Rural Clarington Neighbourhood Guide: Timeless Tradition

While you might picture Clarington as a cottage destination for retirees, you’d be surprised to learn that the average age of Clarington residents is 37. Following a recent trend, more and more city dwellers are choosing to migrate to the open spaces of rural areas. Here, they’re finding increased leisure and recreation activities coupled with lower house prices, and a chance to enjoy life in the greenbelt.

Within an hour’s drive of the Great Toronto Area, Clarington provides a multitude of reasons why living outside of the city can enhance well-being and peace of mind.

Similar to many Durham communities, the British were the first settlers to arrive in Clarington, settling in what is now Bowmanville and Courtice. Slowly, a road between Toronto and Kingston was built, which caused more people to settle in the area. When the Grand Trunk Railway began operating between Montreal and Toronto in 1856, the area began to flourish. 

When Confederation happened in 1867, Bowmanville was well underway to becoming a metropolitan area. During this time, a surplus of immigrants from around the globe – including the Middle East, Asia, South America, the Caribbean, and Central America – flocked to the area and, in 1974, the municipality of Clarington was incorporated.

Clarington has an eclectic mix of large, detached homes, townhomes, and condos, along with farms and commercial properties. In Darlington, the homes are large and detached with very large lots, perfect for large families or those who enjoy spacious and private backyards. Most of the expensive homes in Clarington are found in this area.

In neighbouring Courtice, homebuyers can choose from semi-detached townhomes, detached homes, a few low-rise condos, as well as some farms and commercial properties that are on the market.

Bowmanville is similar to Courtice, but homes tend to be larger and more modern, and are widely spaced apart from their neighbours, offering more privacy.

Clarington is known for its art and culture scene, which attracts visitors from across the province. Bowmanville, the largest town in the municipality, has distinctive colourful murals decorating the town buildings and sculptures scattered throughout the town. 

A historical marker in the area is the Tyrone Mills. This mill was built in 1846 and, over time, it has been a grist mill, flour mill, and is now a lumber mill. Seasonal decorations welcome you as you approach the mill, inviting you inside. You can browse through the mill and sample some of the baked goods and famous donuts offered by the current owners, Robert and Frances Shafer. 

The Visual Arts Centre of Clarington is an impressive grassroots art gallery situated in Bowmanville, which opened its doors in 1970. Its mission is to bring contemporary art to the residents of Clarington and beyond, and open eyes to original and inspiring creativity. The art exhibits will leave you marvelling at the artists’ innovative talents and their take on esoteric subjects.

For those who love to shop, there are a few shopping malls in Clarington, including the Bowmanville Mall and Clarington Shopping Centre, both located in Bowmanville. The Clarington Shopping Centre offers 25+ brand name stores for clothing connoisseurs, and several restaurants are also located in the shopping centre, including Kelsey’s, The Halibut House, and Subway. The Bowmanville Mall is a smaller mall featuring more Mom and Pop shops than mainstream stores.

If you enjoy antique shopping, check out the antique market on Main Street in Clarington. The market is located inside a historic drill hall built in1913, and offers a great selection of antique and vintage items.

If you’re looking for delectable dishes and a chance to sample menus from around the globe, don’t miss visiting Clarington’s Food Truck Alley! Located in Bowmanville, the food trucks run annually from May to October. The international menus feature dishes such as Caribbean jerk chicken, Italian lasagna, Greek souvlaki, Mexican chimichangas, and more! 

The Copper Works Brew Pub in Bowmanville is a historical landmark built in the 1800s. This historic setting provides a charming backdrop for a casual meal in a pub surrounded by old-world antiques and a rustic fireplace.

The Brew Pub rolls out an annual Super Bowl party and a three-course Valentine’s Day special. They also offer live music every Friday and Saturday night, and it’s become a lively gathering place for Bowmanville residents.

There is no shortage of hiking trails for nature lovers in this region, and the nearby Long Sault Conservation Area covers 1,600 acres of forest, wetlands, and meadows. Take a serene stroll through the forests and marvel at the autumn foliage – you might even catch a glimpse of the notoriously shy hawk.

Don’t be daunted by the idea of hiking if you’re new to this pastime. The park divides the 18 kilometres of marked hiking trails into different levels of difficulty, which will appeal to hikers of all ages and fitness levels.

There are also many beaches on the nearby shorelines of Lake Ontario that offer fantastic views of the sunset and sunrise. Port Darlington Beach is a favourite for locals and offers a sand beach and boardwalk for strolling by the shores.

You don’t need to travel hours to Algonquin Park to experience a scenic and tranquil getaway surrounded by rolling hills, tranquil waters, and picturesque farmland. You need only visit the Orono Crown Lands. Originally, these lands were a nursery of 350 acres; the nursery closed in 1990, and the crown land now boasts seven hiking trails.

Attractions on the trails include salmon swimming upstream in the Wilmont Creek and an antique bridge, which was originally built for the Canadian Northern Railway.

For the sports-minded, the community of Clarington has a range of recreation centres, including the Courtice Community Complex, Darlington Sports Centre, Diane Hamre Recreation Complex, and the Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex. 

The Diane Hamre Recreation Complex is located in Newcastle, and children will love using the leisure pool with the amusement slide. Adults can enjoy swimming laps in the 25-metre, six-lane pool. There’s also a co-ed whirlpool and sauna, and a full-size gym offering fitness classes.

The Garnet B. Rickard Recreation Complex is located in nearby Bowmanville, and local hockey teams practice on the two NHL-size ice pads. The centre also features a banquet hall that can accommodate up to 900 people. Outdoors, teens can enjoy the skateboard park, and there’s also a playground for kids. Two softball diamonds with bleachers and lights can provide an evening of entertainment. 

If you’re not outside enjoying hiking or picnicking by the lake, Clarington’s recreation centres offer a convenient place for families to gather and enjoy both indoor and outdoor recreational amenities.

Clarington is an easy commute from Toronto. Situated just east of Oshawa, the district is about 55 minutes and 82 kilometres east of Toronto. Clarington is easily accessible by Highways 401 and 407, and the Oshawa GO Station is situated near the Clarington district, making Clarington a consideration for young professionals looking to move away from the city.

Clarington region is filled with diverse attractions, including historic locales, meandering hiking trails, and fascinating small towns with unique histories. Whether you’re strolling through Bowmanville taking in the picturesque wall murals, attending an art gallery, or hiking the trails of the region, you’ll find that Clarington will provide you with summer day memories that you can’t replicate anywhere else. 

With only a 50-minute drive to Toronto, it’s no wonder more young professionals and families are moving to Clarington. The area offers a small-town community for people who enjoy large outdoor spaces and the chance to grow their roots in a neighbourhood of close-knit residents and timeworn tradition.