Brock Township Is Full Of Natural Beauty And Small Town Charm

Person stands on pier with back to camera taking in the views of the water

Written by Erin Horrocks-Pope

After a humid summer in the city, I decided to take a break and head north for a day trip. I packed up my car and drove about an hour north to Beaverton—a charming town on the eastern shore of Lake Simcoe.

From there, my day was filled with exploring the small towns of Brock Township in Durham Region—visiting boutique shops and cafes, chatting with friendly locals, and soaking in the area's natural beauty, especially at the Beaver River Wetlands Conservation Area.

Here's how I recommend spending a perfect day in Brock.

9 a.m. - Arrive at Beaverton Harbour

Collage of images including sculpture in Beaverton, Ontario and a plate of eggs, peameal bacon, and hashbrowns on a table with coffee and toast beside it

I started my day at Beaverton Harbour, a quaint spot on Lake Simcoe. The first thing I did was visit the Wishing Tower; a sculpture created by artist Ron Baird.

The tower deliberately stands on a point where three Ley Lines intersect. Ley Lines are believed to be invisible lines that criscross the world and are considered powerful sources of energy when they intersect. Sitting on one of the benches, I felt a serene connection to the natural world. With its rich history and mystical ambiance, this place was the perfect start to my adventure.

After making my wish at the Wishing Tower, I headed to Barney's Restaurant for breakfast. This cozy restaurant is beloved by locals and visitors alike. I wasn’t hungry enough for it - but from seeing another patron’s order, I highly recommend the Fisherman's Feast, a hearty meal with eggs, sausage, bacon, peameal, hashbrowns, and toast, all for an unbeatable price.

Feeling energized, I wandered over to the beach. The playground nearby is perfect for families, and if you're into fishing, the pier offers a great spot to cast a line. Did you know that Brock Township is the smallmouth bass fishing capital of Canada? Neither did I, but I'll be back with my gear soon!

11 a.m. - Exploring downtown Beaverton

As a mother of four, my next stop was naturally for coffee. I visited The Shortiss Cafe, where I was intrigued by their affogato. This Italian dessert, featuring a scoop of gelato topped with hot espresso, was a delightful treat.

With my affogato in hand, I strolled through Beaverton's charming downtown. The boutique shops, with their unique clothing, knick-knacks, and cottage-core decor, were a joy to explore.

One shop, Whimsy, stood out. The owner, who had recently taken over the business, shared stories of the community's close-knit spirit, which made me fall even more in love with the idea of small-town life.

12 p.m. - Taking Time to Get Lost

Image of a person standing in a field viewing a windmill

One of my favourite ways to explore new places is to take the scenic route and get a little lost. Driving through back country roads, I stopped at farms and chatted with locals for directions and recommendations.

During this adventure, I found myself in Cannington, where a kind gentleman directed me to a quaint café for detailed directions to Sunderland. The Social Grounds café in Cannington was a delightful find, offering a cozy atmosphere and artisanal products like honey and crafts.

1 p.m. - Lunch in Sunderland

Collage of images including a steak sandwich being handed to the person behind the camera and an iced coffee sitting on the ledge of a coffee trailer

When I reached Sunderland, I parked at Nonno Luigi's Country Meats on Highway 12. This family-owned butcher shop offers a hot table of rotating Italian dishes like lasagna and parmigiana. On Fridays, they grill delicious sandwiches outside. The steak sandwich on a ciabatta bun with mushrooms and onions was an undeniable crowd favourite.

After lunch, I crossed the parking lot to the Canter Coffee trailer for a sweet treat. The baristas surprised me with a strawberry maple iced latte, which was utterly divine. With my drink in hand, I took a leisurely stroll through Sunderland. The town's charm and friendly vibe made it a wonderful place to explore on foot.

2:30 p.m. - Blackwater Bric-A-Brac Shoppe

Image of an antique store with knick knacks on tables and in piles along the front of the shop

A short drive south on Highway 12 brought me to Blackwater Junction, home to the fascinating Blackwater Bric-A-Brac Shoppe. This historic 130-year-old former general store is a true treasure trove, filled floor to ceiling with an eclectic mix of antiques, collectibles, and artisan goods.

The shop's history is as rich as its inventory. The owners told me that Lucy Maud Montgomery, the author of Anne of Green Gables, used to take the train from her home in Leaskdale to visit the store when it was a post office in the early 1920s.

Walking into the Bric-A-Brac Shoppe is like stepping into a bygone era. Every nook and cranny is filled with something interesting, from vintage advertising signs to delicate china to rustic tools.

The shop frequently partners with production studios, supplying props and even serving as a filming location. The sheer volume and variety of items make it a dream destination for antique lovers and history buffs alike.

3:15 p.m. - Walking the Beaver River Wetland Trail

Close up image of a yellow flower with a wetland in the background

After exploring and buying some conversation starting knickknacks, a short walk down Highway 12 brought me to the Beaver River Wetland Trail. The trail promised a journey through pristine, largely undeveloped wetlands.

As I set foot on the trail, the cool, clean air was a welcome contrast to the humidity I'd left behind in Toronto. The trail is a wildlife sanctuary. I immediately felt a sense of tranquillity as I watched a great blue heron gracefully take flight across the marsh.

Wildflowers added vibrant splashes of colour to the lush greenery and water lilies floated gently on the surface of the wetlands.

The Beaver River Wetland Trail is a nearly 40-kilometres linear trail, stretching from Uxbridge to Manilla. While I didn't hike its entire length, starting from Blackwater gave me a taste of its beauty and solitude.

One of the trail's many charms is the abundant wildlife. I spotted fish swimming in the clear waterways, turtles sunning themselves on rocks, and frogs hopping around playfully in the marsh.

As I hiked, a gentle breeze rustled through the reeds, bringing with it the scent of wildflowers. The trail offered numerous opportunities to pause and simply soak in the beauty of the wetlands. I found myself wishing I had more time to explore, but the few hours I spent there were rejuvenating.

What Are You Waiting For?

Image of a person walking away from the camera, down a boardwalk through a wetland

Spending a day in Brock Township was the perfect antidote to Toronto's stifling heat and never-ending hustle. The small-town charm, friendly locals, and stunning natural surroundings made for a delightful day trip.

Whether you're exploring Beaverton's historic streets, enjoying a delicious lunch in Sunderland, or getting lost in the treasures of the Blackwater Bric-A-Brac Shoppe, Brock Township is the perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.

As a nature lover, the highlight of my trip was the Beaver River Wetland Trail. Its undisturbed beauty and abundant wildlife delivered a perfect escape into nature, just what I was craving. So, pack your car, head north, and discover the hidden gems of Brock Township in Durham Region for yourself.

Escape to the Township of Brock

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