This small town with 2 white sand beaches is one of Ontario's 'most beautiful' spots to live
It's just over an hour from Toronto.
A beach town in Ontario.
Sunkissed shores, smooth white sand, and shimmering blue water — this charming Ontario town is like a little slice of paradise. With not one, but two sandy beaches, it's a dreamy place to call home, and readers say it's one of the "most beautiful" places to live in the province.
You can spend your days wandering along the picturesque shoreline, popping into the quaint shops downtown and enjoying the local food scene.
We asked readers on Facebook to share their thoughts on Ontario's most beautiful places to live, and this charming beach town was one of the suggested spots.
Cobourg is a charming village located along the shining shores of Lake Ontario. Just over an hour's drive from Toronto, it offers laid‑back, small‑town vibes without straying far from the city.
The destination is known for its two beautiful beaches, where you can enjoy soft sand shores and sparkling blue water. The most popular beach is Victoria Park Beach, offering over a kilometre of white sand, a scenic boardwalk and more.
You can also head to West Beach, a lesser-known gem with a mix of pebbles and sand.
In addition to its beaches, Cobourg has a quaint downtown brimming with old-world architecture, local shops, eateries and attractions. With over 250 small businesses and local vendors, there's no need to travel to a city for a shopping spree.
You can explore art galleries, visit museums, wander through the marina, and explore some of the picturesque hiking trails that surround the town.
The town hosts a range of events and festivals throughout the year, such as movies beneath the stars and Christmas celebrations. You can also enjoy the Farmers' Market, which takes place on Saturdays from May to December.
According to EV SIX, Cobourg offers "the perfect lifestyle for families, professionals, downsizers, and retirees alike," with its "welcoming atmosphere" and "easy access to big-city conveniences."
Factors like its diverse housing options, strong sense of community, Victorian architecture and easy access to major cities make it "the perfect place to call home."
Zolo reports that Cobourg's average house price in August 2025 is $719,071, significantly less than Toronto's $1,055,266.
With its dreamy beaches, old-world architecture and scenic trails, it's easy to see why readers call Cobourg one of Ontario's "most beautiful" spots to live.
Before you get going, check out our Responsible Travel Guide so you can be informed, be safe, be smart, and most of all, be respectful on your adventure.