How To Plan The Perfect Rainy Day In Durham Region
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April showers may bring May flowers, but they can also put a damper on your outdoor fun. There’s no need to stay stuck inside when spring fever hits—because there are so many exciting, weather-proof activities to enjoy in Durham Region that will help you beat the rainy-day blues!
Climbing and Caffeine in Ajax
Ajax Rock Oasis
Bored out of your mind and feel like climbing the walls? Maybe you should do just that. Ajax Rock Oasis—located inside the Ajax Community Centre—boasts 22-foot walls and more than 60 routes to choose from. Book an introductory lesson to learn all the basics and, not to worry, rental equipment is included.
Goldies Cafe + Eatery
Refuel after your climb at nearby Goldie’s Cafe + Eatery. Share a latte tasting flight with a friend, and dig into one of their soups served in a bread bowl. It’s worth planning your visit around the sunrise and sunset hour menus when they have seriously good deals.
Gallery and Games in Oshawa
The Robert MacLaughlin Gallery
72 Queen Street, Oshawa | Photo: Brilynn Ferguson
Take it slow and roam the rooms at The Robert MacLaughlin Gallery. Admission to the gallery is free, though a $5 donation is suggested to support programs and services. The gallery runs an emerging artist residency program, and if you’re lucky, you may even catch the current artist in residence in the studio. Don’t forget to shop the gift shop on your way out. It is full of lovingly crafted artisanal products, including a large selection of Indigenous designed and manufactured goods. Run up to King Street afterwards for lunch at Berry Hill Food Co.
Brew Wizards Board Game Café
Indoor fun is the name of the game at Brew Wizards Board Game Café! With an extensive collection of board games and knowledgeable staff, you are guaranteed to have a good time as you battle for the win against friends. The menu features coffee from local horror-themed cafe, Deadly Grounds. Home to one of the best beer lists in Durham Region, there are 16 craft beers on tap and a list of canned and bottled brews. Many local breweries can be found in the line-up, including Little Beasts Brewing and Sir Monty’s—as well as other craft breweries from across Ontario. Check out their social media for upcoming events and specials.
Old School Afternoon in Whitby
8-Bit Beans
100 Brock Street South, Whitby
Nestled in downtown Whitby is 8-Bit Beans—a nostalgic café and gaming lounge. More than 20 classic arcade games await you and can provide hours of old school entertainment. Their full espresso bar featuring 8-Bit Beans coffee serves up tempting specialty lattes. If you like…strange things...try the “Eleven”, a delicious maple waffle latte. Pause the fun for a break by grabbing a snack, and wash it down with one of their house-made cocktails.
Lloyd’s Lunchbox
111 Dundas Street West, Whitby
Just around the corner from 8-Bit Beans is the most delightful sandwich shop. Lloyd's Lunchbox has a fantastic menu of mouth-watering sandwiches, including a hot Chicago beef (make sure to ask for it dipped!). Add one of their classic salads, or a mug of their seasonally inspired soup, to shake off the drizzly day. Take a seat at the bar where you’ll find a collection of vintage lunch boxes and a TV playing 80’s VHS.
Hot and Spicy Day in Pickering
Bare Yoga and Athletics
1099 Kingston Road East, Unit 5E, Pickering
If the cool, damp weather isn’t your jam, try spicing up your day with a hot yoga class at Bare Yoga and Athletics. Their Bare Yoga 60 class is for all levels, including beginners. Classes are available throughout the day, and you can pay and register on their website. Unwind and warm up in their beautiful, heated studio.
Beryl’s Pepper Pot
1101 Kingston Road East, Unit 5, Pickering
Just across the parking lot from Bare Yoga and Athletics is Beryl’s Pepper Pot. This gem has been serving authentic Jamaican cuisine since 2006, and Beryl brings the flavours she remembers from her grandmother’s kitchen in Jamaica to Durham. The menu is full of classic dishes like jerk chicken and roti – all are sure to spice up a dreary day.
Beat Boredom in Bowmanville
Visual Arts Centre of Clarington
143 Simpson Avenue, Bowmanville
Stretch your mind and imagination with the modern art exhibitions at Visual Arts Centre of Clarington. There is no charge to visit, but yearly memberships are available and include a discount to a few art supply shops. If you’re feeling inspired, ask about upcoming classes. They offer both adult and children’s classes in a variety of specialties, such as watercolour, pottery and henna. Before leaving town, head over to The Yardbird for a soup and sandwich.
Stoick Axe Throwing
Work out some of your rainy day frustrations by throwing axes at Stoick Axe Throwing. Balancing safety and excitement, they will set you up with everything you need to have a blast. Beginners are welcome and will get expert training from the coaches. Once you’ve worked up a thirst, head down the road to Chronicle Brewing for a post-throw brew!
Classic Night Out in Uxbridge
The Urban Pantry
4 Toronto Street North, Uxbridge
Keep it classic with dinner and a movie in Uxbridge. Start at FeastOn certified restaurant, The Urban Pantry and dig into their locally sourced fare. Share the Shanghai rolls, and indulge yourself with a blueberry pie martini.
The Roxy Theatre
46 Brock Street West, Uxbridge
Following dinner, catch the show at The Roxy Theatre. This charming theatre offers new release films and aims to capture the small-town feel while offering the best Hollywood entertainment. The concession stand offers classic movie theatre snacks and beer from the nearby craft brewery, The Second Wedge.
Slow Down in Scugog
Old Flame Brewery
Slow right down, and sip your way through a beer flight at Old Flame Brewery in Port Perry. The brewery is housed in the old Ontario Carriage Works, built in 1874, and is full of local magic. Plan ahead. You can book a tour of the brewery to learn about all the love that goes into their beers. Catch live music on Saturday afternoons. If the day slips away from you, visit Trading Post Quality Foods in Seagrave to pick up dinner to cook at home.
Shop ‘Til You Drop in Brock
Start at The Welder’s Wife on your way up to Beaverton. There is so much to discover in this home, country, and decor shop, and you really could spend hours strolling through looking at the wares. Next, head into Beaverton and stop in at The Shortiss Cafe. Snag a table by the window, and watch the rainy day outside, while you indulge in a warm beverage. Across the street is Shirley’s Country Clutter.There’s something for everyone in this shop that’s been open for 30 years. Lastly, drop in to Underground Bakeshop for a box of pastries to enjoy on the way home!
While you’re exploring and enjoying, we’d love to know what you tried and loved the most! Tag @DurhamTourism on social media so we can follow along and share.
Check out our Durham Region Discovery Guide for more travel inspiration.
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