Cobourg Beach

Cobourg Beach

Cobourg Beach is a treasured secret for the locals, but it’s too good to stay a secret forever.

Cobourg Beach is, in fact, two beaches—Victoria Park Beach is the main beach and West Beach is a smaller beach to the west. Both beaches feature beautiful sandy shores that lead down into the water to the south and up to the characteristic boardwalk to the north.

Throughout the year, the beach comes alive with fun events like volleyball tournaments, the famous summer Sandcastle Festival and movie nights in the park.

An aerial view of the Cobourg Beach in summer.

Cobourg Beach | Kawarthas Northumberland

How to get to Cobourg Beach

Location: 138 Division Street, Cobourg

By car: The beach is located south of Highway 401 in Cobourg. Daily and hourly parking is available in several waterfront lots within easy walking distance of Cobourg Beach.

By transit: Cobourg Beach can be reached by Cobourg Public Transit, while the town itself can be reached by Commuter Connect Northumberland with connections to GO Transit.

Know before you go

Facilities include picnic tables, washrooms, playgrounds and splash pads. Barbecues, cooking devices or bonfires are not permitted on the beach.  

The beach is a Blue Flag beach and water cleanliness is regularly measured by the Local Health Unit. The town publishes up-to-date information so you can check the water quality before your visit. 

Things to do at Cobourg Beach

Discover more activities and experiences.

Go for a swim

Grab a beach umbrella, pack the beach toys and some snacks, then spend the day hanging out on the beach. The crystal waters of Lake Ontario make for a great freshwater experience.

Check out a lighthouse

The Cobourg East Pierhead Lighthouse is an easy walk west of Cobourg Beach. Standing at the very tip of the marina, it was built in 1844 and makes a fantastic spot for a selfie.

Visit the local museum

Housed in one of Cobourg’s oldest buildings, the Cobourg Museum Foundation displays a large, extensive collection of exhibits, artwork and a working model railway.

Join a sandcastle contest

Held every August, the annual Cobourg Sandcastle Festival has been named one of the Top 100 Events in Ontario. Bring your pails and shovels, and let your creativity go where it will.

Tie up at a marina

If you’re visiting Cobourg Beach by boat, dock at the Cobourg Marina, a sheltered deep water harbour protected by large breakwalls and maintained by the town. Fueling services are available.

A young boy pulls a blue kayak down the Cobourg beach towards the water.
Cobourg Beach | Kawarthas Northumberland

Interesting facts about Cobourg Beach

Cobourg Beach is located a few minutes walk away from the Cobourg Conservation Area, part of the Waterfront Trail. The Conservation Area offers pristine wooded areas, a creek to explore and a bridge where you can watch salmon swim by.

Over the years, the beach has been featured in several films and television shows, including "Billy Madison" and "Road to Avonlea."

Cobourg Beach is also very popular with kiteboarders and windsurfers. On windy days, they can be seen zipping along the beach and flying into the air.

Accessibility features

Accessible beach access routes

One or more beach routes with firm and stable surface provides access to the edge of the sand. All slopes, ramps, handrails and boardwalks comply with the technical requirements of  Ontario's accessibility laws. 

Last updated: April 11, 2024

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