Just a short drive east of Toronto, Durham Region blends lively city vibes with the warm and easy-going spirit of countryside communities. It’s the kind of place where you can sip your morning coffee at a trendy downtown café, spend the afternoon at a lakeside beach, and finish the day wandering through flower fields or historic small towns.
With endless adventures to enjoy year-round, we’re soaking up every drop of summer and sharing our guide for how to spend two delicious days exploring the flavours of Durham Region.
Let’s dive in!
Day 1: Delicious Finds in Ajax, Lavender Fields and Lakeside Dining in Pickering
Day one is all about discovering the flavours and hidden gems of Ajax and Pickering. From morning coffee and global bites in Ajax to lavender fields, sweet treats and lakeside dining in Pickering.
Day one is about finding the balance of Durham’s vibrant cities and its peaceful farms and green spaces.
La Casita Del Cafe
Where: 588 Lake Ridge Rd S, Ajax, ON (View Map)
Your adventures in Durham start with a visit to La Casita del Café, a female-owned mobile coffee trailer, serving up high-quality, sustainable and culturally inspired beverages that celebrate Latin and Boho influences while supporting local community initiatives.
Find them at Vandermeer Nursery to fuel your day with a unique handcrafted coffee or tea like their “Sunset Island” lemon tea, made with a guava and passionfruit puree with hibiscus tea.
While you’re there grab a bite to eat and take a seat under the covered outdoor patio before channeling your inner green thumb as you wander through rows of lush tropical plants, fragrant herbs and vibrant flowers, picking out colourful additions to brighten up your garden.
Sea Salt Seafood Cafe
Where: 100 Westney Rd S, Ajax, ON (View Map)
If you need to double up on caffeine or just ease into your morning, the Sea Salt Café located across from the Ajax GO Station has you covered! With fresh, flavour-packed options to fuel your day we opted to try the “Biscoff Caramel Latte” made with biscoff cookie spread, caramel and espresso.
In case you can only fit one morning coffee stop in your day be sure to drop by for lunch when the afternoon rolls around and dig into their signature seafood boils, mouthwatering lobster rolls, or fish tacos!
Beryl’s Pepper Pot
Where: 467 Westney Rd S #17, Ajax, ON (View Map)
For lunch we made our way to Beryl’s Pepper Pot to try authentic Jamaican flavours like jerk chicken, hearty red peas with pumpkin and chicken soup and tender oxtail stew with rice and peas, paired perfectly with island soda.
With roots in Ajax and a second location in Pickering, Executive Chef Beryl Ralston brings her Jamaican heritage and decades of culinary passion to every dish, blending global influences with traditional island cooking for a truly unforgettable meal in Durham Region!
Tranquility Trails Farm
Where: 5240 Lake Ridge Rd, Ashburn, ON (View Map)
Next we began the afternoon with a visit to Tranquility Trails Farm located in North Pickering. This former golf course is now home to a beautiful regenerative, family-owned lavender and elderberry farm, offering a serene escape in the heart of Durham Region.
After strolling through the peaceful fields and enjoying a friendly round of corn hole, we cooled off at the café with a refreshing lavender-infused lemonade and indulged in baked treats infused with lavender grown on the farm for a perfect blend of nature, relaxation and community.
Hot tip: Keep an eye out for events like vendor markets and yoga classes hosted outside in the fields for a fun addition to your next day trip!
Heaffles
Where: 1550 Kingston Rd, Pickering, ON (View Map)
For an afternoon pick-me-up, we made our way to Heaffles, known for their expertly crafted lattes and decadent, made-to-order waffle creations.
Their signature heart-shaped waffles, are inspired by the beloved Scandinavian waffles found in Northern Europe and lovingly brought to Canada by the shop’s founders.
We couldn’t resist trying the Hazelnut Crunch waffle, topped with chocolate sauce, fresh strawberries, bananas, mixed nuts, Nutella and whipped cream, alongside a scoop of creamy Raffaello ice cream for the ultimate mid-day treat!
PORT Restaurant
Where: 1289 Wharf St Bay Ridges, Pickering, ON (View Map)
The last stop of the day includes dinner at PORT. Which means enjoying a delicious meal with a stunning lakeside view in Pickering’s Frenchman’s Bay.
Under the guidance of owner Tom Mantis and Head Chef Ross Collier, PORT blends west coast culinary flair with locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, paired with expertly crafted cocktails. It’s the perfect spot to wind down day one of exploring Durham Region.
Starting the meal, we opted for the Seared Tuna, covered in a panko sesame crust and seared rare, the plate was served with creamy coleslaw in a tangy pickled ginger soy sauce.
We followed with the refreshing Watermelon & Feta Salad, topped with candied pecans, baby spinach, red onion and a maple balsamic vinaigrette, before indulging in the Maple Bourbon Salmon glazed with Canadian maple bourbon.
DAY 2: Exploring Hidden Gems in Downtown Oshawa, and Local Regional Flavours in Whitby
Day two is all about dialling into the epic downtown scenes across Durham Region. From coffee and food markets in Downtown Oshawa to handcrafted chocolate and wood-fired dining in Whitby, day two invites you to savour local flavours, discover creative spaces and experience the unique character of each community.
Kareza Cafe
Where: 37 Debwewin Miikan, Oshawa, ON (View Map)
Kicking off day two of exploring all of Durham Region’s delicious flavours, our morning begins at Karéza Café, a fairly new addition to downtown Oshawa. This cozy spot is surrounded by shelves of books and inviting seats, making it the perfect spot for a cozy start to the morning.
We opted to try the mocha latte topped with chocolate shavings, and we couldn’t resist ordering their showstopper, a crème brûlée latte with a perfectly torched crackable top. For a quick bite, we savoured honeycomb brie toast alongside fresh pastries, making for a truly delicious start to the day.
After our cozy coffee stop, we took some time to wander downtown Oshawa, just one of Durham Region’s 14 vibrant downtowns.
Browsing local shops led us to the beautifully restored BOND|ST Event Centre, a historic building once home to the GM United Auto Workers Union. Today, it’s a hub for arts, culture, and entertainment, with live music venues, lounges, and it’s own café.
We popped into the BOND|ST Café and sipped our way through their refreshing summer menu and enjoyed the tangy sour peach tea sparkler and espresso tonic with lime.
Market at 70 King
Where: 70 King St E, Oshawa, ON (View Map)
Not ready to leave downtown Oshawa just yet, we made our way to Market 70 King for lunch, a vibrant food hall where exceptional eats meet global flavour. With eight diverse vendors led by talented chefs, plus a chic cocktail bar and lively event space, it’s a must-visit spot in downtown Oshawa.
The airy, modern space is filled with natural light and plenty of communal seating, making it the perfect spot for sharing a meal with friends.
We couldn’t resist sampling a little bit of everything. At Sushi Again, we tried fresh-made inari pockets stuffed with salmon, crab and teriyaki chicken.
Over at Bao Mama, we dug into their popular bao trio featuring braised beef, pork, and fried chicken, along with their must-try spiced sinigang fries.
We wrapped things up at Zaps with a zapiekanka, a Polish flatbread pizza trying their signature “What A Pickle” Zapiekanka which came highly recommended. It was loaded with garlic sauce, bacon, pickles, and cheese, then topped with dill sauce and a sprinkle of fresh dill.
A satisfying and filling lunch, Market 70 King was the perfect stop to fuel up for an exciting afternoon ahead!
One More Cocoa
Where: 116 Athol St, Whitby, ON (View Map)
Next, we made our way to Whitby for the afternoon. We treated ourselves to a stop at One More Cocoa, a boutique chocolatier inspired by Jamaican heritage, where we indulged in a mixed box of bon bons indulging in flavours like cookies ’n cream, salted caramel, s’mores and the sweet-heat combo of scotch bonnet honey.
Lloyd’s Lunchbox
Where: 111 Dundas St W, Whitby, ON (View Map)
Just a five-minute walk from One More Cocoa, we stopped at Lloyd’s Lunchbox for an afternoon snack. This playful spin on a classic diner, complete with vintage lunchboxes, 80s VHS films and a nod to Whitby’s history serves up delicious sandwiches with comforting soups and delicious roasts.
For a lighter bite we opted to try “The Anthony Bourdain,” a crispy grilled mortadella and fried provolone sandwich with dijonnaise on a grilled onion bun, the perfect combo before heading out to explore a bit more of Downtown Whitby.
Lowlands Fire Foods
Where: 269 Water St, Whitby, ON (View Map)
For lunch, we drove down to Lowlands Fire Foods at the historic Town Pump House location for a waterfront view of Lake Ontario.
Serving up wood-fired pizzas cooked to perfection and crafted with the freshest Ontario-sourced ingredients, they’re Feast On® certified and truly walk the walk when it comes to supporting local farmers, growers and producers.
The Pump House’s small but mighty footprint is also home to Town Brewery, making it the perfect spot to grab your pizza from Lowlands, order a couple of brews and snag a table at the outdoor patio.
If you’re keeping things lighter, they also offer refreshing non-alcoholic options. We couldn’t resist their signature Margherita pizza, made Ontario-style with 100% Ontario cheese, organic Red Fife sourdough, and fired over hardwood maple for the ultimate al fresco lunch.
Station Gallery
Where: 1450 Henry St, Whitby, ON (View Map)
Winding down the day, we took a stroll to Station Gallery, Whitby’s public art hub for over 50 years, and the perfect place to work up an appetite before dinner.
Exhibitions that are currently on at the gallery include Kat Honey: Peeling Back the Layers, which deconstructs and remixes mainstream fashion imagery into raw, layered works exploring identity and beauty, AJ Groen: Reflections Water Spirit, showcasing the award-winning photojournalist’s artistic side and Titirtugait, a compelling display of Indigenous prints from the gallery’s permanent collection.
For an added treat, the gallery also hosts live Thursday night events with refreshments and music! It’s a fun and unique way to experience art and community on a relaxing evening out.
Portobello Road
Where: 118 Athol St, Whitby, ON (View Map)
Our final stop of the day brought us back to downtown Whitby for dinner at Portobello Road, a husband-and-wife-run restaurant dedicated to showcasing the very best of Ontario.
They work closely with local farmers and producers to create a menu that changes weekly with the seasons and their commitment to local is backed by their Feast On® certification.
Beyond their downtown location, they also bring their from-scratch creations to the Whitby and Pickering farmers’ markets.
Our tasting experience featured a standout plate of six dishes including fresh, handmade ravioli filled with lion’s mane mushroom purée and local morel mushrooms. The plate was finished with delicate pea tendrils from Lunar Rhythm Gardens, a perfect reflection of their love for local flavour.
To end the meal, we indulged in a plant-forward dessert: sponge cake made with olive oil instead of butter, served with strawberry ice cream made from soy milk, and topped with aquafaba meringue and lavender buds.
The thoughtful tasting experience at Portobello Road goes far beyond offering guests a direct line to the tastes and flavours of Durham Region, it’s also about their commitment to a zero-waste approach.
Reservations are intentionally limited, as Chef Alex prepares and serves each dish by using only the exact ingredients needed for each seating, minimizing food waste while delivering an unforgettably delicious dining experience.
Fresh, Local, and Full of Flavour, Savour the Best of Durham Region!
From uncovering hidden downtown gems to wandering lavender fields, tasting farm-fresh ingredients and savouring global flavours, Durham Region is a place where every bite and every adventure tells a story. Whether you’re sipping coffee in a cozy café, enjoying a lakeside pizza, or indulging in a refined tasting menu, the places to eat and explore are truly endless.
Start planning your next getaway today and visit Tourism Durham Region to help guide your next flavour-filled adventure.
