Clarington
Filled with vivid farmlands, endearing townships, historical sites and outdoor adventures, Clarington begs to be explored. Take a nostalgic stroll through antique markets. Find a nature boost in the Orono Crown Lands, and once you've worked up an appetite, satisfy it at Food Truck Alley.
To learn more about all there is to see and do in Clarington, scroll down or visit the city's tourism website.
Where is Clarington?
Clarington is in Durham Region, a mere 90 km east of downtown Toronto. GO Transit will take you there, and the local Durham Region Transit makes it accessible for anyone. However, the best way to explore Clarington is by car with a few friends and some playful tunes to set the mood. Get there in under an hour from Toronto via Highway 407 (Express Toll Route) or Highway 401. Allow some extra time to relax and simply enjoy the views. There are plenty of picturesque side roads to discover, making your visit as much about the journey as the destination.
Things to Know About Visiting Clarington
Make the most of your trip to Clarington with these insider tips.
Favourite local gem
Step back in time and experience Victorian Era High Tea (by appointment only) at Tea Grannys and Friends. Enjoy a four course Afternoon Tea Experience in an authentic Victorian Tea Salon setting.
Where to take a romantic stroll
There is a sweet walking trail along Soper Creek that ends right at the Visual Arts Centre of Clarington in Bowmanville, a historic mill converted into a public art gallery. The building itself has a long and interesting history, dating back to 1814. Today it hosts exhibitions from local artists and provides educational workshops.
Where to get great ice cream
Built in 1840, the Enniskillen General Store carries an eclectic mix of goods, but is best known for its large cones of Kawartha Dairy ice cream.
Where to go fishing
Clarington is a favourite for both Salmon and Trout anglers. Check out Bowmanville Creek during the Salmon season; the Bowmanville Creek Fish Ladder has a great vantage point to watch the bigger fish travel upstream to spawn.
Where to find great street art
The Public Art Project tells the story of Clarington through public art pieces installed in the downtowns of Bowmanville, Courtice, Newcastle and Orono.
Insider’s tip for family fun
30 acres of waterslides, mini golf and parkland make Cedar Park Resort a family favourite.
Where to get a great meal
Head to Food Truck Alley for its colourful collection of food trucks and incredible eats.
Clarington Neighbourhoods & Districts
Clarington lies within the Region of Durham and encompases several communities including Bowmanville, Newcastle, Orono and Courtice.
Enniskillen
This was the childhood home of John J. McLaughlin, founder of Canada Dry Ginger Ale. Today, Enniskillen is equally famous for its fresh produce, apple cider and local honey and its General Store, a popular stop of ice cream. Check out the local tourism initiative, A Country Path, for suggested farms and markets to visit.
Bowmanville
Bowmanville is the largest town within Clarington, home to Camp 30, Canadian Tire Motorsport Park and Darlington Provincial Park.
Newcastle
Like many farms in the area, Wilmot Orchards benefits from its position between the Oak Ridges Moraine and Lake Ontario. Newcastle has bushels of delicious farms to visit, but Wilmot is the only one with the sweetest blueberries.
Orono
Visit the home of antique treasures, starting with the Orono Antique Market located in the old Orono Armoury. Make a day of it and hunt for treasures in the specialty stores in town. Orono is also home to Jungle Cat World, one of the courtimost unique wildlife parks in Ontario.
Courtice
The Courtice Flea Market is a great place to wander through and explore the local goods while chatting with the vendors.
Things to Do in Clarington
Whether it’s the comfort of the outdoors or the call of history, Clarington has plenty of character to fill your days (and nights). Start with a taste of history at Tyrone Mills, one of the oldest mills in Ontario. Built in 1846, this building has evolved with the times and has now become far more than a mill. Stop for the workshops and local produce, like their famous apple cider doughnuts.
Check out the Sarah Jane Williams Heritage Centre for a glimpse into life in Clarington since the 1800s. Bowmanville's Prison of War camp, Camp 30, was used during World War II to hold captured German soldiers. Guided tours are organized by the Jury Lands Foundation, with great insight into the area’s historical significance. Clear signage and walking paths also allow visitors to take their time on a self-guided tour around the site.
For a change of pace, switch gears and visit the Canadian Tire Motorsport Park. Auto racing fans can spend their time testing out the track with their own car or choose from the high-performance fleet on offer. Off the track, there are fields of activities ranging from high-tech simulators to a karting track.
Nature lovers can find their own track to follow, with a variety of walks, hikes, and bike tracks to explore. Take a walk along the clear waterfront trail along Lake Ontario. Nature enthusiasts can venture further afield with a hike through the Orono Crown Lands, where nature reclaimed what was once the Ontario Tree Nursery. The trails are glorious at any time of year, showing off vivid colours every season. No matter the time of year, Clarington will put on a show worth revisiting.
Last updated: August 22, 2023