This Ontario destination has the most charming lakeside towns and lilac-filled countryside

It's a magical spot to explore this spring.

A person sitting in a cafe. Right: A person walking past lilacs.

A small town in Ontario. Right: A lilac festival in Ontario.

Lead Writer, Travel

If you're looking for a dreamy spring outing, this Ontario region is worth keeping on your radar. With enchanting villages and lilac-filled countryside, it's like a little scene from a storybook.

With spring finally here, lilacs will soon bloom across the province, and this Ontario destination is a beautiful spot to enjoy the blossoms.

Northumberland is a picturesque southeastern Ontario community along the shores of Lake Ontario.

The region has spring Lilac Tours, which take you through scenic countryside, charming towns and floral gems.

There are three self-guided tours: Picturesque Picnics, Dining Through the Lilacs and Trent Hills Treats. The stops are all outlined on an interactive map.

The Picturesque Picnics route includes a stop at one of four scenic picnic locations with water views — Ganaraska River, Rice Lake, Ball's Mill Pond or Lake Ontario.

You can explore the charming towns of Port Hope and Cobourg and then head to the countryside, where, according to the website, you'll find "a vast array of lilacs."

If you're in the mood for food, the Dining Through the Lilacs adventure includes stops at the Ste. Anne's Spa gluten-free bakery and the Big Apple, where you can indulge in all sorts of delicious goodies.

The Trent Hills Treats route leads past sweet candy shops and bakeries, as well as quaint villages like Warkworth, Campbellford and Brighton. You can enjoy the Warkworth Lilac Festival from May 24 to 25.

According to Northumberland Tourism, the end of May is the perfect time to embark on the adventure.

With endless spring charm and scenic lilac views, these Lilac Tours are a beautiful way to enjoy the season.

Northumberland Tourism Website

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.

  • Lead Writer

    Madeline Forsyth is a Toronto-based Lead Writer for Narcity Media. After earning her B.A. (Hons) at Queen's University, she spent a year travelling much of the world as a flight attendant. Now, she uses her experience in the travel industry and passion for writing to share stories about buzzworthy events and adventures across Canada and the globe. Madeline has been published in PopSugar and has interviewed sports and entertainment personalities for Narcity. She has covered and photographed restaurant openings as well as event launches such as the world premiere of the Dr. Seuss Experience. Some of her favourite things to write about include charming small towns and anything to do with Harry Potter.

8 beautiful vacation spots in Ontario that aren't Niagara Falls

There are so many beautiful places to visit in the province!

This weather system will bring up to 25 cm of snow to southern Ontario in the next few days

Lake-effect snow, freezing temperatures, and strong winds are forecast.

The 7 types of people you'll meet in Calgary (some stereotypes hold true)

If you're an Albertan reading this — sorry, not sorry.🤷🏼♀️

Costco's flyer for March and April has these deals on groceries that can save you money

Coffee, tea, cereal, crackers, protein bars and more products are on sale. 🛒

Canada is spending $200M on a launch pad in Nova Scotia to send our own satellites into space

Canada currently relies on the U.S. to launch satellites into orbit.

'One elbow up, one down': A look back at Mark Carney's first year in office

Experts weigh in on the Carney government's first full year.