As a rural destination, North Durham is a world of its own. Just a short drive from the region’s bustling southern cities, it is the place where people go to escape the crowds and the crush. But you can’t take in the wonders of this place by staying on the highway. To experience North Durham with authenticity, you need to venture off the beaten path. This is where you will find all of the scenic roads and small-town delights, and you will come to understand why North Durham is not just a place, but a way of life.
Lisa John-Mackenzie is our resident expert of Durham Region here at YDH. She knows North Durham from one end to the other, having gotten off the beaten path herself more than a time or two. “You might be surprised to learn that many of the makers and artisans of North Durham have incredible stories about leaving city life and corporate jobs to fulfill their dreams, slow down, and work with their hands and hearts,” she says. “It’s a long way from being an IT project manager to raising Alpacas, for example.”
A visit to North Durham is inspiring, and even though we describe it as a ‘rural trip in the country,’ the roadways are smooth, there is lots of new infrastructure, wide bike lanes, gentle rolling hills of fresh fields and trees, and invigorating scenery. Lisa adds, “My favourite surprise is the array of quality bistros you discover. They all serve up their signature treats with a story and a sweet smile.”
Get off the main road to explore the true heart of North Durham with two unique experiences: Backroads of Brock and Side Roads of Scugog. You will be transported, and welcomed with open arms.
Backroads of Brock
The Backroads of Brock is a collective of local artists, artisans and farmers nestled on the rural roads of Brock Township, whose goal is to promote awareness of businesses off the beaten path, and share the beauty and abundance that can be found in these charming rural communities. Visit the Backroads of Brock website and browse the featured stops below to begin planning your adventure.
Forget-Me-Not Alpacas – Get up-close and personal with an alpaca. These sweet, adorable animals are sure to give you all the warm, fuzzy feels. Forget-Me-Not Alpacas sells beautiful alpaca products, and you can book a tour of the farm, or your very own photography session with one of Forget-Me-Not’s lovely alpacas. 1595 Concession Rd. 3., Beaverton
Villa Vida Loca Farm Market – This super unique boutique farm market features Villa Vida Loca’s own pure honey and honey products, as well as farm-fresh, homegrown, handmade, or personally chosen artisan goods. If you’re coming on the weekend you’ll find local produce, baked and artisan goods, and so much more. 13350 ON-12, Sunderland
Rolling Hills Arts Studio – Ever heard of fabric sculpting before? It’s really cool. This unique artform results in magical creations that are sure to turn heads, for every sculpture tells a story frozen in time. Book your workshop for the whole family with artist Anja Kooistra, and enjoy a day of fun, creating, and entertainment. S10445 Side Road 17, Sunderland
White’s Creek Flower Farm – Take in scenic views, fresh bouquets, and experience a wonderful pick-your-own flower experience. White’s Creek Flower Farm in Beaverton is a unique getaway from the everyday. Book your tickets in advance, and spend the day enjoying the beautiful blooms of nature’s bounty. 1125 Concession Rd 7, Beaverton
Lynda Cunningham, Artist – Country life is the inspiration for artist Lynda Cunningham’s work, combining her love of rural living with her passion for art. Make an appointment to get up close and personal with Lynda and rural Ontario. 17111 Ridge Road, Sunderland
Living Off Your Backyard – This family-run farm market welcomes you to pick out your own vegetable and herb plants, and also an assortment of annuals and fresh vegetables. When you come home, be sure to visit the Living Off Your Backyard website for online instruction and support on how to turn your own backyard into a gardener’s paradise. 23901 ON-12, Sunderland
Vive Lavender Farm – Book an appointment to visit this inclusive, pet-friendly location that is a popular spot for day retreats, bridal showers and weddings. Walk the nature trails and explore fields of pure, living lavender. Bring home some of the lavender products this idyllic farm offers to brighten your sanctuary. 85 Concession 4, Sunderland
Buzzing Bees Adventure Farm – Buzzing Bees features a nine-acre corn maze, a pedal kart track, pumpkin bowling and lots of other fall activities for the kids. Pick your perfect pumpkin from the field or choose from a selection of pre-picked Jacks, and browse the farm store for local honey, maple syrup, jams, preserves and other goodies. 1070 Concession Rd 5, Sunderland
Pinedale Patch – Spend the day in this five-acre sunflower field, gallivanting around the trails and taking those perfect fall photos. Pick your own pumpkins, and purchase hay bales and corn stalks for your front porch décor. There are lots of locally grown produce and other goodies at the market stand, so come ready to explore. 1740 Concession 4, Sunderland
Side Roads of Scugog
This tour is brought to you by the farms, wineries and cideries located on the outskirts of Port Perry and Uxbridge. Each location is unique, so take your time and explore each one. Make a day trip, and get off the main road to take in the beautiful scenery of this rural area. You will come home with lifelong memories of a wonderful day spent exploring the Side Roads of Scugog.
Two Blokes Cider – Welcome to where old-world ciders meet the new. Over 2,000 apple trees call this orchard home, and represent the ten bittersharp and bittersweet cider varieties you will find here. Visit Two Blokes Cider’s tasting room and bottle shop for a cider experience you are sure to fall in love with. 21300 Simcoe St., Seagrave
Applewood Farm Winery – This family-run, family friendly farm and winery has been producing unique, award-wining fruit wines, cider and mead for over two decades. It is a wonderful place where visitors young and old can taste a little bit of the country, close to the city. Applewood cordially invites you to come spend a while under their tree. 2055 Saintfield Rd., Seagrave
Ocala Orchards Winery – Established in 1912, Ocala is Durham’s only vineyard. Whether it’s the century-old board-and-beam winery, the expansive barn, or the beautiful orchard and vineyard, Ocala has everything you need for your perfect day. Come for a tasting, or a meal. There are over 30 varieties of wines, as well as non-alcoholic juices. 971 High Point Rd., RR2, Port Perry
Willowtree Farm – This multi-generational family farm grows over 30 varieties of fruits and veggies, and offers artisanal meats and cheeses, preserves, baked goods and so much more. The McKay family is committed to sustainable farming, and invites you and your family to visit their farm, their store and their animals for some country charm. 971 Regional Rd. 21, Port Perry
Nature’s Bounty Farm – Nature’s Bounty is a picturesque orchard with more than 20 varieties of apples, located on the rolling hills of the Oak Ridges Moraine. The farm also grows pumpkins, squash and sunflowers, and is home to some adorable animals. Make visiting this family-run farm a tradition for your family each fall season. 651 Scugog Line 2
Forsythe Family Farms – Connect to the countryside. Forsythe is all about local food fresh from the farm, and provides a number of pick-your-own opportunities. There is also a cut-your-own flower patch, fun activities for families, and a number of educational resources to teach all ages about life on the farm and sustainable agriculture. 1025 Cragg Rd., Greenbank
Lavender-Blu – Find home-grown lavender and hand-crafted lavender products on this family farm. Lavender-Blu offers a number of studio workshops and community-based activities, and aims to educate its visitors on the subject of lavender. One visit and you will be enchanted by this gorgeous hobby farm that cultivates calm, comfort and harmony. 2375 Bank Rd., Seagrave
Have you ventured off the beaten path to explore the wonders of North Durham? Get in touch with us on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter and share your stories with us. @VisitYDH.
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