and it is fully accessible for strollers and wheelchairs
For those who love walking or biking, the park also offers 16km of cycling and hiking trails, including the scenic Lighthouse Trail, Jobes’ Woods Trail, and Newcastle Trail, each showcasing different aspects of the park’s diverse ecosystems

Camping Under the Stars

The park’s campsites range from fully serviced lots to more private, wooded areas - perfect for families, couples, or solo campers

4. Paddle & Boat Adventures

Northumberland is part of the iconic Trent-Severn Waterway, a 240-mile-long series of connected canals, rivers, and lakes that flow from Lake Ontario at Trenton to Georgian Bay. Enjoy a peaceful or scenic day on the water by canoeing, kayaking, or stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) along the picturesque Trent-Severn Waterway.

5. Fishing Hotspots in Northumberland

Rice Lake is one of Ontario’s top summer fishing destinations, known for its incredible fish population and scenic setting. With more fish per acre than any other lake in the province, it is a hotspot for catching bass, muskie, walleye, and a variety of panfish. Whether you are casting from a boat, the shore, or a dock, the lake’s shallow, weedy bays and over 100 islands provide the perfect habitat for an exciting and rewarding day on the water. With easy access points, rentals, and family-friendly lodges, Rice Lake offers an unforgettable fishing experience.

6. Ferris Provincial Park & Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge: Adventure Above the Trent River

Tucked beside the charming town of Campbellford in Trent Hills, Ferris Provincial Park offers a unique blend of natural beauty and outdoor recreation - all connected by the remarkable Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge. This 300-foot-long pedestrian bridge is a must-visit in the summer and a memorable way to experience the landscape.

Walk the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge

Suspended high above the Trent River, the Ranney Gorge Suspension Bridge sways gently as you walk across. Originally built to connect the east and west sides of the park, the bridge has become a major attraction, especially in the summer when the lush greenery creates a postcard-perfect backdrop. Whether you walk, jog, or cycle across, it is a fantastic spot to pause and take photos

Trails, Nature & Wildlife

Ferris Provincial Park offers over 10km of well-marked hiking and biking trails, including the Drumlin Trail and Ranney Falls Trail, which take you through shaded woodlands, open meadows, and along the riverbank. Wildlife sightings are common - keep an eye out for deer, turtles, herons, and even bald eagles. In the summer, wildflowers line the trails, and the forest canopy provides welcome shade for longer hikes

Let the Outdoors Be Your Guide

From soaring suspension bridges to quiet moments on the lake, summer in Northumberland is all about embracing the outdoors and creating memories in one of Ontario’s most scenic regions. Whether you are planning a weekend getaway or a longer retreat, these six activities offer just a glimpse into what makes this area so special.

Pack your sunscreen and discover the natural wonders waiting just beyond the city in Northumberland County.

Let the summer adventures begin!

Ready to learn more?

Please feel welcome to email or call Bethany (Sales Manager, mistral Communities):

6 Reasons to Love Summer in Northumberland