Brighton

Brighton, like its U.K. namesake, exudes seaside charm with its expansive views of Presqu’ile Bay and Lake Ontario. Although known for its apple orchards and its flat sandy beaches, Brighton is now being recognized for its work in protecting migratory birds and marshlands, and for its healthy farm-to-table mindset.

PRESQU’ILE PARK PLACE
250 Presqu’ile Parkway

Steps away from the Park entrance is a one-stop shopping location where you can rent an e-scooter to scoot between beaches, pick up some firewood or enjoy a Kawartha Dairy ice cream cone. Bike rentals can be found at Rayz Bike Shop, located at 240 Presqu’ile Parkway.

Open every day from 11am to 8pm.

PRESQU’ILE PROVINCIAL PARK
328 Presqu’ile Parkway

Get a day pass, or book a campsite, and explore 16 km. of walking trails. Use the new Marsh Boardwalk Trail app to help spot migratory birds, or visit the second-oldest operating lighthouse in the province, and then stop in at the Interpretive Centre. Park gates are open 8am to 10pm daily.

LOLA’S CAFÉ
74 Main Street

The owners of Lola’s Café in Brighton are committed to serving locally sourced, organic food. Sutherland’s North Gate Organics provides patrons with a farm-to-table menu that also features County Roasters Fair Trade Coffee and Opoma Farms meats.

POPHAM LANE FARM
503 Lakeshore Road

Popham Lane celebrates everything black currant on its 12-acre farm overlooking Lake Ontario. Pick your own at the farm starting in July, or stop in at the house to purchase black currant spread, sauce and drink mix, or frozen berries. Open 9am to 5pm daily. Visit pophamlanefarm.ca for pick-your-own days.

PROCTOR HOUSE MUSEUM
96 Young Street

John E. Proctor’s estate provides a snapshot of Brighton in its Victorian heyday. Tour the perfectly preserved rooms, or walk its magnificent property amid the stately pines in Proctor Park Conservation Area. Stay and enjoy a show at the Brighton Barn Theatre (adjacent to the Museum).

The museum is open Tuesday to Sunday, 1 to 4pm.

TIMBER RIDGE GOLF COURSE
19 Timber Ridge Drive

Voted among the Top 10 Best Value Golf Courses in Canada (Score Golf 2021), the 18-hole course set on a lush 200-acre property was designed by local architect Steven Ward. Special rates for 18 year olds and under, and after 4pm.

HARBOURVIEW MARINA & RESTAURANT
5 Bay Street West

With stellar views of Presqu’ile Bay, local boaters know this hidden gem for its abundant amenities including its popular diner, which serves up classics like their signature burgers as well as poutine with locally sourced cheese.

BRIGHTON SPEEDWAY
775 County Road 64

The 1/3-mile clay-surface stock car racing oval hosts five weekly divisions. This year marks the track’s 55th season – with 24 events planned, including 360 Sprint events, Monster Truck Madness and the Labour Day Classic. If you “feel the need for speed,” you can register for nightly Kart racing for a mere $15.