Located about 10 minutes east of Port Hope on the northern shore of Lake Ontario sits the historic town of Cobourg, which MoneySense magazine previously named one of the top three best Canadian small cities to live in. The spacious, small-town setting is bursting with unique architectural landmarks, shopping opportunities, galleries, theatres, a gorgeous white sand beach, and even a marina!
The small-town vibe isn’t only an attraction for locals — due to its picturesque setting and historical buildings, it’s a popular filming spot for many productions that require a charming aesthetic.
Historical streets and buildings in Cobourg that channel late 19th/early 20th-century life, such as Victoria Hall and the site of the once grand Albion Hotel, have been featured in Canadian series like Anne with an E, Alias Grace, and Murdoch Mysteries. Both buildings are prime tourist spots to visit in real life due to their neoclassical styles. The Albion Hotel at 20 King St E is definitely worth a visit — it has a history spanning nearly 200 years and is considered one of the first hotels in the area. It was recently renovated into a mixed-use space, with its historical architecture preserved.
The town is perfectly able to capture modern life, too. Parts of the American thriller series Condor were filmed in the small town, with streets and landmarks representing various international locations. Fans of the popular Netflix drama Ginny & Georgia, which takes place in a scenic New England town, may be excited to know that scenes from the show are also filmed in Cobourg!
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And Murdoch Mysteries also films in town, likely because it is so old-timey.
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Things to do in Cobourg this fall
Cobourg is just over an hour’s drive from Toronto, located right off of Highway 401. Although it’s a tourist magnet during the summer, it’s the perfect place to visit during the autumn for those who want a quieter/less crowded experience. In addition to visiting the town’s historic buildings, visitors could celebrate the fall season this October at the Downtown Cobourg Harvest Festival, with live music, street markets, and extended patios, all within the backdrop of Cobourg’s charming landscape.
If you have kids — make it a weekend getaway and stroll through Burnham Family Farm Market for local produce before getting lost in their corn maze. Once you find your way out, head over to Moore Orchards for some apple picking.
For a spookier experience, Phantom Farm offers the ultimate ‘haunted’ attractions this season, including a 4000-square-foot haunted barn (where anyone could linger) and a scary hay ride.
With all these attractions, Cobourg should definitely be on your bucket list this fall! After visiting Cobourg, check out these other picturesque small towns just a short drive from Toronto.