Parks and the outdoors in Durham Region
Lake Ontario, forests, conservation areas and trails. A short guide to where Durham families spend their weekends.
See the places
A few places to start
This is a sample, not a full list. Hours, fees and rules change, so check with each park before you go.
Lynde Shores Conservation Area, Whitby
272 hectares of wetland and lake shore, with about 5 km of looping trails. Good for hiking, birdwatching and paddling. Run by Central Lake Ontario Conservation Authority.
The Waterfront Trail
A long trail along Lake Ontario that runs through Durham Region's lakeshore towns, good for walking and cycling.
Darlington Provincial Park, Clarington
A lakeside provincial park with a beach, camping and trails, near Bowmanville.
Lake Scugog and Lake Simcoe
Port Perry sits on Lake Scugog, and Brock's Beaverton sits on Lake Simcoe, for boating, fishing and cottage-style living close to home.
How to check a neighbourhood
Walk it
Visit the street on a weekday evening and a weekend morning. Look for sidewalks, trees and where children play.
Find the nearest park
Check how far it is to a park, a trail and a community centre, and whether you can walk there.
Ask the town
Each town's website lists its parks, recreation centres and programs.