Located about an hour east of Toronto, Cobourg saw its first settlers pass through in the 1780s, though the first one stayed in 1798. Many names including Buckville and Amherst preceded the current name of Cobourg, which became the official name of the settlement in 1890. The name came in honor of the marriage of the Princess of Wales, Princess Charlotte Augusta, to Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Saafield, according to the Cobourg History website. Today, the town includes a historic downtown, as well as a beach and a harbor and a population of 18,210, writes Cobourg Internet.
In addition to lovely inns that offer accommodation to travelers, Cobourg encompasses many attractions not limited to the waterfront. Many of the present day buildings boast of late 18th-century and early 19th-century architecture. A waterfront area marks a major feature of the city of Cobourg with a Marina and Yacht Club, in addition to Cobourg Beach and Victoria Park, writes Cobourg Internet.
The last in the chain of Great Lakes, as well as the smallest, Lake Ontario hugs the border of Canada in the Province of Ontario and the United States. While its surface area encompasses a mere 7,340 square miles, the ratio of its watershed area to surface area stretches larger than any of the other Great Lakes. Eighty percent of the water coming into Lake Ontario flows in from Lake Erie by way of the Niagara River, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. The average depth reaches to 283 feet.
The beach, located in the reaches of the town of Cobourg possesses more than just white sand. Along with direct access to the waters of the Great Lake, the beach sits a mere five-minute walk from the heart of the quaint town. Held during Canada Day weekend, Cobourg beach's popular event, the Waterfront Festival celebrates the holiday with a festive parade and the Cobourg Concert Band. The Sandcastle Festival, in August, gives folks one more reason to head to the beach for good fun in the sun.
Between the beautiful Cobourg beach and the town itself, sits Victoria Park, just south of Kings Street. Open 24 hours, picnic tables, a playground and swimming pool dot this recreation area. Also, park goers can find the Lion/Lioness Pavilion, canteen and bandshell here. Victoria Park offers access to washrooms and the beach, providing visitors with everything they might need for an afternoon or weekend at Cobourg beach on Lake Ontario.
